Source: Creative Services / Creative Services, iOne Digital
On Wednesday night, the Justice Department dropped a Flex-bomb by naming a special counsel to investigate ties between President Donald Trump and his Russian cohorts.
Former FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III will spearhead the official investigation into Russia’s possible meddling with the 2016 presidential election and ultimately President Trump’s win.
Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein, who is overseeing the investigation due to the fact that Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself, said this move is necessary in order to give Americans “full confidence” that the process and outcome of the investigation is independent.
This seems to be another indication of the President’s inability to know when it would be advantageous to keep his mouth shut.
After the announcement, Trump released a (most likely White House aide-drafted) statement:
“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.”
Although aides seemed to convince President Trump to be more measured in tone upon this huge announcement, 45’s Twitter fingers were still active early this morning.
This seems to be another indication of the president’s inability to know when it would be advantageous to keep his mouth shut.
President Trump, the White House, and the Republican-controlled Congress have repeatedly denied the need for a special prosecutor, but there was increased pressure for one to be selected after a torrent of bad news for the Trump administration, mainly due to 45’s inability to leave his foot out of his mouth.
Sparking accusations of obstruction of justice, don’t forget that President Trump fired F.B.I. Director James Comey, openly admitting the decision came with “the Russia thing” in mind. Then there was the revelation that he allegedly asked Comey for “loyalty,” and to drop the investigation of former national security adviser Michael Flynn. The president revealed classified information to Russia officials during a meeting last week. And just this morning, Reuters reported that Flynn and other advisers to then-candidate Trump’s presidential campaign were in contact with Russian officials and others with Kremlin ties in at least 18 times during the 2016 presidential race.
Rosenstein did not inform the White House or Sessions of Mueller’s appointment until after he had already signed the order. Mueller has a wide latitude in this position – he can bring in his own staff, can issue subpoena, conduct interviews and perhaps finally get President Trump’s tax returns.
