Mika Brezezinski, co-host of the cable news programme Morning Joe, told the Deputy White House Press Secretary on air she was "not actually telling the truth right now" about the circumstances surrounding the investigation into alleged ties between Russia and Donald Trump's campaign team.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Sean Spicer's deputy, in stride, said that was a "pretty bold claim" for the host to make.

Ms Sanders was asked why she called for an end to what she termed the "absurd" investigation.

"Person after person, including your own [co-host] Joe Scarborough has said that there's no evidence of collusion," Ms Sanders responded.

Mr Scarborough interjected, saying that Ms Sanders was twisting his words. He said there was no "obvious evidence of collusion out there right now...[but] there have to be in-depth investigations", clarifying his remarks.

The co-host went on to say that an independent prosecutor or special commission should be established in order to conduct an investigation in light of Mr Trump's sacking of FBI Director James Comey.

Mr Comey reportedly requested more resources and funding for the FBI's Russia investigation and parallel inquiries are being run in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Ms Brezezinski referred to Mr Trump's son Eric's claim that the family's conglomerate does not "rely on American banks. We have all the funding we need out of Russia”.