Capping a week of drama, back tracking, a double negative and blistering statements from allies about his attitude toward Russian election interference, US President Donald Trump was back to referring to "a big hoax."
Trump spent days trying to reassure the country that he accepts that the longtime foe interfered in the 2016 election after his public undermining of US intelligence agencies in Helsinki while standing alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin. But Trump cast doubt once again in a tweet, diminishing at least the significance, if not the existence, of the interference and the US investigation into Russia's actions.
"So President Obama knew about Russia before the Election," Trump tweeted. "Why didn't he do something about it? Why didn't he tell our campaign? Because it is all a big hoax, that's why, and he thought Crooked Hillary was going to win!!!"
It was not immediately clear whether Trump was suggesting that the entire notion of Russian interference - US intelligence agencies unanimously concur it took place - was fraudulent, or just the investigation of potential collusion by Trump associates with Russian agents.
Either way, it appeared to keep alive a controversy that had separated Trump from aides and longtime political supporters. "The evidence is overwhelming and the President needs to say that and act like it," said Republican Congressman Trey Gowdy, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee.
