Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) said today he is alarmed by “deeply disturbing” reports that President Trump shared classified intelligence with Russian officials who were visiting the Oval Office.

"Reports that this information was provided by a U.S. ally and shared without its knowledge sends a troubling signal to America's allies and partners around the world and may impair their willingness to share intelligence with us in the future," McCain said in a statement.

"Regrettably, the time President Trump spent sharing sensitive information with the Russians was time he did not spend focusing on Russia's aggressive behavior, including its interference in American and European elections, its illegal invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea, its other destabilizing activities across Europe, and the slaughter of innocent civilians and targeting of hospitals in Syria," the senator continued.

The incident, first reported by The Washington Post, was at first denied by the White House, but Trump later acknowledged on Twitter that "facts pertaining to terrorism and airline flight safety" were shared, citing "humanitarian reasons" and a desire to see Russia intensify its fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

As President I wanted to share with Russia (at an openly scheduled W.H. meeting) which I have the absolute right to do, facts pertaining.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 16, 2017