The Latest: Ryan says 'no question' Russia interfered

By Associated Press Washington, D.C.

PUBLISHED 1:55 PM ET May. 09, 2019

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on reaction to President Donald Trump's news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin (all times local):

1:50 p.m.

House Speaker Paul Ryan says there's "no question" that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election and continues to try undermine democracy in the United States and around the world.

The Wisconsin Republican says the American intelligence community and the House Intelligence Committee agree that Russia interfered in the election. He adds: "The president must appreciate that Russia is not our ally." Ryan says Russia "remains hostile to our most basic values and ideals."

The United States must be focused on holding Russia accountable and putting an end to its vile attacks on democracy."

Ryan's comments came after Trump said at a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin that he sees no reason why Russia would interfere in the U.S. election.

The Kremlin has denied any state action in the election.

1:40 p.m.

The Senate's top Democrat is accusing President Donald Trump of a "shameful performance" at a news conference alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin. The leading House Democrat calls it "a sad day for America."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says Trump's remarks on his European trip, including Monday's news conference, have strengthened America's adversaries.

The New York Democrat says it is "thoughtless, dangerous and weak" for Trump to take Putin's word that Russia didn't meddle in the 2016 U.S. elections. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded Russia did interfere, but the Kremlin has denied state involvement.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi says Trump's "weakness in front of Putin" proves the Russians have damaging information on him.

Standing beside Putin in Helsinki, Finland, Trump declined to criticize Russia for meddling and said he doesn't see why Russia would have done that.

1:39 p.m.

Key members of Congress, including some Republicans, are criticizing President Donald Trump's performance at a press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin as "bizarre," ''shameful" and a "missed opportunity" to stand up to Russia.

And a former CIA director says it's treasonous.

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., tweeted, "This is shameful." Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., called it "bizarre" and "flat-out wrong" for Trump to suggest that both countries are to blame for their deteriorated relationship.

Top Democrat Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, says never in the history of the country has a U.S. president supported an adversary the way Trump supported Putin.

Former CIA Director John O. Brennan tweeted that Trump's behavior exceeds the threshold of high crimes and misdemeanors. Brennan says, "It was nothing short of treasonous."