After a story in conservative media linking a Democratic senator to a Russian oligarch was quickly debunked, Donald Trump decided to promote it anyway. In response, the president was fact-checked.

Trump debunked

As the Russian investigation heats up and puts pressure on the White House, conservative news outlets have done their part to deflect onto other stories despite the lack of credibility.

On Thursday, Fox News reported that Democratic Sen. Mark Warner had engaged in a text message conversation with a lobbyist for a high-profiled Russian oligarch who allegedly promised access to Christopher Steele, the man behind the infamous "pee tape" dossier. The story was quickly debunked, with even Republican Sen. Marco Rubio dismissing it.

Despite this, Donald Trump decided to post about the story on his Twitter account, once again getting his information directly from the Fox News broadcast. "Wow!

-Senator Mark Warner got caught having extensive contact with a lobbyist for a Russian oligarch," Trump tweeted. "Warner did not want a 'paper trail' on a 'private' meeting (in London) he requested with Steele of fraudulent Dossier fame," he added, before claiming, "All tied into Crooked Hillary."

Instant backlash

In response to the president promoting false information on his social media account, critics were quick to hold Trump's feet to the fire.

"Warner wasn't 'caught'. Senator Burr, GOP Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, approved of the communications. The entire committee was appraised months ago," a tweet read.

"Uh, wait, how's that now?

For the record, are you taking the position that contact with Russian oligarchs is bad? Can we hold you to that?" Walter Shaub wrote. "Someone’s been watching too much Fox News! You got caught - conspiring with Russia & obstructing Justice!" an additional tweet noted."

"Hannity is not official intelligence, Mr.

President. After hearing this did you contact your many government intelligence agencies to verify if this is true? I will bet that you didn't," a follow-up tweet pointed out. "Oh, just like that time Jr, Jared, & Manafort met with the Russians to get dirt on Hillary. And when Hope Hicks said no one would ever see the emails between Jr & the #Russians. Yeah, that's crazy!" a Twitter user wrote. As the negative reactions continued to pour in, the opposition to the entire administration heats up with a government shutdown possibly on the horizon.
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