Pro-Trump senator Orrin Hatch walks back comments saying he 'doesn't care' about the president's crimes

Earlier in the week, outgoing Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) brushed off Donald Trump's alleged role in crimes committed by his former attorney Michael Cohen -- and he's now walking those comments back.

"The Democrats will do anything to hurt this president," Hatch said.

When a reporter noted that the allegations came from federal prosecutors, he continued his defense: "OK, but I don't care, all I can say is he's doing a good job as president."

In a statement released Friday, the senator said he made the comments "in an unplanned hallway interview" and that what he said was "irresponsible and a poor reflection on my lengthy record of dedication to the rule of law."

Though he doesn't think Cohen is a "reliable voice," Hatch said he's in the past "expressed confidence" in special counsel Robert Mueller and his investigation "countless times."

The senator went on to tell CNN that nobody is above the law.

"At a time when faith in so many of our institutions is an all-time low, I regret speaking imprudently," Hatch said. "I don't believe the president broke the law but one of the core principles of our country is that no one is above that law, and that means anyone that does break the law should face appropriate consequences."

You can read the statement and watch CNN read parts of a separate statement he gave the network below: