President Donald Trump is officially being investigated over alleged obstruction of justice. Investigators are looking into ties between Trump's presidential campaign and Russia, and potential financial crimes by Trump associates. The investigation is being led by special counsel Robert Mueller.
From the beginning of the investigation into the relationship between Russia and Trump, Former FBI Director James Comey was not looking into Trump's involvement, however, unnamed officials noted that this changed shortly after Trump fired Comey.
Comey believes that he was fired to undermine the agency's Russia probe.
Executive privilege is a concern as it could compromise this investigation, and it will be interesting to see whether the White House will advise Dan Coats, Adm. Michael Rogers, and Richard Ledgett to invoke executive privilege when asked to discuss their conversations with Trump, with Robert Mueller. Looking back in history during the Watergate scandal, officials were unable to use executive privilege to withhold evidence in criminal investigation, the Senate ruled.
The term impeachment may make a comeback due to this investigation, especially if Trump is guilty for obstruction of justice. However, it is unlikely a sitting president to face criminal prosecution, and in any case the impeachment process must be approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, which is controlled by Trump's Republicans.
Please check back to our blog for updates as this investigation progresses.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.