Donald Trump Says ‘Of Course’ He Was Kidding About Russia Hacking Hillary Clinton’s Email

Donald Trump said he was only kidding when he said he hopes Russian hackers infiltrate Hillary Clinton’s emails.

“Of course I’m being sarcastic,” the GOP presidential candidate told Fox News‘s Brian Kilmeade Thursday morning. “But you have 33,000 emails deleted. The real problem is what was said in those emails from the Democratic National Committee.”

Trump’s comments came in response to criticism over remarks he made during a press conference yesterday when he said he hoped the Russian hackers implicated by the Clinton campaign in the DNC leak earlier this week also breached her email.

Also Read: WikiLeaks' Julian Assange Denies Russian Role in DNC Hack: 'No Proof Whatsoever'

“If they hacked, they probably have her 33,000 emails — I hope they do … you’d see some beauties there,” he said.

During the press conference in Doral, Florida on Wednesday, the Republican nominee also denied having had anything to do with the DNC hack, an insinuation made days earlier by Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook.

“It is so far fetched, it’s so ridiculous,” said Trump. “Honestly, I wish I had that power.”

Also Read: Clinton's Campaign Alleges a Pro-Trump Russia's Part in DNC Email Leak

President Obama had said in an interview on Tuesday that it was possible the Russians were behind the hack. Although he couldn’t say for certain, there is one thing he said he’s sure about.

“What I do know is that Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin,” the president said.

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