Bob Mueller

The Daily Beast reported at 6 PM that NAFUSA member Robert Mueller will serve as special counsel to oversee the FBI’s investigation of the Russian government’s efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election. The decision was made by Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein, due to Attorney General Jeff Sessions recusal.

The investigation will also examine ‘related matters,’ according to the release–indicating Mueller will look at possible collusion between Trump campaign officials and the Russian government.

Mueller will have the power to bring in staff from outside the Justice Department to help with the investigation, and will have all the authority of a U.S. Attorney. He will also be able to request a budget for the investigation, which Rosenstein will ultimately approve.

 

‘In my capacity as acting Attorney General, I determined that it is in the public interest for me to exercise my authority and appoint a special counsel to assume responsibility for this matter,’ he said in a statement. ‘My decision is not a finding that crimes have been committed or that any prosecution is warranted.’

‘What I have determined is that 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.’