Donald Trump backtracks on 'impenetrable' Russia US cybersecurity unit: 'It can't happen'

Donald Trump has stepped back from the idea of a joint cybersecurity unit with Russia to prevent electoral hacking.

During his meeting with Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit, the pair apparently discussed forming an "impenetrable" security unit to tackle future hacks.

But just hours after the proposal was made, Trump backtracked in a tweet saying: "The fact that President Putin and I discussed a Cyber Security unit doesn't mean I think it can happen. It can't-but a ceasefire can, & did!"

The meeting between the world leaders had suggested a new period of closer ties between the two nations, but the idea of a joint security unit was criticised by both Democrats and Republicans.

After than more than two-hour talk, Trump said: "Putin and I discussed forming an impenetrable cybersecurity unit so that election hacking, and many other negative things, will be guarded and safe."

After the initial announcement, Trump's inner circle defended the proposal including Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin who described it as a "significant accomplishment."

His efforts were seemingly wasted following Trump's step back from the plan.

Senior Republicans weren't impressed with the idea including Senator Lindsey Graham who said: "It's not the dumbest idea I've ever heard, but it's pretty close."

Senator Marco Rubio likened it to teaming up with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on chemical weapons.

Trump administration ties to Russia

A series of investigations by the FBI, congressional committees and the DOJ have been the main talking point ever since the 2016 election, and these have ramped up in recent months.

The DOJ, now guided by a special counsel, is looking into the ties between the Trump campaign, Russia and any possible cover-up. The Senate Intelligence Committee is investigating possible Russian influence in the 2016 election.

And the Senate Judiciary Committee and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee are looking into former national security advisor Michael Flynn as well as the firing of former FBI chief James Comey.

Despite the departure of Comey, who believes that he was fired because of the FBI investigation into the Trump campaign's ties to Russia, the bureau is continuing its investigation.