Though Rosenstein did not explain what prompted the statement, many political observers connected it to recent reports that special counsel Robert Mueller, who is leading the DOJ investigation into Russian election meddling, is also investigating whether Trump attempted to obstruct justice.
The message was widely read as confirming a probe of Trump by the special counsel investigating Russia's meddling in the 2016 USA election.
After Comey's testimony, Trump said he had been vindicated because his former FBI director confirmed telling Trump on three occasions that he was not under investigation. "Witch Hunt", Trump said in an early morning tweet.
"After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my "collusion with the Russians", nobody has been able to show any proof".
Notably, James Comey, who was sacked by Trump last month, publicly testified this month that Trump had told him to ease off on his former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who was under the FBI investigation for his Russian links. Rosenstein then appointed Mueller, a former Federal Bureau of Investigation director, to investigate Trump.
While not specifically citing the Russian Federation probe, the statement was issued as The Washington Post published an anonymously sourced report claiming another significant development in the Mueller investigation.
Comey said he typed notes describing the conversations because he was anxious Trump "might lie" later about them.
Donald Trump Plans To Announce New Restrictions On Cuba Trade And Travel
Travelers would be subject to Treasury Department scrutiny of their trip and could face fines if it did not comply with rules. He re-established diplomatic relations with Havana in 2015 and loosened some restrictions on doing business in the country.
President Donald Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, June 15, 2017, during an event on Apprenticeship and Workforce of Tomorrow initiatives. Though Mr Pence was not involved in Mr Trump's presidential campaign, he may be called as a witness in the investigation into links between the Trump campaign team and Russian Federation.
"I can go around them", Trump also wrote. Investigators have also been looking for any evidence of possible financial crimes among Trump associates, officials said.
"Regulations way down, jobs and enthusiasm way up!" said the US President in another tweet. Trump has repeatedly complained about the probe, saying Democrats can not accept his election win.
Mark Corallo, a spokesman for Trump's personal lawyer, responded Wednesday evening to the Post report by saying: "The FBI leak of information regarding the president is outrageous, inexcusable and illegal". The latest reports suggest that Trump considered the possibility, though his aides managed to talk him out of it.
Moscow has denied any interference and the White House has denied any collusion.
The memos direct former staffers to prevent the automatic deletion of any records and former Trump transition officials are asked to send in materials to the Trump transition team.
Trump's strategy for tweeting about what has become an obstruction of justice investigation focused on him is unclear.
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