President Donald Trump said he's chosen to stay out of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, but claims he is "totally allowed" to be involved in the probe and could even "run it," NBC News reported.
"I've decided to stay out," he said. "Now, I don't have to stay out. I can go in and I could do whatever. I could run it if I want."
The comments were part of an interview with Reuters published Monday, in which the president voiced worry over any statements he provides to Mueller being used to bring perjury charges against him. He said he feared investigators could compare his statements with others who have testified and use any discrepancies against him. He pointed to former FBI Director James Comey as an example.
"So if I say something and he [Comey] says something, and its my word against his, and hes best friends with Mueller, so Mueller might say: 'Well, I believe Comey,' and even if Im telling the truth, that makes me a liar. Thats no good," Trump told Reuters.
It's unclear whether Trump could actually "run" the investigation, but experts say he can likely fire Mueller.
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USA Today
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