US President Donald Trump on Thursday defended his insistence that he has the right to use adverse information obtained by foreign governments against his political opponents.
In an interview broadcast on ABC News on Wednesday evening, Trump raised the controversies since his election in 2016 when his campaign accepted offers from Russia to conduct research and distribution information about his rival Hillary Clinton.
Asked whether he would offer a state like Russia or China to help him, he said: "I think you might want to listen ... there´s no mistake in listening."
On Thursday, Trump responded to a torrent of criticism, arguing that he was talking to foreign figures "every day." "Should I contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation immediately about these calls and meetings? It´s funny, no one will trust me again," he said.
But he referred to talks with allies such as the leaders of France and Britain and even Queen Elizabeth II.
But the issue raised by his critics is different, and concerns Trump´s defense of his right to talk about his opponents with countries like Russia, seen in Washington as a dangerous competitor.
"I think I will take it," Trump said in an interview with ABC News.
"Maybe he´ll just call the FBI if you think there´s something wrong," he said.
