Speaker Paul Ryan told reporters Tuesday he has been assured by the White House that President Trump will not fire special counsel Robert Mueller.
“I’ve received assurances his firing is not even under consideration,” Ryan, R-Wis., said, when asked about potential legislation to block a Mueller firing.
Democrats and some Republicans in recent days have called for Congress to take action to prevent Trump from ousting Mueller, who is investigating Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election and whether the Trump campaign was involved.
“The special counsel should be free to follow through his investigation to its completion without interference, absolutely,” Ryan said. “I am confident he will be able to do that.”
Ryan added that “no one” is excluded from the nation’s laws and justice system.
Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., have steered clear of a bill addressing Mueller’s tenure and have argued the bill isn’t needed because Trump won’t try to fire him.
Trump this week tweeted the Mueller probe is “a total WITCH HUNT with massive conflicts of interest,” referencing FBI officials involved in the investigation who favored Hillary Clinton’s campaign or have strong ties to Democrats.
