Trump is really trying to get out of meeting with Mueller

Donald Trump is said to be exploring all options to avoid a face-to-face meeting with special counsel Robert Mueller, as the investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia gains momentum.

According to sources speaking to NBC, the president’s team of lawyers, anticipating a request from Mueller’s team, is assessing all Trump’s options, including the possibility of avoiding a direct interview entirely.

Trump’s lawyers have proposed two other options. The first is an affidavit signed by the president affirming he was innocent of any wrongdoing and denying any collusion. The second is to have the president submit his answers in writing.

Trump’s team reportedly began discussing this situation in the wake of Paul Manafort’s indictment in October, and met with Mueller’s team in late December to discuss what might happen. Trump’s former campaign manager was indicted on several counts of fraud, money laundering and conspiracy against the U.S.

Discussions between Trump’s and Mueller’s teams are described as “preliminary and ongoing” and relate to whether the interview will happen, its legal status, as well as its location, duration, and format.

Despite Trump’s efforts to avoid sitting down with Mueller, some suspect the special prosecutor will push for a face-to-face meeting. “Prosecutors want to see and hear folks in person,” Chuck Rosenberg, the chief of staff to former FBI Director James Comey, told NBC. “They want to probe and follow up. Body language and tone are important.”

Laurence Tribe, a professor of constitutional law at Harvard Law School, said if Trump attempts to avoid a direct interview, “that’ll be the ‘tell’ heard ‘round the world.”