Ex-President George W. Bush talks about Trump, Russia

Former President George W. Bush speaks in Washington in a Sept. 24, 2016, file photo. On Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, Bush said "we all need answers" on the extent of contact between President Donald Trump's team and the Russian government. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

WASHINGTON — Former President George W. Bush said Monday “we all need answers” on the extent of contact between President Donald Trump’s team and the Russian government, and he defended the media’s role in keeping world leaders in check.

In an interview on NBC’s “Today” show, Bush said he would trust Senate Intelligence panel Chairman Richard Burr to decide if a special prosecutor is necessary. But, Bush says, “I think we all need answers … I’m not sure the right avenue to take. I am sure, though, that that question needs to be answered.”

Bush also defended the media’s role in keeping leaders in check, noting “power can be addictive.” He says: “It’s kind of hard to tell others to have an independent, free press when we’re not willing to have one ourselves.”