Rudy Giuliani said it is unlikely President Trump will sit to interview before special counsel Robert Mueller.
“Jay [Sekulow] and I want to keep an open mind. And I have to just be honest, we’re leaning toward not [sitting for an interview],” the Trump lawyer said on a segment of ABC’s “This Week” that aired Sunday.
He added: “But look, if they can convince that it will be brief, it would be to the point, there were five or six points they have to clarify, and with that, we can get this long nightmare for the American public over.”
The decision is ultimately up to Trump, Giuliani said, adding that the president’s legal team will recommend he does not testify.
Trump has repeatedly said he would be happy to sit with Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible links with the Trump campaign.
Giuliani also said that if Trump is subpoenaed, his legal team would argue that his testimony isn’t necessary because of all the witnesses and documents they have obtained.
“You’ve got everything you need, what do you need us for?” Giuliani added.
The comments come after the publication of a letter from Trump’s legal team to special counsel Robert Mueller, who is heading the federal Russia investigation. The 20-page letter, dated Jan. 29 and first published by the New York Times this weekend, argues that Trump cannot be indicted, cannot be subpoenaed and cannot be guilty of obstruction of justice because, as president, he is “chief law enforcement officer.”
Giuliani argued Sunday that though he was not part of Trump’s legal team when the letter was written, he still stands by most of it.
Is Rudy Giuliani recommending Pres. Trump not agree to interview with special counsel Mueller?
“I want to keep an open mind, and I have to just be honest: We’re leaning toward not.” https://t.co/ld1yFaPr6p #ThisWeek pic.twitter.com/htEZIFpWrF
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) June 3, 2018
