Former FBI Director James Comey James Brien ComeyDemocrats fear Russia interference could spoil bid to retake Senate Book: FBI sex crimes investigator helped trigger October 2016 public probe of Clinton emails Trump jabs at FBI director over testimony on Russia, antifa MORE slammed President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE for appearing to side with Russian president Vladimir Putin over his denial of involvement in the 2016 election.

“This was the day an American president stood on foreign soil next to a murderous lying thug and refused to back his own country,” Comey said in a tweet hours after Trump’s controversial press conference with Putin in Helsinki.

“Patriots need to stand up and reject the behavior of this president,” said Comey, who was fired by Trump last year during his investigation into possible collusion between the Trump White House and Russia.

This was the day an American president stood on foreign soil next to a murderous lying thug and refused to back his own country. Patriots need to stand up and reject the behavior of this president. — James Comey (@Comey) July 16, 2018

Trump drew instant backlash from lawmakers and the media during his press conference with Putin on Monday after he downplayed the Russian government’s interference in the 2016 presidential election and slammed the special counsel investigation.

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“The probe is a disaster for our country. I think it’s kept us separated. There was no collusion at all. Everybody knows it,” Trump said alongside Putin.

When asked during the press conference whether he would condemn the Russian government for election meddling, Trump also said: “I don't see any reason why it would be” Russia who hacked Democrats during the 2016 election.

On Friday, 12 Russian nationals were indicted on charges related to the hacking of the Democratic National Committee.