Washington (CNN) President Donald Trump defiantly defended on Tuesday his meeting with Vladimir Putin, saying his encounter with the Russian leader went "even better" than his summit with NATO leaders last week.

Trump's tweet comes amid an uproar over his decision to not endorse the US intelligence community's assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election over Putin's denial, and his scolding of US allies last week for what he said was inadequate financial contributions to NATO.

"While I had a great meeting with NATO, raising vast amounts of money, I had an even better meeting with Vladimir Putin of Russia. Sadly, it is not being reported that way - the Fake News is going Crazy!"

While I had a great meeting with NATO, raising vast amounts of money, I had an even better meeting with Vladimir Putin of Russia. Sadly, it is not being reported that way - the Fake News is going Crazy! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 17, 2018

Much of the reporting following the summit focused on the widespread and bipartisan backlash he faced, including from several powerful Republicans on Capitol Hill.

The tweet came shortly after Trump claimed that increased NATO spending was "only because of me."

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