Trump backs down on order to declassify Russia documents

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday backed down from his order to declassify certain documents from the Russia investigation, including text messages exchanged among law enforcement leaders.

The decision will likely disappoint conservative House Republicans and media figures who had encouraged the president to release the materials. Some of the president’s allies have insisted the documents would undercut special counsel Robert S. Mueller’s probe into whether Trump’s campaign conspired with Russians during the presidential election.

“I met with the (Department of Justice) concerning the declassification of various UNREDACTED documents. They agreed to release them but stated that so doing may have a perceived negative impact on the Russia probe,” Trump tweeted on Friday.

“Also, key Allies’ called to ask not to release. Therefore, the Inspector General has been asked to review these documents on an expedited basis. I believe he will move quickly on this (and hopefully other things which he is looking at). In the end I can always declassify if it proves necessary. Speed is very important to me — and everyone!”

Just four days ago, the president had ordered the “immediate declassification” of these documents despite resistance from top law enforcement officials.