5/17/2017
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller as special prosecutor to oversee the investigation into possible Russian influence in the 2016 presidential election.
Rosenstein stated that his decision “is not a finding that crimes have been committed or that any prosecution is warranted.” But, he said “based upon the unique circumstances, the public interest requires me to place this investigation under the authority of a person who exercises a degree of independence from the normal chain of command.”
Rosenstein’s written order states that Mueller will conduct an investigation into “any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump,” along with “any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation.”
Trump and the White House staff found out about the order about an hour before the public announcement. Trump responded by saying “As I have stated many times, a thorough investigation will confirm what we already know ― there was no collusion between my campaign and any foreign entity,”. “I look forward to this matter concluding quickly. In the meantime, I will never stop fighting for the people and the issues that matter most to the future of our country.”
Mueller will have all the authority of a U.S. attorney to conduct his investigation. He will also be able to choose members of his team and request a budget from the Justice Department. It is not yet known if Mueller will keep the FBI agents currently working the investigation.
As the choice for Special Prosecutor, Mueller won high praise from both Republicans and Democrats. Mueller ran the FBI prior to Comey, and served for twelve years earning a reputation as completely non-partisan, honest, direct, and unwavering.
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