Analysis: With Nunes memo release, Trump barrels toward showdown with Mueller

David Jackson and Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY  Feb. 2, 2018

President Donald Trump says a newly declassified GOP memo alleging FBI abuses shows, "a lot of people should be ashamed of themselves." (Feb. 2) AP

WASHINGTON — President Trump is hurtling toward a potential showdown with special counsel Robert Mueller over the Russia investigation, and he has some decisions to make.

After approving Friday's release of a disputed memo written by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes over the objections of his own FBI director and intelligence community, Trump's next moves will be critical for the ongoing federal investigation into Russia's election interference and possible collusion with Trump associates. 

The president is also under investigation by Mueller for possible obstruction of justice in the Russia probe – and any further attempt to wrest control of the probe threatens to unleash a political crisis.

Some possible flashpoints would include: 

► Dismissing Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who is overseeing the special counsel's investigation; 

► Seeking a way to fire Mueller himself; 

► Refusing to cooperate with Mueller's investigators, who are seeking an interview with the president. 

One thing seems clear: The president and his allies are already laying the groundwork to cast doubt on the Russia investigation – especially if Mueller makes a formal accusation about Trump. 

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