Special Counsel Robert Mueller issues a statement, Justice Department, May 29, 2019 (Jim Bourg/Reuters)

With Donald Trump showing concern, the Justice Department warns Special Counsel Robert Mueller over his forthcoming testimony to two Congressional committees on Trump-Russia links and Trump’s obstruction of justice.

Mueller is scheduled to appear before the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees on Wednesday.

The Department, led by Trump’s ally Attorney General William Barr, wrote Mueller on Monday that he “must remain within the boundaries” of his 448-page report, published with redactions in April.

The Special Counsel was told that he cannot “discuss the conduct of uncharged third parties”, such as Trump, his family, and his closest business and personal associates. Mueller also must not discuss “the redacted portions of the public version” of his report.

The Department added, “Should you testify, the department understands that testimony regarding the work of the special counsel’s office will be governed by the terms you outlined on May 29.”

See EA on CNN: Previewing Mueller Testimony to Congress on Trump-Russia and Obstruction of Justice

In his only news conference on his team’s 23-month investigation, Mueller said, “The report is my testimony.”

See EA on BBC & Monocle 24: Mueller Drops Trump Into Political Trouble?

Barr, appointed in February, tried to pre-empt Mueller’s report with the misleading statement that it found “no collusion” between Trump’s camp and Russian officials. But the document, despite heavy redactions, set out “numerous contacts” between the Trump campaign and transition with the Russians. In eight of ten cases investigated, the report set out evidence of Trump’s obstruction or attempted obstruction of justice.

See Mueller Report Video: Collusion, Obstruction, and Accountability
Mueller Report Analysis: Yes, There Was Collusion and Obstruction of Justice

In its letter, the Justice Department chided Mueller, “The department generally does not permit prosecutors such as you to appear and testify before Congress regarding their investigative and prosecutorial activity.”

Trump’s 6 Lies in 90 Seconds

In a press appearance alongside visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Trump told six lies about the Mueller Report and the Trump-Russia investigation in 90 seconds.

Trump falsely said that the report found no collusion, no obstruction, and “no nothing”. He said the Democrats were “devastated and went crazy”, lying that they are not pursuing any legislation in Congress.

Then Trump attacked Mueller, wrongly saying the Special Counsel had conflicts of interest and that he wanted to become FBI Director after Trump — in an attempt to quash the Russia investigation — fired James Comey in May 2017. He added the falsehood that he and Mueller had a “business relationship”.

Trump further betrayed his disquiet on Twitter: