Russia investigation: Donald Trump says he 'would like to' testify for Robert Mueller

Donald Trump has said he “would like to” testify as part of the ongoing probe into whether Trump campaign advisers colluded with the Russian government during the 2016 presidential election.

“Yes, I would like to,” Mr Trump told reporters at the White House after being asked if he would submit to questioning from Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is leading the investigation.

The President’s comments came after his lead personal attorney, John Dowd, resigned.

Mr Dowd’s strategy for cooperating with Mr Mueller’s investigation was becoming increasingly at odds with the President’s desire to be more aggressive toward the probe, the New York Times reported.

The president has publicly said multiple times that he was willing to be questioned by the special counsel’s office. But Mr Dowd reportedly advised against such an interview.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Mr Trump said in January when asked about an interview. “I would do it under oath.”

Mr Mueller’s team has reportedly sent a list of questions to Mr Trump’s lawyers that may come up in a possible interview.

A meeting with Mr Mueller could pose serious risks for Mr Trump, as it would expose him to questions over some of his most controversial actions as president, including his possible obstruction of justice.

Even if he has nothing to hide, Mr Trump has demonstrated a willingness to bend the truth – a quality that could cause headaches for his legal team over the president’s sit-down with Mr Mueller.

In recent days, Mr Trump has begun directly attacking Mr Mueller, after saying for the past year that the Russia probe is a “witch hunt”. The President has repeatedly denied allegations of collusion.

“Why does the Mueller team have 13 hardened Democrats, some big Crooked Hillary supporters, and Zero Republicans?” Mr Trump wrote on Twitter. “Another Dem recently added...does anyone think this is fair? And yet, there is NO COLLUSION!”