REUTERS/Larry Downing
President Donald Trump has reportedly discussed firing Robert Mueller, the special counsel tasked with investigating potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. In a Monday appearance on PBS NewsHour, Trump’s friend, Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy, said Trump was considering firing Mueller. “I think he’s considering perhaps terminating the special counsel,” Ruddy said. “I think he’s weighing that option. I think it’s pretty clear by what one of his lawyers said on television recently.” Ruddy was seen leaving the White House shortly before the PBS interview. Ruddy accused Mueller of having conflicts in the investigation, including allegedly being considered to replace former James Comey as FBI director. Ruddy’s remarks echo those of other Trump confidants who have recently engaged in a media blitz accusing Mueller of being unqualified to lead the investigation. Politico reporter Josh Dawsey also reported that Trump had discussed firing Mueller. Trump is “currently not ‘likely’ to do this but that it remains an option he has discussed with associates,” Dawsey reported. On Twitter, Rep. Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, cautioned Trump against the firing. “If President fired Bob Mueller, Congress would immediately re-establish independent counsel and appoint Bob Mueller,” Schiff tweeted Monday night. “Don’t waste our time.” White House press secretary Sean Spicer issued a statement on the matter late Monday. “Mr. Ruddy never spoke to the president regarding this issue. With respect to this subject, only the president or his attorneys are authorized to comment,” Spicer said.