Trump invited to testify on ex-FBI chief, Russia
Senate takes US Prez up on his pledge that he would ‘100%’ testify
Washington, June 12: US President Donald Trump has been invited by a top Democratic leader to testify before the Senate over his relationship with sacked FBI chief James Comey and the probe into the alleged Russian meddling in the US polls.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, responding to Mr Trump’s statement last week that he would “100 per cent” speak under oath about the Comey affair, said he would like the President to testify in public before the Senate.
Mr Trump’s assertion came after he branded Mr Comey as a “leaker” and claimed “total and complete vindication” after ousted FBI director’s testimony before a Senate Committee.
“I think we could work out a way it could be dignified, public, with questions, with Leader McConnell,” Mr Schumer told CBS News.
The New York Democrat added that the Senate would also consult with special counsel Robert Mueller, who has taken the lead on a wide-ranging investigation into the
alleged Russian interference in the 2016 elections.
Mr Trump’s pledge to offer sworn testimony to Mueller came in a press conference the day after Comey’s testimony before the Senate intelligence committee.
The former FBI director detailed “disturbing” interactions with Mr Trump that led to his firing on May 9.
Mr Comey had last week said that he believed Mr Trump asked him to end an investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn, which Mr Trump has denied.
Mr Comey also said he thinks Mr Trump fired him over the Russia investigation.
The President had said Mr Comey’s testimony vindicates his assertion that Mr Trump himself was not personally under the investigation.
However, Mr Trump and his attorney have disputed Mr Comey’s other assertions, including his claim that the President sought a pledge of loyalty.
On Sunday, Mr Schumer also said he would like to clear up the matter of whether Mr Trump does indeed have tapes of his conversations with Mr Comey, as the President has suggested.
“Lordy, I hope there are tapes,” Mr Comey had said on Thursday.
“If there aren’t tapes [Mr Trump] should let that be known. No more game playing,” Mr Schumer said.
Senator Chuck Schumer said that the Senate would consult with special counsel Robert Mueller, who has taken the lead on a wide-ranging investigation into the alleged Russian interference in the 2016 elections, regarding a public testimony by Trump