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Robert Mueller 'seeks records relating to Donald Trump's actions in office'

Robert Mueller and James Comey - AP
Robert Mueller and James Comey - AP

Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Russian interference in the US presidential election, has reportedly requested extensive records from the White House.

The requests included documents relating to President Donald Trump's firing of James Comey as FBI Director, and the dismissal of Michael Flynn as his national security adviser, according to the New York Times.

Mr Mueller was also said to be looking for information relating to an Oval Office meeting between Mr Trump, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, and the Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak.

Trump - Credit: AFP
President Donald Trump Credit: AFP

The special counsel has also asked the White House to turn over documents connected to the Trump administration's response after it emerged several senior figures in the campaign met with a Russian lawyer at Trump Tower in June 2016.

The development showed Mr Mueller's investigation is examining Mr Trump's actions in office.

According to the New York Times Mr Mueller has told the White House there are 13 separate subjects he wants more information on. White House lawyers have been searching to see if there are emails or documents that they can provide.

They have told Mr Mueller many of the documents that have been collated will be handed over later this week, the New York Times reported.

Mr Comey was leading the investigation into Russian electoral interference when he was fired by Mr Trump in May, which led to the appointment of  Mr Mueller as special counsel

Opponents of Mr Trump have claimed the firing of Mr Comey was an attempt to obstruct justice.

Mr Flynn was fired after it emerged he had been misleading about contacts he had with Mr Kislyak.

Ty Cobb, the lawyer hired by Mr Trump to provide relevant documents to Mr Mueller's team, told the New York Times: "We can’t comment on any specific requests being made or our conversations with the special counsel."

Mr Mueller has previously indicated to the White House that he may interview six of the president's closest present and past advisers.

Those Mr Mueller has suggested he probably wants to speak to include former press secretary Sean Spicer, former chief of staff Reince Priebus, and Mr Trump's trusted long-time aide Hope Hicks.

He was said to believe they may have been witness to events and discussions that he is investigating, including the decision to fire Mr Comey.