Trump’s chief lawyer in Mueller investigation steps down

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s lead lawyer in the special counsel’s Russia investigation resigned Thursday, shaking up the legal team just as Mr. Trump intensifies attacks on an inquiry he calls a witch hunt.

The departure of attorney John Dowd removes the primary negotiator and legal strategist who had been molding Mr. Trump’s defense. It also comes just days after the Trump legal team added a new lawyer, former U.S. Attorney Joseph di Genova, who has accused FBI officials of being involved in a “brazen plot” to exonerate Hillary Clinton in the email inquiry and to “frame” Mr. Trump for nonexistent crimes.

Mr. Dowd confirmed his decision in an email, saying, “I love the President and wish him well.” He said he made the decision voluntarily and denied reports that his departure had to do with Mr. Trump ignoring his legal advice. Mr. Dowd said he formally resigned Thursday morning.

It already was a delicate time in special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. Mr. Trump’s attorneys, including Mr. Dowd, have been negotiating with Mr. Mueller over the scope and terms of an interview of the president.Mr. Trump has told reporters that he was eager to speak with Mr. Mueller, but Mr. Dowd has been far more apprehensive, and the lawyers have not publicly committed to making Mr. Trump available.

Asked Thursday if he still wants to speak with Mr. Mueller’s team, Mr. Trump told reporters, “Yes, I would like to.”