In the interview, Trump says Rosenstein has made clear to him that he is “not a subject” of Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

“He told the attorneys that I’m not a subject, I’m not a target,” Trump said.

“Rod told me I’m not a target of the investigation,” the president added, while suggesting he had not spoken with Rosenstein directly. “The lawyers ask him. They say, ‘He’s not a target of the investigation.’ ”

Trump has often derided the special counsel probe, calling it a “witch hunt” and a “hoax” frequently adding that there was “no collusion” between Russia and his presidential campaign.