The US president says he believes Vladimir Putin's denials, but also accepts CIA confirmation of meddling.

Whether at home or abroad, US President Donald Trump cannot seem to shake the discussion about whether or not Russia interfered in his election last year.

This time, the debate on Russian meddling and manipulation is the president's own doing. Trump made contradictory statements while meeting world leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Vietnam.

Trump met Vladimir Putin and appeared to accept the Russian president's denial of involvement. Then Trump told reporters he had full confidence in US intelligence agencies after the CIA said Russia did meddle in the race for the White House.

Is Trump trying to influence criminal investigations that could lead to impeachment? And paying lip service to Moscow?



Presenter: Laura Kyle

Guests:

Alexey Khlebnikov, International relations analyst, Russian International Affairs Council

Scott Lucas, professor, University of Birmingham

Lisa Osofsky, FBI former deputy general counsel

Source: Al Jazeera News