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Mueller report: Democrats round on Barr over 'misleading' Trump exoneration – live Mueller report: Democrats round on Barr over 'misleading' Trump exoneration – live
(32 minutes later)
Mueller “described 11 instances in which Donald Trump or his campaign engaged in potential obstruction of justice and suggested Congress might prosecute these acts as crimes.”
Mueller links Trump and campaign to 11 instances of potential obstruction
Over in Washington, Sabrina Siddiqui has a rundown of some key takeaways from the Trump-Russia investigation, including that the Trump campaign was “receptive” to help from the Russians.
Mueller report: the key takeaways from the Trump-Russia investigation
Jon Swaine provides us with some much needed analysis: “Any other president in America’s history would have had to resign or now face being ousted. But no past president has so frequently denied reality, nor seemed so unfamiliar with the very concept of shame.”
Mueller's report would have signaled the end for anyone other than Trump
Washington bureau chief David Smith takes a look at how Democrats are mobilizing in the wake of the explosive report.
Trump claims 'game over' on Mueller report as Democrats say game on
Julian Borger and Marc Bennetts report that Trump claimed to have known in advance about the publication on the WikiLeaks website of hacked emails damaging to Hillary Clinton.
Trump claimed he knew about damaging Clinton emails in advance
Over in Opinion, Richard Wolffe weighs in: “An entire crew of Trump staffers worked diligently together with several crews of Russians both before and after the 2016 election. George Papadopolous, Jared Kushner, Donald Trump Jr, Carter Page, Paul Manafort, Erik Prince, Steven Bannon, Michael Flynn: there are more than enough Trumpsters in the Mueller section on Russia to prove collusion. The only problem is that collusion doesn’t exist as a legal concept.”
Of course Trump colluded with Russia. But unfortunately that's not a crime | Richard Wolffe
Hey all, Vivian Ho on the west coast, taking over for Lauren Gambino. What a day.
The release of the redacted Mueller report is a reminder that the Russian government doesn’t necessarily need to equip its spies with wigs, fake teeth, and poisoned umbrellas; US social media platforms provided the influence operation with a ready made platform for creating false identities.The release of the redacted Mueller report is a reminder that the Russian government doesn’t necessarily need to equip its spies with wigs, fake teeth, and poisoned umbrellas; US social media platforms provided the influence operation with a ready made platform for creating false identities.
Facebook is mentioned 81 times in the redacted report; by comparison, Ivanka Trump’s name comes up just 15 times. Other platforms that merited a mention include Twitter (68), Instagram (7), Google (6), YouTube (5) and Tumblr (1).Facebook is mentioned 81 times in the redacted report; by comparison, Ivanka Trump’s name comes up just 15 times. Other platforms that merited a mention include Twitter (68), Instagram (7), Google (6), YouTube (5) and Tumblr (1).
Much of the detail of how the operation leveraged these platforms to influence Americans has already been made public through congressional testimony, federal indictments and academic research. The Internet Research Agency (IRA) began building up its social media presence in 2014, with “specialists” focusing on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.Much of the detail of how the operation leveraged these platforms to influence Americans has already been made public through congressional testimony, federal indictments and academic research. The Internet Research Agency (IRA) began building up its social media presence in 2014, with “specialists” focusing on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
Still, the un-redacted portions of the report appear to provide some previously unreported details of the extent to which the Internet Research Agency (IRA) was able to manipulate unwitting Americans. IRA agents were able to recruit individuals to “perform political acts”, including “walking around New York City dressed up as Santa Claus with a Trump mask”.Still, the un-redacted portions of the report appear to provide some previously unreported details of the extent to which the Internet Research Agency (IRA) was able to manipulate unwitting Americans. IRA agents were able to recruit individuals to “perform political acts”, including “walking around New York City dressed up as Santa Claus with a Trump mask”.
The report makes clear that Facebook groups – the semi-private message boards within Facebook – were a major factor in the IRA’s success on the platform, alongside public pages and advertisements. One group, “United Muslims of America”, had more than 300,000 members, while “Don’t Shoot Us” had more than 250,000.The report makes clear that Facebook groups – the semi-private message boards within Facebook – were a major factor in the IRA’s success on the platform, alongside public pages and advertisements. One group, “United Muslims of America”, had more than 300,000 members, while “Don’t Shoot Us” had more than 250,000.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly touted Facebook groups as a key product that he argues will help Facebook achieve its mission of bringing the world closer together. The Guardian has previously reported on how the groups can also be hotbeds of extremism and misinformation.Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly touted Facebook groups as a key product that he argues will help Facebook achieve its mission of bringing the world closer together. The Guardian has previously reported on how the groups can also be hotbeds of extremism and misinformation.
