President Donald Trump reportedly asked Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein if he was “on my team” last month during a conversation in which he also asked for details about the investigation into Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election.
Mr Trump, according to CNN, pressed Mr Rosenstein about where special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation was heading. The investigation has reportedly widened over the past year, and Mr Mueller’s team has already indicted at least four individuals associated with Mr Trump’s 2016 campaign.
Mr Rosenstein appointed Mr Mueller to run the investigation last year after Mr Trump fired former FBI Director James Comey.
Mr Comey and his intelligence agency were in charge of the Russia investigation at the time he was fired.
The news that Mr Trump reportedly wanted to know if he could count on Mr Rosenstein is the latest example of the President asking for loyalty from top ranking government officials. He reportedly also asked for Mr Comey’s loyalty early in his presidency, and asked that Attorney General Jeff Sessions to protect him.
Mr Rosenstein was asked about his allegiance during a visit to the White House to speak with Mr Trump about how to fight back against document requests from Rep Devin Nunes and the House Intelligence Committee, according to CNN.
“Of course, we're all on your team, Mr. President,” Mr Rosenstein reportedly responded when asked.
Mr Mueller’s investigation has filed charges against four individuals connected to Mr Trump, including his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and his former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Mr Manafort has pleaded not guilty to his charges, while Mr Flynn has pleaded guilty to his.
