Share
News

After Mueller Warns of Subpoena, Trump Fires Back Calling Probe 'A Setup & Trap'

Share

President Donald Trump took aim at the Russia investigation again on Wednesday, describing it as a “setup & trap” following the revelation that special counsel Robert Mueller threatened to subpoena Trump to appear before a grand jury if he refused to be interviewed by investigators.

“There was no Collusion (it is a Hoax) and there is no Obstruction of Justice (that is a setup & trap). What there is is Negotiations going on with North Korea over Nuclear War, Negotiations going on with China over Trade Deficits, Negotiations on NAFTA, and much more. Witch Hunt!” Trump tweeted.

Trump’s former lead attorney, John Dowd, confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday that Mueller talked about the option of compelling the president to testify.

The Washington Post reported that Mueller’s suggestion of a subpoena at the March 5 meeting drew a sharp retort from Dowd.

“This isn’t some game,” Dowd said, according to two sources. “You are screwing with the work of the president of the United States.”

Renowned attorney Alan Dershowitz told CNN and The Post it would be not be wise for Trump to agree to an interview by the special counsel, arguing — as the president did — that it would be a legal trap.

“The strategy is to throw him softballs so that he will go on and on with his answers,” he said. “Instead of sharp questions designed to elicit yes or no, they make him feel very comfortable and let him ramble.”

Do you think Mueller is trying to trap Trump?

Dershowitz contended that prosecutors could catch Trump in a misstatement.

Fox News, The New York Times and other media outlets obtained a list of questions that Trump’s legal team believes the special counsel would ask of the president, based on conversations they had with Mueller’s investigators.

Most of them appear directed at the issue of obstruction of justice, with many focusing on Trump’s dealings with former FBI Director James Comey. Trump’s interactions with former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn is another frequently addressed topic.

Flynn plead guilty in December to one count of lying the federal investigators and agreed to cooperate fully with the Russia probe.

Other questions focused on discussions may have had about terminating the special counsel’s investigation.

Related:
Photos: Ivanka Cuts Classically Elegant Figure While Playing Key Role in FIFA Club World Cup Kickoff

A few of the queries have to do with contacts members of the Trump team had or may have had with Russians during the campaign and transition.

Trump tweeted on Tuesday, “So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were ‘leaked’ to the media. No questions on Collusion.”

He continued, “Oh, I see…you have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice!”

Radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh said on his program on Tuesday that Trump should agree to meet with Mueller’s investigators under one condition: that he receive the same treatment as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton did during her interview with the FBI in July 2016 concerning her unsecured, unauthorized email server.

Clinton’s interview was not recorded and not under oath, and her attorneys were present while it was being conducted.

“If Trump could secure the same identical circumstances that were granted to Hillary Clinton, then why not sit down and answer the questions,” said Limbaugh. “But of course I speak facetiously because everybody knows that Donald Trump is not going to get the Hillary Clinton treatment, which was extended by James Comey. “

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
, ,
Share
Randy DeSoto has written more than 3,000 articles for The Western Journal since he began with the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."
Randy DeSoto wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.
Birthplace
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Nationality
American
Honors/Awards
Graduated dean's list from West Point
Education
United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law
Books Written
We Hold These Truths
Professional Memberships
Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Politics, Entertainment, Faith




Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.

Conversation