Story highlights Gorka said the WH wanted to try to cooperate with Russia

He said it was time to 'move on'

Washington (CNN) A White House official on Thursday said the administration had to "move on" from Russia's 2016 election interference, allowing for the possibility that the United States could return two compounds on US soil to the Russian government.

The move would reverse a significant Obama administration rebuke for election meddling.

Sebastian Gorka, a deputy assistant to President Donald Trump, said in an interview on CNN's "The Lead" with Jake Tapper that the White House was considering a number of actions in the spirit of "cooperation."

Under then-President Barack Obama, the United States took several retaliatory steps against Russia over alleged attempts to influence the 2016 election. The administration increased sanctions against several individuals and entities, expelled diplomats and closed down two Russian compounds -- one in New York and one in Maryland. Days later, the US intelligence community issued a report accusing Russia of specific actions to influence the election to bolster President Donald Trump's candidacy and hurt the Clinton campaign.

When asked specifically by Tapper about those two compounds, Gorka said the United States needs to find ways to work with Russia.

Read More