Barr: Mueller shouldn't 'subject himself' to testimony before Congress

WASHINGTON – Attorney General William Barr said Monday that he doesn't believe former special counsel Robert Mueller should have to "subject himself" to testifying before Congress about the Russia investigation.

During an interview with the Associated Press, Barr accused Democrats of trying to create a “public spectacle” by interviewing Mueller.

“I’m not sure what purpose is served by dragging him up there and trying to grill him,” Barr told the AP. “I don’t think Mueller should be treated that way or subject himself to that, if he doesn’t want to.”

Muller is testifying in open session before the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees on July 17. The former special counsel has given no indication that he will not appear as planned to testify.

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House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., subpoenaed Mueller late last month and Mueller agreed to comply with the subpoena.

Several current and former Trump officials, including Barr and former White House counsel Don McGahn, have been subpoenaed by House lawmakers. However, the White House has blocked them from providing testimony. Mueller is no longer an employee of the Justice Department after resigning as special counsel in May.

Mueller made a rare public statement on his findings in the Russia probe in May, when he said that he and his team of investigators and prosecutors did not clear Trump of criminal wrongdoing with regard to obstruction of justice and laid out why he concluded could not bring charges against the president.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Barr: Mueller shouldn't 'subject himself' to testimony before Congress