Donald Trump has long fumed over the talk his campaign colluded with Russia.  It’s often an comes in an ALL CAPS TWEET.  “NO COLLUSION!”  But what if the special counsel was taking a different approach?

Axios is reporting this morning that Robert Mueller may be focusing on events that have happened since the election:

  • The top two topics that Mueller has expressed interest in so far: the firings of FBI director James Comey and national security adviser Michael Flynn.
  • That suggests a focus on obstruction of justice while in office, rather than collusion with Russia during the campaign.
  • But both sagas are interwoven with Russia: Trump himself has linked Comey’s firing to Russia, and Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about conversations with the Russian ambassador during the transition.

Lawyers for Trump and Mueller are working out details of an interview with the President.  Over the weekend, Trump called out Mueller by name for the first time.

But by Sunday night, Trump’s lawyer, Ty Cobb,  extended what appeared to be a peace offering, releasing this statement:

“In response to media speculation and related questions being posed to the Administration, the White House yet again confirms that the President is not considering or discussing the firing of the Special Counsel, Robert Mueller.”

But don’t be lulled into a sense of normalcy.  Monday morning, Trump was back on the attack with another tweet:

“A total WITCH HUNT with massive conflicts of interest!”