Trump says White House counsel McGahn soon leaving

[WASHINGTON] Donald Trump said Wednesday that White House counsel Don McGahn would soon be leaving his post, as Special Counsel Robert Mueller - who is leading the Russia election interference probe - closes in on the US president's inner circle.

"White House Counsel Don McGahn will be leaving his position in the fall, shortly after the confirmation (hopefully) of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court," Mr Trump announced on Twitter.

"I have worked with Don for a long time and truly appreciate his service!" he added, without offering any reason why McGahn was leaving.

Earlier this month, The New York Times reported that McGahn had "cooperated extensively" with Mueller's team, taking part in at least three interviews with investigators totaling 30 hours.

Mr Trump said he had authorized his team to cooperate with investigators, but speculation rose about what McGahn might have specifically said about whether the Republican leader sought to obstruct justice.

AFP