Washington Post: Special Counsel Investigates Trump's Efforts to Obstruct Russia Inquiry

The Washington Post reports that Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Russian interference in the U.S. elections, is examining whether President Trump attempted to obstruct FBI investigations and 'justice' or not. According to the Washington Post, Mueller's investigation is focused on whether Trump tried to impede part of the federal investigation into allegations of Russian interference and subsequently fired the head of the agency, creating an obstacle to justice. The potential charge of 'obstruction of justice' is considered a 'criminal offense' under U.S. law. The Washington Post's report from June 14 cites unnamed officials, stating that Mueller's inquiries began just days after the firing of James Comey, the FBI director. If such an investigation is ongoing, it would represent a pivotal moment in the broader inquiry into 'Russian interference' in the U.S. election process. Last week, Comey testified before the U.S. Senate, emphasizing that the President dismissed him because he was dissatisfied with the Russia investigation. Trump has described the investigation as 'the greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history.' According to the Washington Post, another issue under investigation by the special counsel is Trump's request to Comey to end the investigation into Michael Flynn, his former national security advisor. Comey stated in the Senate hearing that he found Trump's request for the investigation into Flynn to be 'very concerning.' The U.S. President has denied reports and statements regarding his request to Comey in this matter, stating that the firing of Comey was a decision he made himself and described the former FBI director as 'grandstanding' and 'showboating.' Trump claimed that the FBI was in disarray during Comey's management. Donald Trump's legal team immediately rejected the report published in the Washington Post. Mark Corallo, a spokesman for Trump's legal team, stated that 'the leak of FBI information regarding the President is a malicious, unforgivable, and illegal act.' Trump fired James Comey on May 9 while he was conducting an investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election, which resulted in Hillary Clinton's defeat and Trump's victory. Russia has denied the allegations. In the past week, reports emerged indicating Trump's desire to fire Robert Mueller, the special counsel. Mueller was appointed by the U.S. Department of Justice a few weeks ago to lead the investigation into Russia. The White House has denied these reports, stating that 'while it is the President's right' to fire Mueller if he wishes, he has no such intention. The likelihood that a sitting U.S. President would face criminal charges while in office is very low. However, the charge of 'obstruction of justice' could be used to lay the groundwork for impeachment. Despite some congressional Democrats taking actions in this regard, impeachment of the U.S. President in a House of Representatives where Republicans hold the majority is likely to face significant obstacles. Trump was the Republican nominee in the last election.