Trump denies asking Comey to shelve Flynn probe

Washington — President Donald Trump has responded with a direct “no, no” to a question about whether he asked former FBI Director James Comey to shelf an investigation into his former national security adviser.

Trump also was questioned Thursday over revelations that he had shared secrets with the Russians. He denied this as well.

Comey associates this week revealed the existence of a memo Comey wrote after his Feb. 14 meeting with Trump in which he says the president asked him to shut down the FBI investigation into ousted National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.

Trump sent Comey a letter last week abruptly firing him.

Trump responded to questions from the press during a joint conference with the president of Colombia. It was Juan Manuel Santos' first official meeting with Trump at the White House.

Santos is seeking Trump’s support for a peace accord Colombia signed last year with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. The rebel group agreed to turn over 30 percent of its arsenal of assault rifles, machine guns and explosives.

During the conference Trump also said that the appointment of a special counsel for the ongoing investigation into his campaign’s ties to Russia “divides the country.”

Trump said he respects “the entire thing” but said that he personally has no ties to Russia.

He also reiterated his earlier comments that the investigation is a “witch hunt.” Trump says, “we want to bring this country of ours together.”