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Trump's Team Thinks It's Time To Lawyer Up

by Celia Darrough
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President Trump's inner circle is getting worried. According to sources who spoke to The New York Times, Trump's aides, advisers, and other associates are recommending that the president lawyer up, and soon. Numerous people reportedly want President Trump to hire an outside lawyer to handle the constant crash of allegations against him. And it seems like he's listening.

The Times reported Trump is likely going to select a personal lawyer to defend him against the accusations that he and his campaign allegedly colluded with Russia during the 2016 election season. Trump has repeatedly denied these allegations, going so far as to call the appointment of a special counsel for the investigation the "single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history."

But, clearly, he and his team are worried. Trump is currently represented by White House Counsel Don McGahn, as well as his personal lawyer Michael Cohen, who himself is embroiled in the Russia controversy. Cohen is also reportedly being looked at by the FBI for possible ties to Russia, though he has denied any such connections. The unverified dossier leaked earlier in the year alleges Cohen met with a Russian official to talk about Russia hacking Democratic targets, but both Cohen and the Russian official named have denied the claims. Cohen is also alleged to have been involved in a plan to help lift sanctions on Russia.

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It is easy to see, then, why Trump might need a different lawyer. Respected former FBI Director Robert Mueller has been selected as special counsel to oversee the investigation into any ties between Russia and the Trump campaign, and if Trump's own personal lawyer is part of those being investigated, a new one who isn't involved is necessary.

Trump has denied any collusion with Russia, but he seems to be continuing to devolve on Twitter since Mueller's selection was announced. "With all of the illegal acts that took place in the Clinton campaign & Obama Administration, there was never a special counsel appointed!" he tweeted Thursday.

With the reporting on the Comey memo, which alleged that Trump asked then-FBI Director James Comey to end the investigation into Gen. Michael Flynn's ties to Russia before eventually firing him, the controversy has become more intense than ever. Comey has been called to testify to the Senate, and as more information is discovered on Trump's campaign and Russia, some are saying he's closer to impeachment than ever. Clearly, Trump's team is aware.