Over the summer, President Trump pressed Senate Republicans to end the Russia investigation, according to the New York Times.
Why it matters: While Republicans "downplayed Mr. Trump's appeals...as the actions of a political newcomer unfamiliar with what is appropriate," Trump spoke with several members of the party, including Sen. Richard Burr, the intelligence committee chairman. Part of special counsel Mueller's investigation is whether or not Trump tried to obstruct justice by firing former FBI Director James Comey.