The Axe Files, featuring David Axelrod, is a podcast distributed by CNN and produced at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics.

(CNN) When it comes to Russia, Sen. Tom Cotton said it is clear where the country lies in terms of the United States.

"Russia is an adversary and always has been," the Arkansas Republican said. "Unfortunately, it's always apt to be."

But when it comes to President Donald Trump's the federal investigation into links between his campaign and Russia, Cotton also speaks plainly.

"I think the President could be more focused and disciplined about staying on his agenda," he said. "I've communicated that publicly as well as privately to him."

Trump has made reports on Russia and his campaign the center of many Twitter rants, and both he and his press secretary Sean Spicer have blasted reporting on the subject as "fake news."

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