"You know, it’s unfortunate that you’re citing that article, George, because it’s a whole lot of fake news," Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said. | Michael Wyke/AP Photo 2020 Elections Gabbard calls unflattering report 'fake news'

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat running for her party's 2020 presidential nomination, on Sunday called a Daily Beast report that her campaign is being backed by prominent Russian sympathizers "fake news."

Speaking to ABC's George Stephanopoulos on "This Week," the Hawaii congresswoman said, "You know, it’s unfortunate that you’re citing that article, George, because it’s a whole lot of fake news.


"What I am focused on is what is in the best interest of the American people, what is in the best interest of our national security, keeping the American people safe," Gabbard continued.

“Fake news” is a favorite phrase of President Donald Trump. In the last two months, he has tweeted it more than two dozen times.

The Daily Beast reported last week that Gabbard has received donations to her 2020 campaign from supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin, including a Russian studies professor and an employee of the Russian government-funded broadcaster RT.

Gabbard has previously raised eyebrows for her refusal to call Syrian President Bashar Assad an adversary of the United States — a position seemingly more aligned with Russia's stance than that of the United States.