The top US spy chief who gave an "awkward response" when he heard Donald Trump had invited Vladimir Putin to Washington says he did not mean to disrespect his president.
Dan Coats was filmed expressing surprise as he learned of Mr Trump's plans for a follow-up meeting with Mr Putin in the autumn following this month's Helsinki summit.
The director of national intelligence said to the interviewer "say that again" and laughed, as he cupped his hand over his ear on live television.
He then took a deep breath and continued: "OK. That's going to be special."
Mr Coats, who oversees the country's 17 intelligence agencies, has now downplayed his public reaction.
In a statement, he said: "Some press coverage has mischaracterised my intentions in responding to breaking news presented to me during a live interview.
"My admittedly awkward response was in no way meant to be disrespectful or criticise the actions of the president."
Mr Trump's decision to invite Mr Putin to Washington has been criticised as Moscow is accused of meddling in the 2016 US presidential election campaign.
Also in the TV interview with NBC's Andrea Mitchell, Mr Coats reiterated his belief that Russia continues to pose a threat to the American electoral system.
He said of Russia: "Basically, they are the ones that are trying to undermine our basic values and divide with our allies.
"They are the ones who are trying to wreak havoc over our election process."
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He also said he was did not know what happened in the one-on-one talks between the two leaders in Finland.
Mr Coats said if he had been asked, he would have advised Mr Trump against meeting his Russian counterpart alone, with just interpreters in the room.
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