Trump's Lawyers Are Warning Him To Refuse An Interview With Mueller
By: Kayla Pasacreta
Mueller, photo via Getty Images
The New York Times has reported that Trump's advisers are advising him against having an interview with special counsel Robert Mueller. Despite Trump's weekend tweet claiming the Nunes Memo "totally vindicates" him, his lawyers seem to think otherwise.
The NYT reported Monday,
“His lawyers are concerned that the president, who has a history of making false statements and contradicting himself, could be charged with lying to investigators. Their stance puts them at odds with Mr. Trump, who has said publicly and privately that he is eager to speak with Mr. Mueller as part of the investigation into possible ties between his associates and Russia’s election interference, and whether he obstructed justice.”
This isn't the first time allies of the President have stated he should avoid an interview with Mueller. Just last week, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie stated, "I don’t think the president of the United States, unless there are credible allegations—which I don’t believe there are—should be sitting across from a special counsel."
Trump's longtime lawyer John Dowd, photo via NYT/Reuters
Here are some possible scenarios that could happen if Trump takes his lawyers' advice and refuses to do an interview with Mueller:
- He could be subpoenaed to testify
- Political opponents would accuse him of hiding something
Today, "Morning Joe" host Joe Scarborough said Trump's own lawyers see him as "too stupid", Scarborough stated, "Mr. President, your own lawyers think you are too stupid and too much of a liar to stand up to the heat that Bob Mueller is going to send in your direction."
Washington is also speculating that Mueller is getting closer and closer to Trump in the Russia probe, given Trump's heightened attacks on the FBI and the Justice Department.
Last Monday, FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe stepped down amid reports he was pressured to by Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
