<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-complete-exoneration-after-mueller-report-finds-no-collusion-205408">President Donald Trump</a> on Wednesday declared that the dramatic probe into links between his election campaign and Russia amounted to "treason."

Speaking on Fox News, Trump said the probe, which culminated in clearing him of allegations that he colluded with Moscow, a "very dark period" and he appeared to threaten those he blames for the report with punishment.

"We can never allow this treasonous — these treasonous acts to happen to another president. This was an attempted takeover of our government, of our country, an illegal takeover," he told long-favoured Fox interviewer Sean Hannity.

Although Trump didn't say how he intended to make sure that a probe was not carried out in similar circumstances again, he stressed that if Republicans had investigated a Democratic president in the same way, heavy penalties would follow.

"You'd have 100 people in jail right now and it would be treason. It would be considered treason and they would be in jail for the rest of their lives," he said.

"It would be virtually the maximum sentence that you can find, no matter where you look in whatever legal book," he said later.

"We are getting to the bottom of it," he said. "Hopefully they won't get away with it."

Trump insists that the probe led by former FBI director Robert Mueller was concocted for political reasons by Democrats upset at his surprise 2016 election defeat of the favourite, Hillary Clinton.

Mueller was tasked with investigating the scope of Russian meddling in the election and whether Trump's campaign colluded with Moscow. In addition, Mueller was looking into whether Trump obstructed justice through his often highly public opposition to the probe.

After two years, Mueller wrapped up last week and on Sunday Trump's attorney general, William Barr, issued a brief summary of the probe's findings. They included the determination that Russians did try to interfere in the election but that Trump's campaign did not collude.

On obstruction of justice, Mueller said he could neither accuse nor clear Trump, leaving Barr to make the determination. Barr said that no crime had been committed.

Although the culmination of the Mueller probe is widely seen as a big victory for Trump, the episode still shed a deeply unflattering light on his entourage, as well as revealing previously undeclared links with Russians -- in particular his attempts late into 2016 to secure a huge real estate deal in Moscow.

On Fox, Trump said he was the victim.

"I know one thing: I was the most innocent human being," he said.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday declared that the dramatic probe into links between his election campaign and Russia amounted to "treason." Speaking on Fox News, Trump said the probe, which culminated in clearing him of allegations that he colluded with Moscow, a "very dark period" and he appeared to threaten those he blames for the report with punishment.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday declared that the dramatic probe into links between his election campaign and Russia amounted to "treason." Speaking on Fox News, Trump said the probe, which culminated in clearing him of allegations that he colluded with Moscow, a "very dark period" and he appeared to threaten those he blames for the report with punishment. "We can never allow this treasonous — these treasonous acts to happen to another president. This was an attempted takeover of our government, of our country, an illegal takeover," he told long-favoured Fox interviewer Sean Hannity. Although Trump didn't say how he intended to make sure that a probe was not carried out in similar circumstances again, he stressed that if Republicans had investigated a Democratic president in the same way, heavy penalties would follow. "You'd have 100 people in jail right now and it would be treason. It would be considered treason and they would be in jail for the rest of their lives," he said. "It would be virtually the maximum sentence that you can find, no matter where you look in whatever legal book," he said later. "We are getting to the bottom of it," he said. "Hopefully they won't get away with it." Trump insists that the probe led by former FBI director Robert Mueller was concocted for political reasons by Democrats upset at his surprise 2016 election defeat of the favourite, Hillary Clinton. Mueller was tasked with investigating the scope of Russian meddling in the election and whether Trump's campaign colluded with Moscow. In addition, Mueller was looking into whether Trump obstructed justice through his often highly public opposition to the probe. After two years, Mueller wrapped up last week and on Sunday Trump's attorney general, William Barr, issued a brief summary of the probe's findings. They included the determination that Russians did try to interfere in the election but that Trump's campaign did not collude. On obstruction of justice, Mueller said he could neither accuse nor clear Trump, leaving Barr to make the determination. Barr said that no crime had been committed. Although the culmination of the Mueller probe is widely seen as a big victory for Trump, the episode still shed a deeply unflattering light on his entourage, as well as revealing previously undeclared links with Russians -- in particular his attempts late into 2016 to secure a huge real estate deal in Moscow. On Fox, Trump said he was the victim. "I know one thing: I was the most innocent human being," he said.

