Lawyers want Trump to refuse Russia interview
Washington, Feb. 6: US President Donald Trump’s lawyers have urged him to refuse to sit down with Special Counsel Robert Mueller as part of the probe into his campaign’s ties with Russia, The New York Times reported on Tuesday.
However, Mr Trump himself has repeatedly stated that he would like to speak with Mueller about the ongoing investigation, which is examining his campaign’s possible collusion with Russia over election interference, and possible obstruction of justice.
“I'm looking forward to it, actually,” Mr Trump told reporters at the White House in January, though adding: “subject to my lawyers and all of that.”
The president said he would even testify under oath. While Mueller’s questioning would not be under oath, it is a crime to lie to federal investigators.
THE NEW YORK TIMES cited four people as saying the President’s lawyers are concerned he can be char-ged with lying, as he had earlier made false statements and contradicted himself.
The New York Times cited four people briefed on the matter as saying the president’s lawyers are concerned that he could be charged with lying to investigators, as he has previously made false statements and contradicted himself.
The sources said lawyer John Dowd, his deputy Jay Sekulow, longtime personal lawyer Marc Kasowitz and many West Wing advisers want to resist the interview request, claiming Mueller lacks the legal standing on some of the issues he is investigating.