“They’re essentially engaging in a scorched-earth litigation strategy that is beginning with trying to discredit the prosecutor,” Schiff said. | AP Photo Schiff says Mueller's investigation just starting

Special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into President Donald Trump’s possible ties to Russia and obstruction of justice is “only getting started,” the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee said Sunday.

Appearing on ABC’s “The Week,” Rep. Adam Schiff of California said Trump appears intent on “taking down” Mueller, the former FBI director who’s tasked with overseeing the federal investigations.


“The president wants to take down Bob Mueller. His lawyer wants to take down Bob Mueller. And the question is why?” Schiff said.

One possible reason, the congressman suggested: First, chip away at the legitimacy of the investigator and go from there.

“They’re essentially engaging in a scorched-earth litigation strategy that is beginning with trying to discredit the prosecutor,” Schiff said.

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Schiff urged his colleagues and others to let Mueller conduct the investigation as he sees fit.

“We ought to let him do his job,” Schiff said. “He is just getting started.”