Donald Trump defends decision to congratulate Putin on election win: 'Getting along with Russia is a good thing'

Donald Trump has defended his decision to congratulate Russian leader Vladimir Putin on his election win saying "getting along with Russia is a good thing".

The US president slammed the "Fake News" media in a pair of tweets as he insisted he wants the Russian leader's help in solving crises from countries including North Korea and Syria.

It came after Mr Trump drew criticism from Republicans and Democrats for telling reporters he had spoken with Mr Putin and that the two leaders had made tentative plans to meet in the "not too distant future".

US media reported that the president was warned by White House officials "do not congratulate" the Russian leader.

The president tweeted on Wednesday: "I called President Putin of Russia to congratulate him on his election victory (in past, Obama called him also). The Fake News Media is crazed because they wanted me to excoriate him. They are wrong!

He added: "Getting along with Russia (and others) is a good thing, not a bad thing..."

Mr Trump went on to detail how the country "can help solve problems with North Korea, Syria, Ukraine, ISIS, Iran and even the coming Arms Race".

He also went after three of his predecessors over their handling of the US relationship with Russia.

The president said: "Bush tried to get along, but didn’t have the “smarts.” Obama and Clinton tried, but didn’t have the energy or chemistry (remember RESET). PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!"

The leaked information on Mr Trump's briefing memo over congratulating Russia has allegedly brought fury and finger-pointing in the White House.

Officials did not dispute the report, first printed in The Washington Post, but said whoever released it could be subject to dismissal, according to Reuters.

"If this story is accurate, that means someone leaked the president's briefing papers. Leaking such information is a fireable offence and likely illegal," said a senior White House official.

A Trump confidant who asked not to be named told the news agency Mr Trump was angry about the leak, and a White House official said John Kelly, Mr Trump's chief of staff, was "frustrated and deeply disappointed."

CNN reported Mr Trump was furious on Tuesday night, asking allies and advisers who could have leaked it.