After two years the just-retired Special Counsel Robert Mueller spoke about his findings on Russia’s attack on the nation and any conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Moscow. For two years, the special counsel remained silent and maintained total silence among all of the 19 attorneys and many members of the FBI on his investigative team. Then, House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerrold (Jerry) Nadler (D-NY) gave a brief press conference where he explained what was next for his powerful committee.
Nadler began with his thanks to Mueller and his people via MSNBC’s special coverage with Chris Matthews:
‘I want to thank Mueller and his team of prosecutors and investigators. Policy prevented Mueller from bringing criminal charges. Trump is lying about the findings, key witnesses, and (Trump’s claim of) “no obstruction, no collusion.’ Mueller said that Russia attacked the U.S. Trump benefitted from it, welcomed it, and tried to obstruct Mueller time and time again.’
Then, Nadler gave “three central points:”
‘One. The special counsel did not exonerate the president. Two. There was obstruction, which is a serious crime that strikes at the core of justice. Three. The Constitution points to the Congress to lead the way.’
The Judiciary chair added:
‘The Department of Justice prevents the sitting president from being prosecuted. So, Mueller couldn’t prosecute. So Congress must respond. We will do so. No one not even the president is above the law.’
He continued, mentioning the “I” word:
‘Impeachment is on the table, nothing is ruled out. Congress must hold the president responsible and will do so. We will hold the president accountable. We (Congress) are following through on our investigation and will continue to do so. Mueller told us what we need to hear today. Mueller reaffirmed in the report, There is substantial evidence that he (Trump) repeatedly welcomed the Russians’ (help).’
Nadler said on C-SPAN:
‘Although Department of Justice policy prevented the Special Counsel from bringing criminal charges against the President, the Special Counsel has clearly demonstrated that President Trump is lying about the Special Counsel’s findings, lying about the testimony of key witnesses in the Special Counsel’s report, and is lying in saying that the Special Counsel found no obstruction and no collusion…(it Is Up)Â to Congress to respond to the crimes, lies, and other wrongdoings of President Trump.’
During his 20-minute press briefing, Mueller reiterated that his report had not exonerated President Trump via MSNBC’s live coverage:
‘If we had confidence that the president did not clearly commit a crime, we would have said so. Charging the president with a crime was therefore not an option we could consider.’
Mueller indicated that he really hoped he would not have to testify:
‘I hope and expect that this will be the only time I will speak to you about this matter…the report is my testimony. I would not provide information beyond that which is already public.’
Featured Image is a Screenshot via YouTube.