Trump on Russia probe: Can never allow these treasonous acts to happen to another president

US President Donald Trump on Thursday urged House intelligence panel chairman Adam Schiff to resign, after Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s investigation did not establish evidence of collusion between the 2016 election campaign and Russia.

"Congressman Adam Schiff, who spent two years knowingly and unlawfully lying and leaking, should be forced to resign from Congress!" Trump tweeted. 
Schiff has not been accused by authorities of leaking classified information.

The tweet came as Trump`s Republican Party intensifies its counter-attack after the conclusion of Mueller`s probe, which was submitted to Attorney General William Barr on Friday. The inquiry did not clear Trump on the allegation of obstruction of justice.

Schiff maintained in an interview with the Washington Post that "undoubtedly there was collusion" and said his committee would continue to investigate counterintelligence issues.

A spokesman for Schiff did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

White House adviser Kellyanne Conway called on Schiff to resign on Monday, a day after Barr released a four-page letter outlining the findings of the Mueller probe.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, a close ally of the president, has announced plans to examine the origins of the Trump-Russia probes. Some leading Republicans, including House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy, have called on Schiff to resign from the panel or as committee chairman.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday urged House intelligence panel chairman Adam Schiff to resign, after Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s investigation did not establish evidence of collusion between the 2016 election campaign and Russia.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday urged House intelligence panel chairman Adam Schiff to resign, after Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s investigation did not establish evidence of collusion between the 2016 election campaign and Russia. "Congressman Adam Schiff, who spent two years knowingly and unlawfully lying and leaking, should be forced to resign from Congress!" Trump tweeted. Schiff has not been accused by authorities of leaking classified information. The tweet came as Trump`s Republican Party intensifies its counter-attack after the conclusion of Mueller`s probe, which was submitted to Attorney General William Barr on Friday. The inquiry did not clear Trump on the allegation of obstruction of justice. Schiff maintained in an interview with the Washington Post that "undoubtedly there was collusion" and said his committee would continue to investigate counterintelligence issues. A spokesman for Schiff did not immediately respond to a request for comment. White House adviser Kellyanne Conway called on Schiff to resign on Monday, a day after Barr released a four-page letter outlining the findings of the Mueller probe. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, a close ally of the president, has announced plans to examine the origins of the Trump-Russia probes. Some leading Republicans, including House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy, have called on Schiff to resign from the panel or as committee chairman.

Trump calls on House intelligence chairman to resign after Mueller probe

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - March 26, 2019

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Republican and Democratic lawmakers clashed sharply on Sunday over the meaning of the newly completed report on Russian meddling, even as they waited to be briefed on its scope and contents.

President Donald Trump has yet to receive or be briefed on the findings of the Robert Mueller probe into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia, a spokesman said from the Florida resort where Trump was spending the weekend.

The president was continuing a rare silence on Twitter about the matter.

Sunday marked his third day with no public comment on the investigation that he has blasted dozens of times as a "witch hunt."&nbsp;

Attorney General William Barr, who received the secret report on Friday, is expected to brief key members of Congress sometime Sunday, though no announcement has been made.

Trump aides and supporters have seized on word from the Justice Department that the report will recommend no indictments -- news that brought relief to some in Trump's closest circle.

Republicans suggested on Sunday that it was time for Democratic lawmakers to drop their own investigations and move on.

Doug Collins, the ranking Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, repeated Trump's frequent insistence that "there was no collusion." He told "Fox News Sunday" that once the report comes out, "We can hopefully begin to move on."

'Hardly vindication'

But Adam Schiff, the Democrat who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, said on ABC that even if Mueller is recommending no new indictments, "that hardly looks like vindication to me."

"We know there was collusion," said another key Democrat, Jerry Nadler, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, speaking on CNN. "Why there's been no indictments, we don't know."

The two were part of a chorus of Democratic voices demanding the release of the full Mueller report, not just a summary from Barr, a Trump appointee.

