McCaul: Trump's Criticism of Mueller, Sessions Look 'Paranoid'

President Donald Trump's criticism of former FBI Director Robert Mueller's probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election and of Attorney General Jeff Sessions' recusal from the case "sort of looks paranoid," Rep. Michael McCaul said Friday.

"I've known Bob Mueller for a long time," the Texas Republican told NBC's Andrea Mitchell on her MSNBC noon news program. "I worked in the Justice Department. He is a man of integrity, very highly respected in Washington."

There has been concern that Trump could fire Muller from his position as special counsel, but McCaul said that would be a mistake.

"When he was picked, there was very bipartisan support for this man," McCaul said. "We need to let him do his job, wherever that may lead. When I was a federal prosecutor, if you are investigating a matter and you find something else that is potentially illegal, you can't turn a blind eye to that. You have to look at that information, as well. I think he needs to get to the bottom of all of this for the American people, so that we can finally move on."

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., also on the program, said he is concerned that Trump could start pardoning people before there is a suggestion of indictments, if they cooperate with Mueller or Congress, and there is a debate over whether Trump could pardon himself to avoid being impeached.

"The more profound concern, frankly, and I think it's implicated in this latest shakeup and crisis, is that the president doesn't have people around him to, you know, talk sense to him about our system of checks and balances," said Schiff. "He's got some very good people in the national security realm ... but in terms of the Justice Department, he obviously doesn't trust the attorney general. There is no one really that has the kind of standing with him to say you shouldn't be thinking about pardons, you shouldn't be commenting about the special counsel. You should let the Russia investigation take its course."

Trump, he continued, can reshuffle his staff "a million times," but if he doesn't show respect to his own people," or pick those who can speak candidly with him, "then we're going to continue to have these kinds of crises."

McCaul also commented on the shakeup in the White House's communications department and the news that Anthony Scaramucci is the new communications director and Sean Spicer's resignation.

"It's difficult for us as House Republicans to advance our agenda of healthcare, tax reform, national security issues, when we're constantly talking about the drama and palace intrigue inside the White House," McCaul said.

Scaramucci officially took over the duties of communications director Friday afternoon and announced the promotion of Sarah Huckabee Sanders to the press secretary spot vacated by Spicer. The now former press secretary plans to remain on the job until August.

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