President Donald Trump has frequently criticized special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe as a “witch hunt” and has indicated that the investigation needs to be shut down.
Well, according to reports, he may be in luck. According to sources, Mueller is finally ready to deliver his key findings in the probe after the midterm elections — and Democrats are not happy with his timeline.
On Wednesday, Bloomberg reported that two anonymous U.S. officials believe the Mueller probe is “winding down” and in just 20 days, he could release his findings on whether Trump’s 2016 campaign colluded with Russia.
As Mueller faces intensifying pressure to either produce indictments or shut down his investigation, reports claim that core aspects of the probe will be released soon, but it does not necessarily mean the findings will be made public.
Unless Mueller secures unsealed indictments, the findings will only be provided to his boss Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.
With Democrats hoping to retake control of the House, the timing of the release is critical. As Bloomberg reports, “With three weeks to go before the midterm elections, it’s unlikely Mueller will take any overt action that could be turned into a campaign issue.”
Rosenstein has made it clear he wants the investigation to be wrapped up, while the president has repeatedly called the investigation a “witch hunt.”
Many critics have speculated that if the investigation continues on, Trump may shut down the probe himself. He has reportedly floated the idea of firing Rosenstein, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a move which could bring a new boss for Mueller.
The days following the election will be a pivotal time for the investigation. Mueller has already secured two dozen guilty pleas and indictments.
Sources have speculated that even if he does deliver findings after the midterm elections, that most likely will not be the end of his probe. According to Bloomberg, “Several matters could keep the probe going, such as another significant prosecution or new lines of inquiry. And because Mueller’s investigation has been proceeding quietly, out of the public eye, it’s possible there have been other major developments behind the scenes.”
Recently Mueller submitted questions to the president, and there is still a chance that he would seek an interview with Trump.
The special counsel still needs to finish his sentencing of Trump’s former national security adviser, Michael Flynn. Flynn plead guilty to making false statements last year, and on Dec. 18 he will be sentenced.
Trump’s former camping chairman, Paul Manafort, struck a plea deal with Mueller last month after being convicted of bank fraud, filing false tax returns, and failure to file a foreign bank account.
–The Horn editorial team