President Donald Trump hit back at critics within his own party and described his relationship with Republican leaders as a "love fest".

His comments came a day after Republican Senator Jeff Flake announced he would not run for re-election in 2018 and made a withering speech in Congress attacking Mr Trump.

As the row escalated Mr Flake told US television: "You can't continue to just remain silent. There is a tipping point. I hope we're reaching that tipping point."

Mr Flake, who represents the state of Arizona, said he expected more Republican senators to speak out against Mr Trump.

He added: "It's up to us to stand us and say 'This is not acceptable'. The weight of it causes people to change and say 'I can't take it any more'."