WASHINGTON The White House on Tuesday appeared to distance itself from President Donald Trump s eldest son meeting with a Russian lawyer last year in an effort to get damaging information about his fathers Democratic opponent.

White House deputy press secretary Sarah Sanders read a statement from the president vouching for Donald Trump Jr. s character: My son is a high-quality person and I applaud his transparency.

But she would not defend the meeting, instead repeatedly referring questions to outside lawyers representing Trump and his son. Not to sound like a broken record, but on all questions related to this matter I would refer you to Don Juniors counsel and outside counsel, she said.

Just one day earlier, Sanders had stated unequivocally that nothing untoward had happened. Im saying that the presidents campaign did not collude in any way, she said.

Trump Jr. released a chain of emails on Tuesday morning, detailing an exchange with a business associate who offered him the chance to meet with a Russian lawyer promising information from the Russian government that would harm Democratic nominee Hillary Clintons candidacy.

The email from Rob Goldstone called the promised material very high level and sensitive information but is part of Russia and its governments support for Mr. Trump.

Trump Jr. responded, just 17 minutes later, with enthusiasm: If its what you say I love it.