The White House’s decision to assert executive privilege over special counsel Robert Mueller’s report could prevent Mueller from answering lawmakers questions during a potential testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, The Wall Street Journal reported.
According to people familiar with the matter who spoke to the WSJ, discussions over that matter have stalled negotiations about Mueller’s possible testimony. The executive privilege assertion could prevent Mueller from speaking about anything that’s not included in the redacted version of the report. The Justice Department’s lawyers are reportedly studying the situation and are expected to offer both sides guidance soon.
The White House asserted executive privilege last week at Attorney General William Barr’s request. The assertion blocked the House Judiciary Committee’s subpoenas demanding the underlying evidence and the unredacted version of the report.
That comes in contrast with Attorney General William Barr’s latest remarks to the WSJ, when he said it was “up to Bob” whether he wants to testify.
