After an extended overseas trip and holiday weekend, the White House answered a number of questions Tuesday and called the latest reports on the Russia investigation unsubstantiated.
Despite pushback, however, there was no denial of the latest twist in the Russia investigation: that son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner is now under scrutiny.
Officials said he tried to set up back channels with Russia for private communication.
"There's a lot of this stuff has gotten pushed out based on unnamed sources, unaccountable sources, that is very troubling," said White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer.
On Twitter, President Trump said "Russian officials must be laughing at the U.S. - and how a lame excuse for why the Dems lost the election - has taken over the fake news.
"I think that is right, but they're laughing at how easy it is and how our president unfortunately is helping with their agenda," said former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul.
On the heels of the President's first foreign trip, the White House downplayed tension with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said Europe can no longer rely on foreign partners.
"They get along very well, he has a lot of respect for her," said Spicer.
Spicer also fielded questions about a White House shake-up as Communications Director Mike Dubke quit Tuesday after three months of working under President Trump.
"He's very pleased with the work of his staff," Spicer told the media. "I think that he's frustrated, like I am and so many others, to see stories that are patently false, to see narratives that are wrong, to see quote unquote, fake news."
Spicer abruptly ended the testy briefing, leaving questions about Russia still lingering.
NBC has confirmed another member of the president's circle, personal attorney Michael Cohen, has been asked to turn over any information about Russian contacts to Congress. He said he will not comply.
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