Here's what Trump has done to impede and control the Russia investigation
WASHINGTON - Has President Donald Trump obstructed justice? It's a question that has consumed and divided Washington for months as critics accuse the president of tampering with the continuing Russia investigation.
Although lawyers and scholars disagree on the legal questions involved, a clear pattern has emerged of Trump trying to influence the case's outcome. The latest reminder came from Thursday's reports that last year Trump ordered the firing of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, who is leading the probe, but backed down after the top White House lawyer threatened to quit.
Trump seems to have his own view of the issue of obstruction, suggesting Wednesday that he's just trying to defend himself against an unfair investigation. Since no one can prove his campaign colluded with Russians trying to influence the presidential election, he said, "now they'll say 'Oh, well, did he fight back? Fight back - oh, it's obstruction of justice.'"
Here's what Trump has done or been accused of doing since taking office:
- FEBRUARY 2017: Seeking leniency for his former national security adviser
One day after Trump ousted Michael T. Flynn as his national security adviser, the president had a private meeting with FBI Director James B. Comey. At the time, Flynn was under investigation for lying about his contacts with the Russian ambassador, a case that would eventually lead to his guilty plea in December.
Comey later told Congress that Trump asked him to back off.
"I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go," Comey quoted the president as saying. Trump has denied trying to intervene on Flynn's behalf.
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