Schiff said Congress would first simply request the full release, but was prepared to use its subpoena powers or "prosecute in court, as necessary, to get the information."&nbsp;

He added, "We'll win that litigation."

Separately, Nadler agreed, saying "it won't be months."&nbsp;

Many Democrats hoped the report would provide evidence to support a presidential impeachment and have pressed hard for its full public release.&nbsp;

But Schiff and Nadler insisted on Sunday that they needed to see the full report before considering impeachment.

Nadler noted that Mueller's inquiry was "limited in scope and limited to crimes. What Congress has to do is look at a broader picture."

A vow of transparency

While the department has said that a sitting president cannot be indicted, the Mueller report could outline criminal behaviour by Trump that might be the basis for an impeachment effort.

As Washington and the rest of the country nervously awaited word of exactly what Mueller's team had turned up, Barr vowed to congressional leaders that he was "committed to as much transparency as possible."

Neal Katyal, the former Justice Department official who drafted the rules for special counsels, said Barr had no excuse for keeping Mueller's report secret.&nbsp;

"Absolutely nothing in the law or the regulations prevent the report from becoming public," he said in a Washington Post opinion piece.

While pursuing no new indictments, Mueller indicted 34 individuals during the probe, among them six Trump associates, including his former national security advisor Mike Flynn, his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen, and campaign chairman Paul Manafort.

Five of the six have pleaded guilty to the charges against them.

Court filings in those cases painted a broad picture of a cohesive Russian effort via hacking and social media manipulation to swing the election in Trump's favor against Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Mueller, a 74-year-old veteran criminal prosecutor and former FBI chief, investigated not only possible collusion but also whether actions by Trump, including the May 2017 firing of FBI director James Comey, amounted to criminal obstruction of justice.

The investigation has revealed scores of contacts between the campaign and Russians, with members of the team readily talking to the Russians about obtaining dirt on Clinton.

Trump's son Donald Jr. and his son-in-law Jared Kushner had appeared to be possibly vulnerable, particularly because of a Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers clashed sharply on Sunday over the meaning of the newly completed report on Russian meddling, even as they waited to be briefed on its scope and contents.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers clashed sharply on Sunday over the meaning of the newly completed report on Russian meddling, even as they waited to be briefed on its scope and contents. President Donald Trump has yet to receive or be briefed on the findings of the Robert Mueller probe into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia, a spokesman said from the Florida resort where Trump was spending the weekend. The president was continuing a rare silence on Twitter about the matter. Sunday marked his third day with no public comment on the investigation that he has blasted dozens of times as a "witch hunt." Attorney General William Barr, who received the secret report on Friday, is expected to brief key members of Congress sometime Sunday, though no announcement has been made. Trump aides and supporters have seized on word from the Justice Department that the report will recommend no indictments -- news that brought relief to some in Trump's closest circle. Republicans suggested on Sunday that it was time for Democratic lawmakers to drop their own investigations and move on. Doug Collins, the ranking Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, repeated Trump's frequent insistence that "there was no collusion." He told "Fox News Sunday" that once the report comes out, "We can hopefully begin to move on." 'Hardly vindication' But Adam Schiff, the Democrat who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, said on ABC that even if Mueller is recommending no new indictments, "that hardly looks like vindication to me." "We know there was collusion," said another key Democrat, Jerry Nadler, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, speaking on CNN. "Why there's been no indictments, we don't know." The two were part of a chorus of Democratic voices demanding the release of the full Mueller report, not just a summary from Barr, a Trump appointee. Schiff said Congress would first simply request the full release, but was prepared to use its subpoena powers or "prosecute in court, as necessary, to get the information." He added, "We'll win that litigation." Separately, Nadler agreed, saying "it won't be months." Many Democrats hoped the report would provide evidence to support a presidential impeachment and have pressed hard for its full public release. But Schiff and Nadler insisted on Sunday that they needed to see the full report before considering impeachment. Nadler noted that Mueller's inquiry was "limited in scope and limited to crimes. What Congress has to do is look at a broader picture." A vow of transparency While the department has said that a sitting president cannot be indicted, the Mueller report could outline criminal behaviour by Trump that might be the basis for an impeachment effort. As Washington and the rest of the country nervously awaited word of exactly what Mueller's team had turned up, Barr vowed to congressional leaders that he was "committed to as much transparency as possible." Neal Katyal, the former Justice Department official who drafted the rules for special counsels, said Barr had no excuse for keeping Mueller's report secret. "Absolutely nothing in the law or the regulations prevent the report from becoming public," he said in a Washington Post opinion piece. While pursuing no new indictments, Mueller indicted 34 individuals during the probe, among them six Trump associates, including his former national security advisor Mike Flynn, his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen, and campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Five of the six have pleaded guilty to the charges against them. Court filings in those cases painted a broad picture of a cohesive Russian effort via hacking and social media manipulation to swing the election in Trump's favor against Democrat Hillary Clinton. Mueller, a 74-year-old veteran criminal prosecutor and former FBI chief, investigated not only possible collusion but also whether actions by Trump, including the May 2017 firing of FBI director James Comey, amounted to criminal obstruction of justice. The investigation has revealed scores of contacts between the campaign and Russians, with members of the team readily talking to the Russians about obtaining dirt on Clinton. Trump's son Donald Jr. and his son-in-law Jared Kushner had appeared to be possibly vulnerable, particularly because of a Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer.

