“It’s a complicated relationship,” said one person close to McGahn, referring to Trump and his counsel. “I don’t think Trump dislikes him. . . . But the big problem between them is that Trump has always seen lawyers as facilitators for him. He doesn’t see lawyers as people who say no to him.” The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the Russia investigation…

McGahn’s handling of sensitive personnel issues — particularly when they intersected with Russia — has been a frequent source of tension with Trump.

In March, at Trump’s direction, McGahn tried and failed to persuade Attorney General Jeff Sessions not to recuse himself from the Russia probe — a decision that has rankled Trump ever since, people familiar with the matter said. In June, McGahn declined to follow through on an order from Trump to fire Mueller, people familiar with the matter said.

McGahn, particularly in the early months of the administration, cautioned Trump about contacting Justice Department officials and even told associates he was concerned Trump was doing so without his knowledge. The two men would have “spectacular” fights, according to a person who witnessed some of them.