US President Donald Trump has broken his silence in defense of the US adviser who added a journalist to a private group chat.

Amid calls for National Security Adviser Mike Waltz to step down after reportedly adding the reporter by mistake on the messaging app Signal, Mr Trump sent a public message to the politician.

Hours after the leak scandal was revealed, Trump told NBC news that Waltz was a "good man" who had "learned a lesson".

When asked how Goldberg was added to the chat, the US president explained: "It was one of Michael's people on the phone. A staffer had his number on there."

We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: /news
Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow our social media accounts here on facebook.com/DailyExpress and @daily_express