Comey told the Senate Intelligence Committee that Trump had demanded loyalty, asked him to drop the investigation into his formal national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and urged him to drop the Russian Federation inquiry. "It's my judgment that I was sacked because of the Russian Federation investigation", Comey said. Rosenstein said he has not discussed the appointment of Mueller with Mr. Trump.
"Senator, I'm not going to follow any orders unless I believe those are lawful and appropriate", he said.
The talk about dismissing Mueller appeared to be coming from Trump allies - including some close to White House strategist Steve Bannon - who are increasingly frustrated with the prospect of a long and winding probe. Trump, who isn't typically shy about leveling criticism, especially on Twitter, hasn't commented on the longtime former Federal Bureau of Investigation director.
The Fox News host then shifted the discussion to the "actual crimes and actual collusion", all that don't involve President Trump, but do involve Comey, Former Attorney General Loretta Lynch, and Hillary Clinton. The comments come amid increasing frustration at the White House and among Trump supporters that the investigation will overshadow the president's agenda for months to come - a prospect that has Democrats salivating.
Mueller's requests to interview the officials signals that his investigation is expanding to include the possibility that Trump tried to obstruct justice, according to The Times.
CNN has reported at the time that the White House was given only a brief heads up that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein was naming Mueller to oversee Russian interference in the 2016 election and potential collusion from Trump's campaign associates.
In a pivotal shift in the investigation that has riveted Americans like no other in decades, senior intelligence officials have agreed to be interviewed by investigators working for the special counsel, Robert Mueller, the Post said.
Play ball! GOP, Dems to battle as 1: Team Scalise
But a congressional aide-turned-lobbyist, Matt Mika, was shot multiple times and critically injured, and he remained hospitalized. Scalise, a graduate of LSU and a passionate baseball fan, was well-known for his support of the Congressional Baseball Game .
Comey testified that he was asked for "loyalty" from the president.
Former FBI Director James Comey raised additional questions at a hearing on Thursday, saying that the FBI expected Sessions to recuse himself weeks before he actually did.
The Post report only further embroils Trump and his presidency in legal problems that also feature lawsuits from the District of Columbia and Maryland, as well as almost 200 congressional Democrats, over his business holdings and income from foreign governments.
Mr Comey also said he had told Mr Trump that he was not under investigation.
If Mr. Rosenstein refused, Mr. Trump could fire him, too. Comey was sacked May 9. He told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" that "I don't think the Congress would sit still and allow the president to pick his own investigator".
Mueller met Wednesday with the leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee in an effort to ensure their investigations don't conflict.
"I still stand by that it was being considered as an option", said Ruddy, adding he has "very good sources" in the administration.
Comments