US President Donald Trump has said he believes Barack Obama is behind the protests against Republican lawmakers, and national security leaks.

He told Fox News: “I think President Obama’s behind it because his people are certainly behind it”, but added: “I also think it’s just politics”.

Trump offered no evidence for his claims; his predecessor in the White House has not commented, reports the BBC.

Trump also spoke about his budget plans and other issues.

In his wide-ranging interview with Fox News and Friends, he said:

He gave himself a "C" on getting his message out but an "A" for achievement and "A+" for effort

His plans to boost defense spending by $54bn would be paid for by a “revved up economy”

He would be a "hypocrite" if he attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in light of "fake news"

President Trump's interview was broadcast hours before he is due to give his first address to a joint session of Congress in which he is expected to set out in greater detail his plans to cut spending and boost the economy.

BDST: 2123 HRS, FEB 28, 2017
SR