Trump fears ‘perjury trap’

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said yesterday he was worried that any statements under oath he provided to special counsel Robert Mueller in the probe into Russia’s electoral interference could be used to bring perjury charges against him.

In an interview with Reuters, he echoed the concerns of his top lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who has warned that any sitdown with Mueller could be a ‘‘perjury trap’’.

The president expressed fears that investigators could compare his statements with those of others who have testified, such as former FBI director James Comey, and that any discrepancies could be used against him.

‘‘Even if I am telling the truth, that makes me a liar,’’ Trump said. ‘‘That’s no good.’’

Despite his concerns, Trump did not comment on whether he would ultimately agree to an interview with Mueller, who is, among other things, investigating whether Trump’s campaign team colluded with Russians during the 2016 election and whether Trump has obstructed justice in the probe.

He also declined to say whether he might strip Mueller of his security clearance, as he did last week to former CIA director John Brennan, who had repeatedly criticised Trump’s handling of foreign policy and national security issues.

Russia has denied interfering in the election and Trump has denied any collusion took place.