Mueller's report on Trump-Russia probe: US attorney general to brief key members of Congress

A timeline of the Mueller probe

Veteran Republican consultant <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/roger-stone-indictment-has-nothing-to-do-with-trump-white-house-192791">Roger Stone</a> was arrested in a predawn Florida raid Friday, becoming the sixth campaign associate of President Donald Trump indicted in the investigation into possible collusion with Russia in the 2016 election.

Stone, a renowned political dirty trickster who has consulted with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-campaign-may-also-have-colluded-with-wikileaks-mueller-probe-180140">Trump for four decades</a>, was charged with lying to Congress and obstruction in relation to his contacts with WikiLeaks, whose publication of embarrassing Russian-hacked communications from Democrat Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016 gave a boost to Trump.

Stone was also charged with witness tampering after he allegedly tried to persuade an associate to also lie to Congress to protect him.

The White House stiffly defended Trump, saying the Stone indictment brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who leads the investigation into possible election collusion with Russia in 2016, has no connection to Trump.

"This has nothing to do with the president and certainly nothing to do with the White House," spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told CNN.

Trump's lawyer Jay Sekulow added in a statement that the indictment did not allege Russian collusion by Stone or anyone else.

'Politically motivated'

The dapper 66-year-old was freed on $250,000 bail by a Ft. Lauderdale court where, true to form, his appearance took the form of the political theater he has long been proud of.

Hundreds of reporters thronged him while scores of protesters chanted "lock him up" as he declared his innocence and loyalty to Trump.

"I am falsely accused," he said. "I will plead not guilty to these charges. I will defeat them in court. I believe this is a politically-motivated investigation."&nbsp;

He castigated the heavily-armed 29-man SWAT team that arrested him in the dark at his home, charging that "they terrorized my wife, my dogs."&nbsp;

"The FBI agents were extraordinarily courteous," he added, quipping: "The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about."

Contacts with WikiLeaks

Stone, who launched his career as a campaign aide to Richard Nixon and has a tattoo on his back of the first US president to resign from office, has spent decades advising various US political campaigns.

His association with Trump dates back to 1979, and he was one of the first to enlist when the billionaire real estate magnate launched his run for the presidency in 2015.

Stone left the campaign months later but the indictment filed Friday shows he remained in active communication, providing support and information.

The charges arose from Stone's alleged lies in testimony to the House Intelligence Committee in 2017 involving his communications during the campaign with Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, which published material stolen by Russian hackers from the Clinton campaign.

The indictment said that Stone discussed his communications with Assange with "senior officials " of the campaign who wanted him to obtain information about what WikiLeaks had on Clinton and when it would release it.

Tantalizingly, it says that after WikiLeaks' July 22, 2016 release of stolen Democratic emails, "a senior Trump Campaign official was directed to contact Stone about any additional releases and what other damaging information" WikiLeaks might have on Clinton.

