Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner has said President Donald Trump defeated Democratic contender Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election because he ran a "smarter campaign," not due to the alleged Russian interference in the vote.
In a statement following his meeting with the Senate Intelligence Committee on Monday, Trump's son-in-law said, “Donald Trump had a better message and ran a smarter campaign and that is why he won. Suggesting otherwise ridicules those who voted for him."
Kushner insisted he had no improper contacts with Russian officials during the 2016 campaign.
"Since the first questions were raised in March, I have been consistent in saying that I was eager to share any information I have with the investigating bodies and I have done so today," Kushner said.
"The records and documents I have voluntarily provided will show that all of my actions are proper and occurred in the normal course of events of a very unique campaign," he added.
"Let me be very clear, I did not collude with Russia, nor do I know of anyone else in the campaign who did so,” the White House aide said.
In prepared remarks released earlier on Monday, Kushner strictly denied colluding with Russia during the 2016 election.
"I did not collude, nor know of anyone else in the campaign who colluded, with any foreign government," he said in the 11-page statement.
Kushner will appear before the House Intelligence Committee on Tuesday. Both Senate and House committees are investigating the alleged Russian meddling in the election.
Earlier this month reports claimed that Kushner, along with other Trump campaign aides, last year held a meeting with a Russian lawyer who offered compromising information about Clinton.
An intensive investigation has been launched to find out whether the Russian government coordinated with Trump’s associates during the 2016 campaign and transition.