“President Trump’s lawyers rejected the special counsel’s latest terms for an interview in the Russia investigation, countering on Wednesday with an offer that suggested a narrow path for answering questions,” the New York Times reports.

“The letter marked the latest back and forth in the eight months of negotiations between Mr. Trump’s lawyers and the special counsel, Robert Mueller. Last week, Mr. Mueller proposed a slightly altered format to the expansive interview he wants to conduct with the president.”

“Mr. Trump’s lawyers did not reject an interview outright but included the narrower counteroffer.”

Insiders tell Mike Allen they believe President Trump will wind up giving an interview to special counsel Robert Mueller.

“Trump wants to, he thinks he can make his own best case, and no one around him can restrain him.”

Said one associate: “He just can’t help himself.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) told the Washington Examiner that it’s time for special counsel Robert Mueller to conclude the federal probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion with Moscow by President Trump.

Said McConnell: “What I think about the Mueller investigation is, they ought to wrap it up. It’s gone on seemingly forever and I don’t know how much more they think they can find out.”

Politico: “A growing number of Republicans in senior leadership positions, who all profess that Mueller should have no artificial deadline for his Russia influence probe, have also begun to sprinkle in another suggestion: It’s time to wrap it up.”

A new Politico/Morning Consult poll finds that “months of sustained conservative attacks led by President Trump and his allies has harmed Mueller most among Republicans, with a record 53% now saying they view the lead Russia investigator in an unfavorable light. That’s a 26-point spike since July, when the poll first started asking voters whether they viewed Mueller favorably or unfavorably.”

“Mueller’s unfavorable numbers have hit highs among both Democrats and independents, at 24% and 33%, respectively. Thirty-six percent of all registered voters are also seeing Mueller unfavorably, which represents the highest level since the polling first raised the topic 11 months ago. Back then, 23% of all voters said they viewed Mueller negatively.”