Former F.B.I. Director Robert Mueller Appointed Special Counsel on Russia Probe

The Justice Department appointed a special counsel Wednesday to investigate the communication between Trump associates and Russian officials during last year’s election, according to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

Robert Mueller, the former F.B.I. Director, has agreed to assume the position. As special counsel, he is “authorized to prosecute federal crimes arising from the investigation of these matters,” according to the Justice Department order Rosenstein signed.

“I accept this responsibility and will discharge it to the best of my ability,” Mueller said in a statement.

President George W. Bush appointed Mueller as F.B.I. Director in 2001 and served the position until James Comey took over in 2013. He is viewed by both Democrats and Republicans as being one of the most credible law enforcement officials in the country. Former President Barack Obama even asked Mueller to continue to serve beyond the normal 10-year term.

Kathryn Ruemmler, a former prosecutor and White House counsel under Obama, said she “cannot think of a better choice.”

“He will just do a completely thorough investigation without regard to public pressure or political pressure,” Ruemmler said.

The Trump administration has faced harsh criticism since the abrupt firing of Comey last week during the middle of the Russia probe investigation. Democrats had been pushing for a special counsel or prosecutor to replace Comey and Republicans shortly joined in agreement.

However, Trump is adamant that “there was no collusion” between his campaign and Russia. He has referred to the investigation into Russia as a “hoax” and a “taxpayer funded charade.”

“As I have stated many times, a thorough investigation will confirm what we already know — there was no collusion between my campaign and any foreign entity,” Trump said in a statement. “I look forward to this matter concluding quickly. In the meantime, I will never stop fighting for the people and the issues that matter most to the future of our country.”

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, a member of the Senate intelligence committee, believes the appointment was “the right thing to do.”

“I think it was the right thing to do and I believe they saw it as the right thing to do otherwise they’re going to have a fight and it’s not worth the fight,” Feinstein said. “There (is) mutual suspicion of one side and the other. This clears that up and has a person whose reputation is as good as it gets and he’ll be very good.”

Rosenstein said a special counsel “is necessary in order for the American people to have full confidence in the outcome.”

“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,” he said in a statement.

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