Firing up the grill
Mueller’s questions for Trump revealed
Special counsel Robert Mueller has put together a comprehensive series of about four dozen questions he would like to ask President Trump regarding the Russia investigation, a newly revealed copy of the list shows.
The queries, obtained by The New York Times and published Monday night, delve into issues surrounding the firing of former FBI Director James Comey, Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ recusal from the Russia probe and a Trump Tower meeting during the campaign with Russians.
One question directly asks Trump about Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.
“During the campaign, what did you know about Russian hacking, use of social media or other acts aimed at the campaign?” it reads.
Another says, “What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign?”
Is was not clear whether Mueller (inset) has evidence that one-time campaign chairman Manafort or any other Trump campaign official coordinated with Russia. Trump has repeatedly denied any collusion.
Concerning Comey, Mueller wants to know about the times Trump met privately with him and why he fired the FBI chief.
“What was the purpose of your Jan. 27, 2017, dinner with Mr. Comey, and what was said?” one question asks.
In his book, “A Higher Loyalty,” and elsewhere, Comey alleges that Trump asked for his “loyalty” during the dinner.
Mueller also presses Trump on his statements about Comey and former Deputy Attorney General Andrew McCabe.
“What is the reason for your continued criticism of Mr. Comey and his former deputy, Andrew G. McCabe?” one question reads.
Mueller even references Trump’s interview with NBC’s Lester Holt in May 2017 during which the president claimed to have fired Comey because of “this Russia thing.”
Other areas of inquiry are realestate deals, an attempt to set up a back channel with Russia during the White House transition, and Trump’s 2013 trip to Moscow for the Miss Universe pageant.
There are multiple questions surrounding Sessions’ recusal in the Russia investigation and Trump’s statements about it.
Trump has slammed the attorney general not only for recusing himself, but for having a “very weak” position on alleged Hillary Clinton “crimes.”
Also mentioned is former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn, who has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and is cooperating in Mueller’s probe.
Mueller asks whether Trump has spoken to Flynn about a possible pardon.
Mueller delves into the June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between Donald Trump Jr. and Russian officials during which Trump Jr. was offered “dirt” on Hillary Clinton.
“When did you become aware of the Trump Tower meeting?” a question reads.