In a highly unusual policy for a US president, Trump has repeatedly attacked the Justice Department and the FBI, claiming that they are biased against him. The New York Times and Washington Post reports were based on secret memos by a former FBI director. Amid ever deepening paranoia and partisan division in Washington, some speculated the notes were leaked as a trap for Trump -- challenging him to oust the official in charge of the Russia probe. Democrat opponents and also many from his own Republican Party have warned Trump not to take any action that could be seen as attempting to weaken or even dismantle the Russia probe. However, with November midterm congressional elections rapidly approaching -- and Trump's Republicans fearing a battering -- analysts say there would be considerable risk for the party if the White House is even seen as trying to interfere in the Russia probe.

Source: Bangkok Post September 24, 2018 16:30 UTC