GOP lawmaker: Media has 'Pavlovian' response to mention of Russia

A House Republican is slamming the media's coverage of President Trump and Russia, saying news outlets have a "fixation" on the issue.

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) said the coverage is intended to "delegitimize the president."

"If you mention the word ‘Russia,' it's Pavlovian to CNN and The New York Times," Biggs said, according to The Washington Examiner.

He added that he believes Trump and Republicans in Congress are making progress on areas such as immigration, regulation and boosting defense, but those stories are being overshadowed by the coverage about Russia.

"We have to do a better job messaging," he said.

There are currently multiple investigations looking into potential ties between Trump's campaign and Russian meddling in the election.

Last week, Donald Trump Jr. revealed that he met with a Russian lawyer promising information about Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the summer before the election. Trump Jr. said nothing came of the meeting.

The president defended his son in a tweet Monday morning.

"Most politicians would have gone to a meeting like the one Don jr attended in order to get info on an opponent. That's politics!" he tweeted.