Key findings from special counsel's Trump investigation

Redacted report finds Russians 'did not have cooperation of President'

Trump tweets 'GAME OVER' and says 'I'm having a good day'

Mueller found Trump's answers 'inadequate' but decided against subpoena

Democrats decry 'partisan effort to spin Mueller report'

Analysis: Mueller's report shows how Donald Trump was saved from himself

Donald Trump ordered the removal of special counsel Robert Mueller after expressing fears the Russia probe would “end” his presidency, the newly released Mueller report concluded.

The US president phoned his White House legal counsel weeks after Mr Mueller had been appointed to lead the Russian election meddling investigation and said he “had to go”.

The order, which ultimately was not acted upon, was one of 11 incidents of alleged obstruction of justice which Mr Mueller recounted in detail in his 448-page report, released with redactions on Thursday.

Other controversial episodes included Mr Trump attempting to limit the Russia probe’s remit and trying to put one of his cabinet members back in charge of the investigation.

Mr Mueller did not clear the president over obstruction of justice, instead handing that decision on to Mr Trump's Justice Department – who in turn decided not to bring charges.

"If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state,” Mr Mueller’s report concluded.

"Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, however, we are unable to reach that judgment.