Claims of collusion with Russia are phony, claims Trump in Twitter outburst

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has unleashed new criticism of the investigations into possible ties between his electoral campaign associates and Russia.

Mr Trump – in a series of five tweets – attacked claims of “Trump/Russia ‘collusion’, saying it does not exist.

His tweets followed a CNN report that a federal grand jury in Washington has approved the first charges in the criminal investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller.

The president’s tweets said: “Never seen such Republican ANGER & UNITY as I have concerning the lack of investigation on Clinton made Fake Dossier (now 12,000,000 dollars?), .... the Uranium to Russia deal, the 33,000 plus deleted Emails, the Comey fix and so much more. Instead they look at phony Trump/Russia... ‘collusion’, which doesn’t exist. The Dems are using this terrible (and bad for our country) Witch Hunt for evil politics, but the R’s...are now fighting back like never before. There is so much GUILT by Democrats/Clinton, and now the facts are pouring out. DO SOMETHING!”

The fifth tweet said: “All of this ‘Russia’ talk right when the Republicans are making their big push for historic Tax Cuts & Reform. Is this coincidental? NOT!”

Meanwhile, the threat of nuclear missile attack by North Korea is accelerating, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said.

In remarks in Seoul with South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo at his side, Mr Mattis accused North Korea of illegal and unnecessary missile and nuclear programs – and vowed to defeat any attack.

Mr Mattis said the North engages in “over-the-top rhetoric” and behaviour, adding the US will never accept North Korea becoming a nuclear state.