Mueller says charging Trump was 'not an option' as he officially closes Russia probe
The POTUS was just handed another opportunity to troll his opponents in public after the official closure of the special counsel appointed to probe possible ties between Trump and Russia was announced Wednesday morning.
In his first public appearance since being appointed to lead the Trump-Russia investigation, Special Counsel Robert Mueller said it was "not an option" to charge President Trump with a crime owing to a Department of Justice policy.
However, Mueller upheld that, if they had "confidence" that the commander-in-chief did not commit a crime, they would have stated so.
“I am speaking out today because our investigation is complete," Mueller said. "The attorney general has made the report on our investigation largely public. We are formally closing the special counsel's office. And as well, I'm resigning from the Department of Justice to return to private life.”
Mueller's statement on Wednesday came more than two years after he was appointed special counsel.
In a conversation with Fox News, a senior White House official said they were advised on Mueller's plans Tuesday night.
Addressing reporters Wednesday morning, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said President Trump was "aware" that Mueller's statement was imminent. However, she had no comment when asked whether the White House was given advanced information on the substance of Mueller's remarks.
According to multiple sources who spoke to Fox News, Attorney General Bill Barr was aware of Mueller's plans to deliver a statement Wednesday and also knew of its contents in advance.
It is unclear if the president would make a public statement, however, has already tweeted his two cents on Mueller's remarks.
Nothing changes from the Mueller Report. There was insufficient evidence and therefore, in our Country, a person is innocent. The case is closed! Thank you.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2019
Mueller's resignation comes amid growing pressure from Democrats and other opponents of the president to testify before the House Judiciary Committee about his 448-page report.