Trump calls grand jury a fabrication

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has dismissed a grand jury investigation into his alleged collusion with Russia, stating the claim was a “total fabrication” to make Democrats feel better.

Speaking to a campaign rally-style crowd in West Virginia, Mr Trump said: “The Russia story is a total fabrication. It’s just an excuse for the greatest loss in the history of American politics.”

His words come after news broke that special counsel

Robert Mueller (pictured) had activated a grand jury in Washington to investigate allegations of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 elections.

The activation of a grand jury implies Mr Mueller is on the brink of summoning witnesses and issuing demands for documents in a major escalation of the criminal investigation.

An earlier formal statement from the White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Ty Cobb, the special counsel to the president, “wasn’t aware” that a grand jury was being used.

“Grand jury matters are typically secret,” she quoted Mr Cobb as saying. “The White House favours anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly ...”

A grand jury investigation is a precursor to a full trial in US criminal law. It has the power to investigate whether there is substantial evidence that a crime has been committed and determine whether charges should be brought.

President Trump said he hoped for a “truly honest” outcome from the Russia investigation that has consumed the opening months of his presidency.

“We didn’t win because of Russia. We won because of you,” he told the pro-Trump rally in West Virginia.

It’s being reported that the grand jury has already issued subpenas related to the June 2016 meeting between Donald Trump Jnr, a Russian lawyer, and a representative of a Russian billionaire.