President Trump has not given the prospect of stripping special counsel Robert Mueller of his security clearance much consideration, but said Monday he could “run” the federal Russia investigation if he so wished.
Trump told Reuters he hadn’t given the idea of revoking the former FBI director’s access to sensitive information a lot of thought, while also saying in that same interview he has chosen not to involve himself in the Russia probe.
“I’ve decided to stay out,” Trump said, per Reuters White House correspondent Jeff Mason. “Now, I don’t have to stay out, as you know. I can go in and I could … do whatever. I could run it if I want.”
Exclusive: @realDonaldTrump tells @Reuters he has chosen not to be involved in Mueller probe but is “totally allowed” to be if he wanted to. “I’ve decided to stay out. Now, I don’t have to stay out, as you know. I can go in and I could… do whatever, I could run it if I want.”
— Jeff Mason (@jeffmason1) August 20, 2018
Trump’s comments come amid criticism regarding his decision to pull the security clearance of former CIA Director John Brennan, a staunch Trump critic, for alleged “erratic” behavior. Some ex-military, intelligence, and law enforcement officials have spoken out about their collective fear that the move sets a dangerous precedent for attempts to silence those opposed to the president.
Trump’s comments are also unusual given it would be highly unorthodox for a president to investigate himself.
Trump told Reuters Monday that he was hesitant about sitting down with Mueller’s team of federal prosecutors in case they were trying to lay a “perjury trap.”
Trump’s remarks contradict previous statements he has made indicating his open mind toward a potential interview in the hope it would help bring the inquiry to a swift conclusion. But they echo arguments asserted by Rudy Giuliani, one of Trump’s personal attorneys, who has frequently questioned Mueller’s motives for seeking an interview in his public relations campaign against the inquiry.
Mueller’s investigation is looking at whether the 2016 Trump campaign colluded with Russia before the election, as well as whether Trump obstructed justice by firing former FBI Director James Comey.