Adam Schiff, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, said that was a key revelation.

"Our committee will be eager to learn just who directed a senior campaign official to contact Stone about additional damaging information held by WikiLeaks, one of the publishing arms of Russian government hackers," Schiff said.

Six Trump associates charged

Stone's arrest brought to 34 the number of individuals indicted in Mueller's sprawling probe into Russian meddling and possible collusion in the 206 election.

Besides Stone, five others were close to Trump and the campaign: &nbsp;chair Paul Manafort, deputy chair Rick Gates, national security advisor Michael Flynn, Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen, and foreign policy advisor George Papadopoulos.

But none has been charged with anything close to conspiracy to collude with Russia, and while the White House remains under pressure from Mueller's team, it is not known what might have on the president himself.

Stone's indictment was long expected, but he has repeatedly echoed Trump's argument that the investigation is a politicized "witch hunt."&nbsp;

"The charges relate in no way to Russian collusion or WikiLeaks collaboration," he said Friday.&nbsp;

He defended Trump as well, calling him a great leader.

"I am one of his oldest friends. I am a fervid supporter of the president," he declared.

"I will not testify against the president, because I would have to bear false witness against him," he added. 
&nbsp;

Veteran Republican consultant Roger Stone was arrested in a predawn Florida raid Friday, becoming the sixth campaign associate of President Donald Trump indicted in the investigation into possible collusion with Russia in the 2016 election.

Veteran Republican consultant Roger Stone was arrested in a predawn Florida raid Friday, becoming the sixth campaign associate of President Donald Trump indicted in the investigation into possible collusion with Russia in the 2016 election. Stone, a renowned political dirty trickster who has consulted with Trump for four decades, was charged with lying to Congress and obstruction in relation to his contacts with WikiLeaks, whose publication of embarrassing Russian-hacked communications from Democrat Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016 gave a boost to Trump. Stone was also charged with witness tampering after he allegedly tried to persuade an associate to also lie to Congress to protect him. The White House stiffly defended Trump, saying the Stone indictment brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who leads the investigation into possible election collusion with Russia in 2016, has no connection to Trump. "This has nothing to do with the president and certainly nothing to do with the White House," spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told CNN. Trump's lawyer Jay Sekulow added in a statement that the indictment did not allege Russian collusion by Stone or anyone else. 'Politically motivated' The dapper 66-year-old was freed on $250,000 bail by a Ft. Lauderdale court where, true to form, his appearance took the form of the political theater he has long been proud of. Hundreds of reporters thronged him while scores of protesters chanted "lock him up" as he declared his innocence and loyalty to Trump. "I am falsely accused," he said. "I will plead not guilty to these charges. I will defeat them in court. I believe this is a politically-motivated investigation." He castigated the heavily-armed 29-man SWAT team that arrested him in the dark at his home, charging that "they terrorized my wife, my dogs." "The FBI agents were extraordinarily courteous," he added, quipping: "The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about." Contacts with WikiLeaks Stone, who launched his career as a campaign aide to Richard Nixon and has a tattoo on his back of the first US president to resign from office, has spent decades advising various US political campaigns. His association with Trump dates back to 1979, and he was one of the first to enlist when the billionaire real estate magnate launched his run for the presidency in 2015. Stone left the campaign months later but the indictment filed Friday shows he remained in active communication, providing support and information. The charges arose from Stone's alleged lies in testimony to the House Intelligence Committee in 2017 involving his communications during the campaign with Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, which published material stolen by Russian hackers from the Clinton campaign. The indictment said that Stone discussed his communications with Assange with "senior officials " of the campaign who wanted him to obtain information about what WikiLeaks had on Clinton and when it would release it. Tantalizingly, it says that after WikiLeaks' July 22, 2016 release of stolen Democratic emails, "a senior Trump Campaign official was directed to contact Stone about any additional releases and what other damaging information" WikiLeaks might have on Clinton. Adam Schiff, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, said that was a key revelation. "Our committee will be eager to learn just who directed a senior campaign official to contact Stone about additional damaging information held by WikiLeaks, one of the publishing arms of Russian government hackers," Schiff said. Six Trump associates charged Stone's arrest brought to 34 the number of individuals indicted in Mueller's sprawling probe into Russian meddling and possible collusion in the 206 election. Besides Stone, five others were close to Trump and the campaign: chair Paul Manafort, deputy chair Rick Gates, national security advisor Michael Flynn, Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen, and foreign policy advisor George Papadopoulos. But none has been charged with anything close to conspiracy to collude with Russia, and while the White House remains under pressure from Mueller's team, it is not known what might have on the president himself. Stone's indictment was long expected, but he has repeatedly echoed Trump's argument that the investigation is a politicized "witch hunt." "The charges relate in no way to Russian collusion or WikiLeaks collaboration," he said Friday. He defended Trump as well, calling him a great leader. "I am one of his oldest friends. I am a fervid supporter of the president," he declared. "I will not testify against the president, because I would have to bear false witness against him," he added.

