Sen. John McCain on Tuesday said firing special counsel Robert Mueller would be the single most "explosive" act President Donald Trump could take — aside from pulling out of NATO.
Speaking at a Wall Street Journal event for chief financial officers, the Arizona Republican was incredulous about the speculation that Trump is considering firing Mueller, appointed by the Justice Department to investigate Russia meddling in the election and alleged ties to the Trump campaign.
"I can't believe they would think of such a thing," McCain said during the question and answer forum.
"I think it would be as explosive as anything I can think of — any single act — that the president might take. I guess getting out of NATO would be worse," McCain said.
Mueller "is highly regarded by Republicans and Democrats. All of a sudden now I see Republicans, who used to praise him to the skies, are now saying, 'Aw wait a minute' … Where? How? Tell me what he's done that would in any way intimate that this guy is not one of the most trustworthy people in America," McCain said.
Further, McCain renewed his calls for a select committee to investigate Russia, saying "I've seen this movie before."
"I think there's enough out there that we should have a select committee of people who are highly regarded who will work together in a bipartisan fashion," McCain said. "I like [Sen.] Richard Burr a lot, I like Sen. [Mark] Warner a lot … but they're intelligence.
"This thing spills over into all different aspects … the Russian have literally tried to play in all aspects of American life," McCain said. "If you can destroy free and fair elections, you can destroy Democracy, it's that simple."
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