The evolution of Trumpanzee excuses and rhetoric is interesting. When Trump said he didn't know anything about the tower meeting, they sided with him on that point. Now that evidence shows that Trump lied about it, they say it isn't illegal to lie to the press.
This is a pattern repeated in all Trump scandals.
1. Deny the allegation.
2. When evidence allegation is true, attack the persons making allegations.
3. When allegation evidence gets strong, deny the allegation is illegal or attack Hillary Clinton.
4. Affirm the allegation is true, but taken out of context.
5. When context is shown, say that it isn't a big deal. Attack Mueller.
I'm missing a few steps, but it's late. The pattern is often seen in this forum and anywhere Trump's supporters have a voice.