Trump ready to ‘terminate’ man tasked with Russian links probe
HIGH-PROFILE SUPPORTERS of Donald Trump are turning on the man investigating Russian interference in the US election and possible collusion with the president’s campaign – with one suggesting Mr Trump was considering “terminating” him.
As special counsel Robert Mueller builds his legal team, Mr Trump’s allies have begun raising questions about the former FBI director’s impartiality.
The comments come amid increasing frustration at the White House and among Trump supporters that the investigation will overshadow the president’s agenda for months to come.
“Republicans are delusional if they think the special counsel is going to be fair. Look who he is hiring,” tweeted former House of Representatives speaker Newt Gingrich.
Just weeks ago, Mr Gingrich heaped praise on Mr Mueller, hailing him as a “superb choice” for special counsel whose reputation was “impeccable for honesty and integrity”.
But after the evidence of former FBI director James Comey last week, Mr Gingrich said he had changed his mind.
“Time to rethink,” he tweeted on Monday, citing Mr Mueller’s hiring decisions and Mr Comey’s admission that he instructed a friend to share with reporters notes he had taken of his private conversations with Mr Trump in order to force the appointment of special counsel.
Right-wing commentator Ann Coulter offered a similar message, tweeting, “Now that we know TRUMP IS NOT UNDER INVESTIGATION, Sessions should take it back & fire Mueller.”
Mr Trump’s friend Chris Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax, went even further, suggesting the president was already thinking about “terminating” Mr Mueller.
“I think he’s considering perhaps terminating the special counsel,” Mr Ruddy said in an interview with Judy Woodruff of PBS NewsHour.
“I think he’s weighing that option.”
The talk about dismissing Mr Mueller appeared to be coming from Trump allies, including some close to White House strategist Steve Bannon, who are increasingly frustrated with the prospect of a long and winding probe.