Trump Declares Willingness to be Interviewed by Special Counsel
Trump's comment comes as one of his personal attorneys, known to have opposed Trump interview with special counsel, is stepping down
WHITE HOUSE — U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday indicated willingness to testify before the special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and other matters. "I would like to," Trump replied when asked by a reporter whether he was willing to be interviewed by investigators. The president made the remark as he exited the White House Diplomatic Room after signing a document directing his administration to pursue trade actions against China. Trump's response came after one of his personal attorneys, John Dowd, confirmed he was stepping down. Dowd is known to have counseled Trump against sitting for an interview with those working for the special counsel, Robert Mueller, a former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Less than a week ago, Dowd called on the Justice Department — which oversees the FBI and the special counsel — to end the Russia investigation. Initially, Dowd said he was speaking for the president, but he then clarified his remarks were not being made on behalf of the president. Dowd's departure came days after the president added to his team of lawyers Joseph diGenova, a former U.S. attorney known for pushing a more aggressive legal strategy. There also is speculation at the White House that the president is seeking to replace another member of his legal team, Ty Cobb. On social media this week, Trump has assailed the special counsel, which is also seeking to determine the extent of contact between Russians and Trump associates during the election, as well as whether the president has obstructed the criminal investigation. Trump contends the team conducting the inquiry, which he calls a "witch hunt," is stacked with opposition Democrats. Trump this week also alleged "tremendous leaking, lying and corruption" at the highest levels of the FBI, Justice Department and State Department. The FBI is headed by lawyer and Trump appointee Christopher Wray, who last year replaced James Comey, whom the president fired in May. Comey's firing reportedly is a subject of interest to the special counsel's team. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a former U.S. senator also chosen by Trump, heads the Justice Department and has recused himself from matters involving Mueller's investigation. Trump this month fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, whom he appointed at the beginning of his presidency in 2017, and he has nominated Mike Pompeo, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, to succeed Tillerson. Steve Herman is VOA's White House Bureau Chief.