Trump's former advisor Roger Stone freed on $250,000 bail by court

US President Donald Trump on Saturday renewed his call to end a federal <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-once-again-calls-for-end-to-mueller-probe-153916">probe into Russian election meddling</a>, describing the investigation as a "witch hunt" a day after US prosecutors detailed a previously unknown attempt by a Russian to help his 2016 presidential election campaign.

"Time for the Witch Hunt to END!" Trump said in a message on Twitter. His tweet also quoted television host Geraldo Rivera, a Trump friend, dismissing any claim of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia as "collusion illusion".

It was the president's second tweet of the day about US Special Counsel <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-to-give-details-on-russia-probe-with-filings-on-former-trump-aides-182164">Robert Mueller</a>'s ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sends-written-responses-to-robert-mueller-in-russia-probe-178500">Trump</a>'s campaign colluded with Russia. Russia denies meddling allegations.

"After two years and millions of pages of documents (and a cost of over $30 million) no collusion!" Trump tweeted earlier on Saturday.

Democrats and other Trump critics fear that newly appointed acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, a Trump loyalist, could fire Mueller or undermine the investigation by cutting off its funding. Prominent Republicans in Congress insist that there is no danger of interference.

Trump said on Friday that he would nominate former Attorney General William Barr to the nation’s top law enforcement job. But with the current session of Congress set to end soon, Barr may have to wait until well into 2019 to be confirmed by the Senate.

In a court filing on Friday, US prosecutors said Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, told them he was approached in November 2015 by an unnamed Russian claiming to be a "'trusted person' in the Russian Federation". The filing said the contact occurred during discussions about a possible hotel bearing Trump's name in Moscow.

Cohen is to be sentenced next week for campaign finance violations, financial crimes and lying to Congress about Trump's business dealings in Russia. Prosecutors are seeking a substantial prison sentence.

Trump current lawyer, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, took aim at Cohen in a Saturday tweet, saying that federal prosecutors in New York are seeking a prison sentence for Cohen "because as we have said he's still lying."

Friday's court filing said the Russian national who approached Cohen offered "synergy on a government level" with the Trump campaign in pushing for a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that Cohen said he did not follow up.

Mueller said in a separate court filing that discussions about a potential Trump hotel in Moscow were relevant to his investigation, because they occurred "at a time of sustained efforts by the Russian government to interfere with the US presidential election."

In a separate federal court filing on Friday, Mueller's office said Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, lied to investigators about his interactions with a Russian tied to Russian intelligence services.

