Trump appears to confirm obstruction probe, attacks Rosenstein in Twitter rant
The president attacked the investigation as "phony."
President Trump fired off tweets Friday morning attacking the special counsel's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, and apparently, Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein.
The somewhat vague tweet seems to refer to Rosenstein, who wrote a memo outlining an argument against former FBI director James B. Comey. The White House initially claimed that Rosenstein's memo contributed to Trump's decision to fire Comey. But later, Trump said in an interview that he would have fired Comey "regardless" of Rosenstein's recommendation.
Adding to the confusion is the fact that the special investigation is currently being led by another former FBI director. Robert Mueller reports to Rosenstein, but is authorized to pursue the investigation independently. And there is no evidence that Mueller recommended to Trump that he fire Comey.
Trump also seemed to confirm reports in the Washington Post and other publications that Mueller's investigation has expanded to include allegations that he attempted to obstruct the ongoing investigation into Russian meddling in the election and his campaign associates' possible collusion with Russians.
A White House spokeswoman declined to comment and referred questions to Trump's personal attorney Marc Kasowitz. A spokesman for Kasowitz did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.
Trump sent more tweets early Friday morning attacking the investigation as "phony."
Trump's comments came as lawyers for his presidential transition ordered former staffers to preserve all physical and electronic documents in order to comply with ongoing Russia investigations.
The memo identifies several Trump officials and advisers whose records are of particular interest in the probe. They are former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, his business partner Rick Gates, a national security adviser Carter Page, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn and informal Trump adviser Roger Stone.
"Failure to follow these protocols could result in criminal or civil penalties, and could form the basis of legal claims, legal presumptions, or jury instructions relating to spoliation of evidence," the memo states.
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