Rudy is facilitating it, unfortunately, cooperating. I have to think something has to be up— some arrangement, more than giving Mueller a poke-the-bear moment, just to harass the president.
The Art of the Deal probably doesn’t recommend anyone give away something for nothing, in a real show down, particularly when the opponent is treacherous. Odds on a backfire against the president seem scary high, to me.
Rudy is rope-a-doping Mueller. Seems to be working with him to gain concessions knowing POTUS is never going to give Mueller the time of day.