Trump: No plans to fire Robert Mueller

Following accusations from US President Donald Trump's transition team that special counsel Robert Mueller improperly acquired thousands of emails in the Russia probe, the president has denied rumors that he plans to fire Mueller.

When asked by a reporter on Sunday whether he was considering triggering the process to dismiss Mueller, Trump responded: "No, I'm not."

Read more: Trump allies say special counsel 'unlawfully' obtained thousands of emails

He did address the allegations made by his transition organization against Mueller's team concerning the "unlawfully-obtained" emails — which were sent and received between Trump's election last November and his inauguration in January this year.

"It's not looking good. It's quite sad to see that. My people were very upset about it," Trump said.

"I can't imagine there's anything on them, frankly. Because, as we said, there's no collusion. There's no collusion whatsoever."

With Mueller's investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election making progress into Trump's inner circle in recent weeks, Republicans and Trump allies have sought to cast doubt on the probe's impartiality.

Some Republicans have urged for an independent prosecutor to investigate alleged anti-Trump bias in the investigation. Those comments have led to speculation that the Trump administration could be preparing to fire Mueller.

Read more: Analysis — Despite Flynn's guilty plea, Trump presidency not over yet

Preparing for tax bill vote

With the growing Russia probe shadowing much of his first year in office, Trump is hoping to land his first major legislative win this week.

Top US Republicans said Sunday they expect Congress will vote and pass a bill overhauling the US tax code on Tuesday. Trump hopes to sign the bill by the end of the week.

The Republicans, who have a 52-48 majority in the Senate, are down a vote this week and are still working to sway members of their party who are still on the fence. Democrats oppose the measure, saying it disproportionately benefits corporations and the rich while driving up the deficit.

Read more: Hubris fears rise as markets embrace Trump tax cuts

Republican Senator John McCain, who is battling an aggressive brain tumor, returned to his home state of Arizona on Sunday and does not expect to return to Washington until January, his office said, meaning he will likely miss the key vote.

Should it pass, the bill would be the biggest tax code rewrite since 1986.

rs/cmk (AP, AFP, Reuters)