Trump says Mueller ‘must’ stick to report’s findings during testimony

President Trump said Tuesday that former special counsel Robert Mueller “must” stick to his report’s findings when he testifies to Congress about his probe into Russia’s election interference and possible obstruction by Trump.

“Robert Mueller is being asked to testify yet again. He said he could only stick to the Report, & that is what he would and must do,” the president tweeted.

“After so much testimony & total transparency, this Witch Hunt must now end,” he continued. “No more Do Overs. No Collusion, No Obstruction. The Great Hoax is dead!”

Robert Mueller is being asked to testify yet again. He said he could only stick to the Report, & that is what he would and must do. After so much testimony & total transparency, this Witch Hunt must now end. No more Do Overs. No Collusion, No Obstruction. The Great Hoax is dead!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 2, 2019

Trump’s legal team said last week the White House is not planning to take any steps to block or limit Mueller’s testimony. Rather, the president’s tweet appears to be a warning shot to Mueller ahead of his July 17 appearance before Congress.

{mosads}The House Judiciary and Intelligence committee hearings will mark the first time the former special counsel is answering questions about the nearly two year investigation, creating a major public spectacle surrounding the probe that Trump’s team has sought to move past.

Trump’s lawyers have attempted to set limits around Mueller’s testimony, perhaps laying the groundwork for future attacks if he exceeds them. Trump’s personal attorney Jay Sekulow said on CNN last Wednesday that it “certainly would be inappropriate” for Mueller to offer a “new revelation” to lawmakers.

Mueller’s report detailed a widespread effort by the Russian government to interfere in the 2016 presidential election on Trump’s behalf. It also laid out 10 instances of possible obstruction of justice by Trump, but did not arrive at a conclusion about whether he violated the law.

Attorney General William Barr later decided not to press charges against the president.

Democratic lawmakers are expected to pepper Mueller with questions about his decision not to recommend charges against Trump, specifically his citation of a Justice Department policy stating a sitting president should not be indicted.

Updated 11:20 a.m.