Donald Trump has railed against a "total witch-hunt" after his Attorney General stood aside from an investigation into Russian interference in the US election after it emerged he twice talked with Russia’s ambassador to Washington during the campaign.

The president said Mr Sessions could have been more accurate in what he said about his contacts with Russian officials but blamed Democrats for blowing up the controversy for political reasons.

"Jeff Sessions is an honest man. He did not say anything wrong. He could have stated his response more accurately, but it was clearly not intentional," Mr Trump said in a statement.

"The Democrats are overplaying their hand," Trump said in the statement. "It is a total witch hunt!"

Mr Sessions had been under intense pressure ever since details of the two meetings emerged, the latest administration figure to come under fire for contacts with Russia.

While his decision will defuse the immediate crisis, it still leaves a nagging sense of crisis at the heart of Mr Trump’s White House.