Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein says he sees no reason why special counsel Robert Mueller should stop leading the probe into Russian interference in last year's us election.
Dianne Feinstein of California, Rosenstein testified that now he would have to assent to Mueller's firing because of Attorney General Jeff Sessions' recusal from investigations involving the 2016 campaign and that he would not now do so because he did not see the good cause that is required by the special counsel law.
Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller as special counsel overseeing the probe into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election, deflected the question in a House committee hearing Tuesday afternoon.
The Deputy Attorney General also said he would not follow any orders to fire special counsel Mueller unless there is a good reason and the orders are lawful.
Lawmakers also asked Rosenstein whether it was appropriate for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to be involved in the firing of FBI Director James Comey given Sessions' recusal from the Clinton email investigation, which he offered because of his role on the Trump campaign.
Ruddy made waves in a Monday, telling anchor Judy Woodruff he'd been at the White House and that he could report that Trump is considering having former FBI director Robert Mueller, who is leading the special investigation, removed.
When West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin asked Rosenstein if Mueller could be "terminated without cause", Rosenstein said "yes".
"I appointed him", Rosenstein said.
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Ruddy sparked a media firestorm on Monday when he told the "PBS NewsHour" that Trump is considering firing Mueller.
President Donald Trump speaks to Associated Press Chief White House Correspondent Julie Pace in the Oval Office in Washington, Wednesday, April 19, 2017. Allies of the President cast doubt on the idea that Mr. Trump would take such a drastic step, and White House officials said Mr.
The startling assertion on Monday came as some of Mr Trump's conservative allies, who initially praised Mr Mueller's selection as special counsel, have begun trying to attack his credibility.
Collins' question was prompted by recent media reports that Mueller's role leading the DOJ's Russian Federation investigation could be in jeopardy. "I have confidence in Bob Mueller".
But hours later, former House Speaker and Trump surrogate Newt Gingrich again bounced up what appeared to be a trial balloon, saying those who believe that the investigation is going to be "neutral" and "professional" are "delusional", and calling special counsels "very risky". "Mr Ruddy never spoke to the president regarding this issue", Spicer said. "I do believe he has a legal right to do it and I do think it was considered as an option, as the president's own attorney said".
White House spokesman Sean Spicer did not explicitly endorse Sessions' appearance, saying in response to a question, "We're aware of it, and we'll go from there".
House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, regarded the reports as "rumors" and said the president would benefit by allowing the investigation to continue and that he should "let Robert Mueller do his job".
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