Trump sent list of 48 questions to answer about ‘election collusion with Kremlin’

Questioned: Donald Trump has at least 48 questions to answer on 'election collusion with Kremlin'
EPA
David Gardner1 May 2018

Special Counsel Robert Mueller has sent Donald Trump’s lawyers at least 48 questions he wants to ask the US president in connection with his Russia investigation.

One key area involves claims that Mr Trump could have obstructed the probe into alleged links between his 2016 election campaign and Moscow.

The list of questions deals with the president’s decision to fire FBI Director James Comey and National Security Adviser Mike Flynn, and with a meeting before the election between his son, Donald Jr, and a Russian lawyer allegedly offering dirt on Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

“When did you become aware of the Trump Tower meeting?” Mr Mueller intends to ask.

The key points for President Trump  

When did you become aware of the Trump Tower meeting? 

Regarding the decision to fire Mr Comey: When was it made? Why? Who played a role?

What did you know about phone calls that Mr Flynn made with the Russian ambassador in late December 2016?

What efforts were made to reach out to Mr Flynn about seeking immunity or possible pardon

What discussions did you have on terminating the special counsel, and what did you do when that was reported in January 2018?

There are also a number of questions about Attorney General Jeff Sessions’s decision to remove himself from the investigation, which led to the appointment of the Special Counsel.

One question directly asks Mr Trump: “During the [election] campaign, what did you know about Russian hacking, use of social media or other acts aimed at the campaign?”

Referring to former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who has denied money laundering charges, investigators want to know: “What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign?”

It is unclear whether Mr Mueller has proof of links between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin. Mr Trump has denied there was any collusion.

Although the president has said his business dealings are beyond the scope of the inquiry, Mr Mueller touches on his property empire and, in particular, a Moscow real estate opportunity.

The questions — obtained by the New York Times — were provided to the president’s legal team in advance of a proposed meeting, which Mr Mueller has been trying to arrange for months.

A spokesman for his office was unavailable to comment.

Mr Trump’s lawyers are said to be concerned that he could provide false statements to investigators. Four people, including Mr Flynn, have pleaded guilty to lying to the inquiry.

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