That filing detailed why Mueller's office last week retracted a plea agreement with Manafort. He pleaded guilty in September to two conspiracy charges and agreed to cooperate with investigators in hopes of a lighter sentence.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday renewed his call to end a federal probe into Russian election meddling, describing the investigation as a "witch hunt" a day after US prosecutors detailed a previously unknown attempt by a Russian to help his 2016 presidential election campaign.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday renewed his call to end a federal probe into Russian election meddling, describing the investigation as a "witch hunt" a day after US prosecutors detailed a previously unknown attempt by a Russian to help his 2016 presidential election campaign. "Time for the Witch Hunt to END!" Trump said in a message on Twitter. His tweet also quoted television host Geraldo Rivera, a Trump friend, dismissing any claim of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia as "collusion illusion". It was the president's second tweet of the day about US Special Counsel Robert Mueller's ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether Trump's campaign colluded with Russia. Russia denies meddling allegations. "After two years and millions of pages of documents (and a cost of over $30 million) no collusion!" Trump tweeted earlier on Saturday. Democrats and other Trump critics fear that newly appointed acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, a Trump loyalist, could fire Mueller or undermine the investigation by cutting off its funding. Prominent Republicans in Congress insist that there is no danger of interference. Trump said on Friday that he would nominate former Attorney General William Barr to the nation’s top law enforcement job. But with the current session of Congress set to end soon, Barr may have to wait until well into 2019 to be confirmed by the Senate. In a court filing on Friday, US prosecutors said Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, told them he was approached in November 2015 by an unnamed Russian claiming to be a "'trusted person' in the Russian Federation". The filing said the contact occurred during discussions about a possible hotel bearing Trump's name in Moscow. Cohen is to be sentenced next week for campaign finance violations, financial crimes and lying to Congress about Trump's business dealings in Russia. Prosecutors are seeking a substantial prison sentence. Trump current lawyer, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, took aim at Cohen in a Saturday tweet, saying that federal prosecutors in New York are seeking a prison sentence for Cohen "because as we have said he's still lying." Friday's court filing said the Russian national who approached Cohen offered "synergy on a government level" with the Trump campaign in pushing for a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that Cohen said he did not follow up. Mueller said in a separate court filing that discussions about a potential Trump hotel in Moscow were relevant to his investigation, because they occurred "at a time of sustained efforts by the Russian government to interfere with the US presidential election." In a separate federal court filing on Friday, Mueller's office said Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, lied to investigators about his interactions with a Russian tied to Russian intelligence services. That filing detailed why Mueller's office last week retracted a plea agreement with Manafort. He pleaded guilty in September to two conspiracy charges and agreed to cooperate with investigators in hopes of a lighter sentence.

Trump calls for end to Mueller probe despite Russian campaign bid findings

President Donald Trump said in an interview aired on Sunday he would not intervene if Matthew Whitaker, his acting US attorney general, moved to curtail Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

In an interview with the "Fox News Sunday" program taped on Friday, Trump also said he probably would not agree to a sit-down interview with Mueller, who also is investigating whether the Republican president`s campaign conspired with Moscow and whether Trump has unlawfully sought to obstruct the probe.

Whitaker took over supervision of Mueller`s investigation on November 7 after Trump appointed him as the chief US law enforcement official to replace Jeff Sessions, who the president ousted. Whitaker, who Democrats have called a Trump "political lackey," in the past criticized the scope of the Mueller probe and brought up the possibility of undermining it by slashing Mueller`s funding.

Trump, in the interview, said he was unaware of Whitaker`s past statements about Mueller`s probe and that he would "not get involved" if Whitaker moved to curtail it.

"It`s going to be up to him," Trump said told "Fox News Sunday" interviewer Chris Wallace. "I think he`s very well aware politically. I think he`s astute politically. ... He`s going to do what`s right."

Trump has denied any collusion with Moscow and has called the Mueller investigation a "witch hunt." Russia also has denied collusion.

"There is no collusion, he happened to be right," Trump said, referring to one of Whitaker`s previous statements.

Mueller has brought charges against a series of former Trump aides, including his former campaign chairman and his former national security adviser, as well as a number of Russian individuals and entities. Congressional critics have voiced concern that Whitaker could hamper or even fire Mueller.

A bipartisan group of US senators renewed a push last week for legislation to protect the special counsel, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, opposes it. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who will likely lead the Senate panel overseeing the Justice Department next year, met with Whitaker last week and expressed confidence Russia probe would continue.

'The rule of law'

Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, said Democrats will not stand for any effort by Whitaker to curb Mueller`s probe.

"We will expose any involvement he has in it," Schiff, referring to Whitaker, told ABC`s "This Week" program," accusing Trump of appointing Whitaker in order to interfere with the investigation. "This is an attack on the rule of law."

Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday he had "very easily" completed his written answers for Mueller`s investigation. In his "Fox News Sunday" comments, he signaled he had no plans to do a face-to-face interview with Mueller`s team.

