|
Mueller, in private negotiations in early March about a possible
presidential interview, described Trump as a subject of his
investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S.
presidential election, said the Post, which cited three unnamed
people familiar with the discussions.
Trump attorney Jay Sekulow and his former attorney John Dowd did
not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Post said Mueller also told Trump's lawyers that he was
preparing a report about the Republican president’s actions
while in office and potential obstruction of justice.
"Mueller reiterated the need to interview Trump — both to
understand whether he had any corrupt intent to thwart the
Russia investigation and to complete this portion of his probe,"
the newspaper said.
It said Trump and some in his inner circle interpreted Mueller's
words as assurance that his risk of criminal jeopardy was low,
while other advisers cautioned that Mueller was baiting Trump
into an interview that could put him in greater legal danger.
Mueller is also investigating potential collusion between
Trump's presidential campaign and Russia as well as whether
Trump has committed obstruction of justice by trying to thwart
the Russia probe.
Trump has denied any collusion with Russia and has called the
Mueller investigation a witch hunt.
(Reporting by Mohammad Zargham; Additional reporting by Karen
Freifeld; Editing by Sandra Maler and Peter Cooney)
[© 2018 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2018 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
