The Only Thing That’s Clear Is the White House Planted This Story. Why?Â
President Donald Trump, through his attorney, has been sending messages of appreciation back and forth to special counsel Robert Mueller. USA Today reports Trump’s chief counsel John Dowd (photo), in an interview with the paper, said there is nothing improper about the communications.
“The president has sent messages back and forth,” Dowd told USA Today. “He appreciates what Bob Mueller is doing,” he added. “He asked me to share that with him and that’s what I’ve done.”
It’s unclear if Mueller responded, or if someone from his office responded, if if no one responded.
Dowd also says, “We get along well with Bob Mueller; our communications have been constructive.”
“But it is important that our communications remain confidential. It’s important that there not be any breakdown in that trust.”
The real question here is not why is Trump reaching out to Mueller, and why is Mueller responding – although those are good questions and Americans should be asking them.
The real question though is, why is Trump and his team encouraging Dowd to give an interview to USA Today, and why are they instructing him to share this information?
Trump’s attorney’s remarks are a strong departure from Trump’s attacks on the investigation and Mueller:
Dowd, surprisingly, also says Trump has not even considered firing Mueller, which seems false.
“That’s never been on the table, never,’’ Dowd said of the possibility Trump might try to remove the special counsel. “It’s a manifestation of the media. My dealings with Bob Mueller have always been cordial, respectful — the way it should be.”
While Trump and some of his aides have criticized Mueller and his operation, they also said there is no sign that the president himself is under investigation.Â
Is this an amateurish attempt to discredit Mueller? Portray him as soft so Democrats are OK with him being replaced.
The only thing that’s clear is the White House planted this story.
Why?Â
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