Trump and his lawyers had been in negotiations with Mueller`s team for months over how the president would be questioned as part of the investigation.

Wallace asked Trump whether it was his final position that he would not do a sit-down interview and would not give written responses to questions relating to obstruction of justice.

"I think we`ve wasted enough time on this witch hunt and the answer is probably, we`re finished," Trump said, though he added "I can change my mind."

"We gave very, very complete answers to a lot of questions that I shouldn`t have even been asked, and I think that should solve the problem," Trump added.

President Donald Trump said in an interview aired on Sunday he would not intervene if Matthew Whitaker, his acting US attorney general, moved to curtail Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

President Donald Trump said in an interview aired on Sunday he would not intervene if Matthew Whitaker, his acting US attorney general, moved to curtail Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. In an interview with the "Fox News Sunday" program taped on Friday, Trump also said he probably would not agree to a sit-down interview with Mueller, who also is investigating whether the Republican president`s campaign conspired with Moscow and whether Trump has unlawfully sought to obstruct the probe. Whitaker took over supervision of Mueller`s investigation on November 7 after Trump appointed him as the chief US law enforcement official to replace Jeff Sessions, who the president ousted. Whitaker, who Democrats have called a Trump "political lackey," in the past criticized the scope of the Mueller probe and brought up the possibility of undermining it by slashing Mueller`s funding. Trump, in the interview, said he was unaware of Whitaker`s past statements about Mueller`s probe and that he would "not get involved" if Whitaker moved to curtail it. "It`s going to be up to him," Trump said told "Fox News Sunday" interviewer Chris Wallace. "I think he`s very well aware politically. I think he`s astute politically. ... He`s going to do what`s right." Trump has denied any collusion with Moscow and has called the Mueller investigation a "witch hunt." Russia also has denied collusion. "There is no collusion, he happened to be right," Trump said, referring to one of Whitaker`s previous statements. Mueller has brought charges against a series of former Trump aides, including his former campaign chairman and his former national security adviser, as well as a number of Russian individuals and entities. Congressional critics have voiced concern that Whitaker could hamper or even fire Mueller. A bipartisan group of US senators renewed a push last week for legislation to protect the special counsel, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, opposes it. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who will likely lead the Senate panel overseeing the Justice Department next year, met with Whitaker last week and expressed confidence Russia probe would continue. 'The rule of law' Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, said Democrats will not stand for any effort by Whitaker to curb Mueller`s probe. "We will expose any involvement he has in it," Schiff, referring to Whitaker, told ABC`s "This Week" program," accusing Trump of appointing Whitaker in order to interfere with the investigation. "This is an attack on the rule of law." Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday he had "very easily" completed his written answers for Mueller`s investigation. In his "Fox News Sunday" comments, he signaled he had no plans to do a face-to-face interview with Mueller`s team. Trump and his lawyers had been in negotiations with Mueller`s team for months over how the president would be questioned as part of the investigation. Wallace asked Trump whether it was his final position that he would not do a sit-down interview and would not give written responses to questions relating to obstruction of justice. "I think we`ve wasted enough time on this witch hunt and the answer is probably, we`re finished," Trump said, though he added "I can change my mind." "We gave very, very complete answers to a lot of questions that I shouldn`t have even been asked, and I think that should solve the problem," Trump added.

Trump would not intervene if Whitaker moves to curtail Mueller probe

US President Donald Trump said he was still willing to be interviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller, refraining from criticism of his Russia election meddling probe.

&quot;I would like to,&quot; Trump told reporters when asked about the interview, which is fraught with danger for the president and expected to come within weeks.

The comment came after the head of Trump&#39;s legal team, John Dowd, resigned.

US President Donald Trump said he was still willing to be interviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller, refraining from criticism of his Russia election meddling probe

US President Donald Trump said he was still willing to be interviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller, refraining from criticism of his Russia election meddling probe. "I would like to," Trump told reporters when asked about the interview, which is fraught with danger for the president and expected to come within weeks. The comment came after the head of Trump's legal team, John Dowd, resigned.

Trump says still willing to talk to Mueller in Russia probe

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