The report also points out that the IRA accounts were promoted by close allies and advisors of the Trump campaign. One IRA-controlled Twitter account was retweeted by Trump’s two adult sons, Donald Jr and Eric, former campaign manager and senior advisor Kellyanne Conway, political aide Brad Parscale (who is now managing Trump’s re-election campaign) and former national security advisor Michael Flynn. Trump’s own Facebook page also posted photographs taken at a political rally organized by the IRA.The report also points out that the IRA accounts were promoted by close allies and advisors of the Trump campaign. One IRA-controlled Twitter account was retweeted by Trump’s two adult sons, Donald Jr and Eric, former campaign manager and senior advisor Kellyanne Conway, political aide Brad Parscale (who is now managing Trump’s re-election campaign) and former national security advisor Michael Flynn. Trump’s own Facebook page also posted photographs taken at a political rally organized by the IRA.
“Mr Trump posted about our event in Miami,” an IRA-controlled account wrote in response to the Facebook post. “This is great!”“Mr Trump posted about our event in Miami,” an IRA-controlled account wrote in response to the Facebook post. “This is great!”
The Guardian’s Ed Pilkington spotted this important passage as he fastidiously pours over the 448-page document.The Guardian’s Ed Pilkington spotted this important passage as he fastidiously pours over the 448-page document.
Mueller lays out clear evidence that Trump attempted to lean on a couple of key witnesses to deflect the Russia inquiry away from him. The first was Paul Manafort.Mueller lays out clear evidence that Trump attempted to lean on a couple of key witnesses to deflect the Russia inquiry away from him. The first was Paul Manafort.
Mueller recounts how Trump essentially dangled the promise of a pardon in front of his former campaign manager. “The president made repeated statements suggesting that a pardon was a possibility for Manafort, while also making it clear that the president did not want Manafort to ‘flip’.”Mueller recounts how Trump essentially dangled the promise of a pardon in front of his former campaign manager. “The president made repeated statements suggesting that a pardon was a possibility for Manafort, while also making it clear that the president did not want Manafort to ‘flip’.”
The report concludes that “with respect to Manafort, there is evidence that the president’s actions had the potential to influence Manafort’s decision whether to cooperate with the government.”The report concludes that “with respect to Manafort, there is evidence that the president’s actions had the potential to influence Manafort’s decision whether to cooperate with the government.”
The second key witness was former White House counsel Don McGahn. Not only did Trump order McGahn to fire Mueller himself at a time when the Russia investigation was generating heat, but when the story of that order leaked to the press he ordered McGahn to lie and deny it.The second key witness was former White House counsel Don McGahn. Not only did Trump order McGahn to fire Mueller himself at a time when the Russia investigation was generating heat, but when the story of that order leaked to the press he ordered McGahn to lie and deny it.
Here’s the killer quote: “Substantial evidence indicates that in repeatedly urging McGahn to dispute that he was ordered to have the special counsel terminated, the president acted for the purpose of influencing McGahn’s account in order to deflect or prevent further scrutiny of the president’s conduct toward the investigation.”Here’s the killer quote: “Substantial evidence indicates that in repeatedly urging McGahn to dispute that he was ordered to have the special counsel terminated, the president acted for the purpose of influencing McGahn’s account in order to deflect or prevent further scrutiny of the president’s conduct toward the investigation.”
In both these cases, Mueller is making a crystal clear case of witness tampering. As he explains in other parts of his report, he decided not to recommend charges on these or any other counts, not because – as the attorney general Bill Barr later ruled – there was insufficient evidence.In both these cases, Mueller is making a crystal clear case of witness tampering. As he explains in other parts of his report, he decided not to recommend charges on these or any other counts, not because – as the attorney general Bill Barr later ruled – there was insufficient evidence.
On the contrary, Mueller says there is plenty of evidence. But he is leaving the dilemma of what to do with it up to Congress.On the contrary, Mueller says there is plenty of evidence. But he is leaving the dilemma of what to do with it up to Congress.
