The conclusion of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, and the issuing of his final report, have been about as much of a media circus as we've all come to expect.
However, as the 400-plus page report explains, Mueller did not find a "criminal conspiracy" between the Trump campaign and Russian actors, nor did it come to a conclusion as to whether the President obstructed justice. Before the report was even issued, Congress was informed that the report failed to prove President Trump, or his campaign, "colluded" with Russia, but even Attorney General Barr made it clear that the report did not totally exonerate the President.
Highlights of Questionable Conduct
While the report concludes that there isn't strong enough evidence to prosecute President Trump, the numerous on-going and completed prosecutions that have resulted from the investigation are discussed. Furthermore, the report highlights many of the statements President Trump made that are highly questionable.
One such statement includes the President lamenting that "his presidency is over" after learning that Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller was appointed. The anecdote relayed in the report also describes how President Trump demanded then-Attorney General Jeff Session resign, but after receiving his letter of resignation, essentially asked him to stay on, but did not return the letter of resignation for several days.
In addition to the numerous prosecutions and questionable statements and conduct, the Mueller report explains that much electronic evidence was lost due to the use of encryption technologies and applications that would automatically delete messages.
What Comes Next?
As suggested at a press conference around the time of the report's release, and by Congressional leaders, it seems likely that Mueller will be called to testify before Congress about his report and investigation. Attorney General William Barr, while under near-constant accusations of acting in a highly partisan manner, stated that he would not have any objection to Mueller testifying.
Until Mueller testifies (and likely even after), you can expect that more news reports and analyses (and reactions) will get published. Some reports already suggest that Mueller's report will be used by Congress or another special prosecutor as the basis of obstruction or other charges.
Related Resources:
- Mueller Report Goes Public (FindLaw’s CourtSide)
- Is It Accurate to Say: 'The President Is Not Above the Law?' (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- Paul Manafort, Trump's Former Campaign Manager, Is Going to Jail (FindLaw Blotter)
