The special counsel appointed to overseeing the probe into Russian influence over the 2016 US presidential election is now investigating Donald Trump for possible obstruction of justice.

The major decision to change the focus of the investigation from Russia to Trump came after trump fired FBI director James Comey on 9 May.  Prior to that, Trump had repeatedly pestered Comey for assurances that he was not under personal investigation.  Comey has since suggested that Trump attempted to pressure him to shut down the investigation into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn's contacts with the Russians.

The Washington Post and New York Times both reported that special counsel Robert Mueller is seeking interviews with current and recently resigned top intelligence officials.  Three have reportedly agreed to to be interviewed:  Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, National Security Agency head Mike Rogers, and Richard Ledgett who was until recently deputy to Mr. Rogers.

Trump has repeatedly denied any collusion with Russia, and has described the ongoing inquiry as a "witch hunt".