Says he believes Putin's election-meddling denials, calls U.S. intelligence chiefs "political hacks"

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Danang to Hanoi during his Asia trip, Trump said he had again asked Vladimir Putin whether Russia interfered in the 2016 election and that Putin had denied it. Trump said, "I really believe that when he tells me that, he means it," positioning the Russian president's denial above the assessment of U.S. intelligence agencies. Asked about the former U.S. intelligence officials who affirmed the finding of Russian interference, Trump dismissed James Clapper, John Brennan, and James Comey, saying, "Give me a break. They're political hacks." Commentators noted the remarks placed a foreign authoritarian's word above the conclusions of the U.S. intelligence community.

"Give me a break. They're political hacks." Quote verified against source