But he says the US must be "very careful" about being seen as aiding and abetting actions that run contrary to the country's values.
Obama administration officials are weighing whether to cut off more than USD 1 billion in annual aid to Egypt after the military-backed interim government cracked down on supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi.
Obama defended his decision to hold off in cutting aid, saying there was a period of time after Morsi was ousted where the US needed to use diplomacy to encourage the military to seek reconciliation.
