Trump is not considered a criminal target in Mueller inquiry

Special counsel informs US president’s lawyers of his designation in the investigation

US president Donald Trump speaks at a news conference  in the  White House in Washington, DC, on  April 3rd. Photograph: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
US president Donald Trump speaks at a news conference in the White House in Washington, DC, on April 3rd. Photograph: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

Special counsel Robert Mueller has informed Donald Trump's lawyers that the US president is not currently considered a criminal target in Mueller's Russia investigation.

A source said Mr Trump is considered a subject of Mueller’s inquiry, not a target.

A subject is typically someone whose conduct is of interest to investigators but for whom there is not enough evidence to bring charges. The designation could change at any time.

The development was first reported by the Washington Post.

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The source said Mr Mueller told Mr Trump’s lawyers about the president’s designation as prosecutors and the president’s legal team negotiated the terms of an interview with him. – PA