Mueller breaks silence about Russia probe report

World Today

Mueller breaks silence about Russia probe reportSpecial counsel Robert Muller speaks at the Department of Justice Wednesday, May 29, 2019, in Washington, about the Russia investigation. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Breaking his silence – at last. For the first time in two years, Robert Mueller spoke out publicly about his report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential elections.

And while he officially closed that case – it could be the beginning of something else.

CGTN’s Owen Fairclough reports.

Mueller determined to have the last word during his first and only public appearance about an inquiry that plagued President Trump. But for many it didn’t.

Mueller’s 448-page report into allegations the Trump campaign colluded with Russia over the election and Trump himself obstructed justice had merely raised questions, particularly Mueller’s ambiguous conclusion that his report did not exonerate Trump.

So, this was an opportunity for Mueller to clarify that himself.

“If we had had confidence that the president clearly did not commit a crime we would have said so. We did make a determination as to whether the president did commit a crime,” Outgoing Special Counsel Robert Mueller said.

But, Trump shot back on Twitter, saying, “Nothing changes from the Mueller Report. There was insufficient evidence and therefore, in our Country, a person is innocent. The case is closed.”

While Mueller found no evidence of collusion, he was unequivocal about Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election.

“There were multiple systematic efforts to interfere in our election and that allegation deserves the attention of every American,” Mueller said.

For opposition Democrats looking to Mueller as the man who could bring down Trump, there was disappointment.

Mueller is resigning as Special Counsel and warned that if he testifies before Congress, he won’t discuss anything that isn’t in his report.