To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.
Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor and current lawyer for U.S. President Donald Trump, speaks to members of the media during a White House Sports and Fitness Day at the South Lawn of the White House May 30, 2018 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump's lawyers have reportedly sent Special Counsel Robert Mueller a "counter-offer" regarding the scope of a possible sit-down interview as part of the ongoing Russia probe, and they apparently made one key demand: Absolutely no questions about whether Trump has obstructed justice.
As New York Timesreported on Wednesday, the president's attorneys "rejected the special counsel's latest terms for an interview in the Russia investigation"--which included questions about possible obstruction of justice and a variety of other topics--and offered a far narrower framework.
While the president's legal team refused to discuss the contents of its response to Mueller, one anonymous source familiar with the response told the Times that Trump's lawyers made clear that they "do not want him answering questions about whether he obstructed justice."
Writer Parker Malloy suggested that there could be a good reason why Trump's lawyers want to avoid such questions:
According to the Times, Trump's attorneys are seriously concerned that if Trump agrees to an interview, he "could perjure himself."
But Trump appears to be convinced that he can persuade Mueller that he has done nothing wrong, so he has continued to pressure his lawyers to set up an interview.
"He just can't help himself," one Trump associate toldAxios.
Negotiations between Mueller and Trump's lawyers over a potential interview have gone on for eight months, and the special counsel has already reportedly threatened to subpoena the president if they fail to negotiate a voluntary interview.
"Only one president, Bill Clinton, has been subpoenaed while in office," the Times notes. "The president's lawyers have said they would fight a subpoena--a battle that could eventually be decided by the Supreme Court."
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
President Donald Trump's lawyers have reportedly sent Special Counsel Robert Mueller a "counter-offer" regarding the scope of a possible sit-down interview as part of the ongoing Russia probe, and they apparently made one key demand: Absolutely no questions about whether Trump has obstructed justice.
As New York Timesreported on Wednesday, the president's attorneys "rejected the special counsel's latest terms for an interview in the Russia investigation"--which included questions about possible obstruction of justice and a variety of other topics--and offered a far narrower framework.
While the president's legal team refused to discuss the contents of its response to Mueller, one anonymous source familiar with the response told the Times that Trump's lawyers made clear that they "do not want him answering questions about whether he obstructed justice."
Writer Parker Malloy suggested that there could be a good reason why Trump's lawyers want to avoid such questions:
According to the Times, Trump's attorneys are seriously concerned that if Trump agrees to an interview, he "could perjure himself."
But Trump appears to be convinced that he can persuade Mueller that he has done nothing wrong, so he has continued to pressure his lawyers to set up an interview.
"He just can't help himself," one Trump associate toldAxios.
Negotiations between Mueller and Trump's lawyers over a potential interview have gone on for eight months, and the special counsel has already reportedly threatened to subpoena the president if they fail to negotiate a voluntary interview.
"Only one president, Bill Clinton, has been subpoenaed while in office," the Times notes. "The president's lawyers have said they would fight a subpoena--a battle that could eventually be decided by the Supreme Court."
President Donald Trump's lawyers have reportedly sent Special Counsel Robert Mueller a "counter-offer" regarding the scope of a possible sit-down interview as part of the ongoing Russia probe, and they apparently made one key demand: Absolutely no questions about whether Trump has obstructed justice.
As New York Timesreported on Wednesday, the president's attorneys "rejected the special counsel's latest terms for an interview in the Russia investigation"--which included questions about possible obstruction of justice and a variety of other topics--and offered a far narrower framework.
While the president's legal team refused to discuss the contents of its response to Mueller, one anonymous source familiar with the response told the Times that Trump's lawyers made clear that they "do not want him answering questions about whether he obstructed justice."
Writer Parker Malloy suggested that there could be a good reason why Trump's lawyers want to avoid such questions:
According to the Times, Trump's attorneys are seriously concerned that if Trump agrees to an interview, he "could perjure himself."
But Trump appears to be convinced that he can persuade Mueller that he has done nothing wrong, so he has continued to pressure his lawyers to set up an interview.
"He just can't help himself," one Trump associate toldAxios.
Negotiations between Mueller and Trump's lawyers over a potential interview have gone on for eight months, and the special counsel has already reportedly threatened to subpoena the president if they fail to negotiate a voluntary interview.
"Only one president, Bill Clinton, has been subpoenaed while in office," the Times notes. "The president's lawyers have said they would fight a subpoena--a battle that could eventually be decided by the Supreme Court."
