The Department of Justice launches a comprehensive investigation into potential Russian collusion in U.S. elections.
At a Glance
- Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III made a statement on the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
- The report on the investigation has been made largely public by the Attorney General.
- The investigation discovered extensive Russian interference through hacking and social media operations.
- The investigation resulted in multiple indictments and guilty pleas.
- The Mueller Report detailed episodes of potential obstruction of justice involving the President.
DOJ Investigation into Russian Collusion in U.S. Elections
Launching an in-depth investigation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is examining the extent of potential Russian collusion in U.S. elections. The investigation is directed at identifying and addressing any unlawful activities and foreign interferences that threaten the democratic process. This move by the DOJ aims to uphold the fairness and security of the electoral system, fortifying it against external manipulations and enhancing public confidence in the democratic institution.
Findings and Public Statement by Mueller
Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III issued a detailed statement regarding the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Initiated two years prior by the Acting Attorney General, the Special Counsel’s Office was tasked with investigating any Russian activities and their potential links to the Trump campaign. During the investigation, Mueller refrained from public comments, making his statement at its conclusion highly anticipated. His comprehensive report has been made largely public by the Attorney General.
Cyber Attacks and Social Media Manipulation
The investigation uncovered significant Russian interference methods. Russian intelligence officers employed cyber techniques to hack into the Clinton campaign’s devices, stealing and releasing sensitive information to meddle with the election process. Additionally, a private Russian entity orchestrated a social media campaign aimed at influencing the election outcome. The Mueller Report detailed these actions in two volumes: Russian efforts to influence the election and the Trump campaign’s responses, and obstruction related to the President.
Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein Announces the Indictment of Twelve Russian Intelligence Officers for Conspiring to Interfere in the 2016 Presidential Election Through Computer Hacking and Related Offenseshttps://t.co/4di0Drcokd pic.twitter.com/x4PFJycIPk
— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) July 13, 2018
Obstruction and Legal Challenges
Efforts to obstruct the investigation were a critical aspect that the report addressed. It outlined multiple obstructive episodes involving the President, including attempts to terminate Mueller, influence FBI Director Comey, limit the investigation’s scope, and sway cooperation through potential pardons. The Department of Justice policy precluded charging a sitting President with a federal crime, explaining why the investigation did not conclude whether the President committed a crime.
“As set forth in our report, after that investigation, if we had confidence that the President clearly did not commit a crime, we would have said that.” – Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III
Despite the substantial findings, Mueller stated that his report was his testimony and he would not provide additional information beyond what was publicly disclosed. This stance underscored the comprehensive nature of the documentation and the significance of the report’s findings in understanding the scope of the interference and the complicity involved.
Legal Outcomes and Future Implications
The Mueller investigation led to 37 indictments, seven guilty pleas or convictions, and referred 14 criminal matters to other DOJ components. Key associates of Trump, including Michael Cohen, Paul Manafort, Donald Trump Jr., and Jared Kushner, had significant dealings with Russian contacts which they then concealed from investigators. Mueller did not exonerate Trump, detailing numerous episodes of obstructive behavior.
The report emphasized the importance of recognizing the central allegation: there were systematic efforts to derail the U.S. elections. Mueller thanked his team for their efforts, reiterating the gravity of the findings and calling for vigilance against such future threats to American democracy.
