PRESIDENT Donald Trump has flung insults at US television journalist Chuck Todd via Twitter overnight over his opinions on the White House’s possible ties to Russia.

“When will Sleepy Eyes Chuck Todd and @NBCNews start talking about the Obama surveillance scandal and stop with the Fake Trump/Russia story?” Mr Trump tweeted on Saturday morning, reports the New York Post.

“It is the same Fake News Media that said there is “no path to victory for Trump” that is now pushing the phony Russia story. A total scam!” the president continued.

Todd, though, wasn’t about to be cowed by the president’s onslaught, taking to Twitter to fire back.

“For those wondering, I slept well even tho I stayed up late watching the #msstate upset of UConn,” Todd tweeted, referring to a US college women’s basketball game. “Don’t feel sleepy at all though.”

When will Sleepy Eyes Chuck Todd and @NBCNews start talking about the Obama SURVEILLANCE SCANDAL and stop with the Fake Trump/Russia story? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 1, 2017

It is the same Fake News Media that said there is "no path to victory for Trump" that is now pushing the phony Russia story. A total scam! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 1, 2017

Todd, the host of Meet the Press in the US, said late last week that Mr Trump seemed to be on the verge of a “temporary lame duck presidency.”

“The Russia cloud darkens all the time,” Todd said, adding that Mr Trump’s problems are self-inflicted and that he is not feared by his fellow Republicans.

For those wondering, I slept well even tho I stayed up late watching the #msstate upset of UConn. #cowbell. Don't feel sleepy at all though — Chuck Todd (@chucktodd) April 1, 2017

TRUMP TWEETS ON RUSSIA, OBAMACARE

It comes as the White House went on the defensive, throwing counter punches to deflect attention from three investigations into Russia’s interference in last year’s election and possible Russian ties to MrTrump or his associates.

The White House says the real story is not about Russia, but about how Obama administration officials allegedly leaked and mishandled classified material about Americans. Reaching back to campaign mode, Trump’s aides also contend that Hillary Clinton had more extensive ties to Moscow than Mr Trump.

Wow, @FoxNews just reporting big news. Source: "Official behind unmasking is high up. Known Intel official is responsible. Some unmasked.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 1, 2017

..not associated with Russia. Trump team spied on before he was nominated." If this is true, does not get much bigger. Would be sad for U.S. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 1, 2017

The White House has not pointed to any hard evidence to support its allegations. It’s instead relied on media reports from some of the same publications Mr Trump derides as “fake news.” The truth is buried somewhere in classified material that is illegal to disclose.

Mr Trump again addressed the rumours on Twitter, saying a “known intel official” was responsible.

“Wow, @FoxNews just reporting big news. Source: “Official behind unmasking is high up. Known Intel official is responsible. Some unmasked not associated with Russia. Trump team spied on before he was nominated,” Mr Trump tweeted. “If this is true, does not get much bigger. Would be sad for US.”

The failing @nytimes finally gets it - "In places where no insurance company offers plans, there will be no way for ObamaCare customers to.. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 1, 2017

...use subsidies to buy health plans." In other words, Ocare is dead. Good things will happen, however, either with Republicans or Dems. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 1, 2017

And a week after the Republicans health care bill was pulled from the House, Mr Trump also again took aim at Obamacare, tweeting: The failing @nytimes finally gets it — ‘In places where no insurance company offers plans, there will be no way for ObamaCare customers to use subsidies to buy health plans.’

“In other words, Ocare is dead. Good things will happen, however, either with Republicans or Dems.”