Trump boarded Marine One en route to Mar-a-lago without taking questions from reporters, the Guardian’s David Smith reports.Trump boarded Marine One en route to Mar-a-lago without taking questions from reporters, the Guardian’s David Smith reports.
At the White House. Donald Trump heading to Marine One with Melania and without taking questions from big press corps. pic.twitter.com/STySS37ZbMAt the White House. Donald Trump heading to Marine One with Melania and without taking questions from big press corps. pic.twitter.com/STySS37ZbM
Adam Schiff, chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said the report indicates that the actions of Trump’s campaign and associates “are unquestionably dishonest, unethical, immoral and unpatriotic”.Adam Schiff, chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said the report indicates that the actions of Trump’s campaign and associates “are unquestionably dishonest, unethical, immoral and unpatriotic”.
“That is not the subject of vindication, that is the subject of condemnation,” Schiff said speaking from California.“That is not the subject of vindication, that is the subject of condemnation,” Schiff said speaking from California.
Asked about Trump’s claim that it is “game over,” Schiff said that it is certainly not.Asked about Trump’s claim that it is “game over,” Schiff said that it is certainly not.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer – the second-ranking Democrat in the House – told CNN he thinks, at least at this point, impeachment is “not worthwhile”.House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer – the second-ranking Democrat in the House – told CNN he thinks, at least at this point, impeachment is “not worthwhile”.
House Majority @LeaderHoyer just told me : “Based on what we have seen to date, going forward on impeachment is not worthwhile at this point. Very frankly, there is an election in 18 months and the American people will make a judgement,”House Majority @LeaderHoyer just told me : “Based on what we have seen to date, going forward on impeachment is not worthwhile at this point. Very frankly, there is an election in 18 months and the American people will make a judgement,”
In an interview on Fox News, White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway likened the investigation to a “proctology exam” and declared Trump had emerged with “a clean bill of health”.In an interview on Fox News, White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway likened the investigation to a “proctology exam” and declared Trump had emerged with “a clean bill of health”.
She maintained that the report was an unblemished exoneration of the president and reiterated her demand for House intelligence chairman Adam Schiff to resign.She maintained that the report was an unblemished exoneration of the president and reiterated her demand for House intelligence chairman Adam Schiff to resign.
“I was the first person to publicly call for Adam Schiff’s resignation from Intelligence Committee Chairman a couple weeks ago on your network,” she told Fox. “I’m going to double down on this. Not only should he resign, but he should produce the evidence that he says he had… he ought to put up or shut up.”“I was the first person to publicly call for Adam Schiff’s resignation from Intelligence Committee Chairman a couple weeks ago on your network,” she told Fox. “I’m going to double down on this. Not only should he resign, but he should produce the evidence that he says he had… he ought to put up or shut up.”
Reporters have long accused White House press secretary Sarah Sanders of not being truthful with the press corps. But here, in sworn testimony, she confirms that the reason she offered for Trump firing Comey – that Comey had lost the confidence of the rank and file members of the FBI - was “not founded on anything.”Reporters have long accused White House press secretary Sarah Sanders of not being truthful with the press corps. But here, in sworn testimony, she confirms that the reason she offered for Trump firing Comey – that Comey had lost the confidence of the rank and file members of the FBI - was “not founded on anything.”
Sarah Sanders on Comey firing to press: “countless members of the FBI” did not like ComeySanders to Mueller: That was a “slip of the tongue.”To press: Rank and file FBI lost confidence in ComeyTo Mueller: Said “in the heat of the moment” and not founded on anything. pic.twitter.com/vxzAp4lxRpSarah Sanders on Comey firing to press: “countless members of the FBI” did not like ComeySanders to Mueller: That was a “slip of the tongue.”To press: Rank and file FBI lost confidence in ComeyTo Mueller: Said “in the heat of the moment” and not founded on anything. pic.twitter.com/vxzAp4lxRp
from the Mueller report, The Guardian will continue to investigate, report and expose the truth to make sure we understand the complete story. At this critical moment in American history, we’ll use the strength of independent journalism to challenge false narratives, sort facts from lies and create transparency to hold the powerful accountable.from the Mueller report, The Guardian will continue to investigate, report and expose the truth to make sure we understand the complete story. At this critical moment in American history, we’ll use the strength of independent journalism to challenge false narratives, sort facts from lies and create transparency to hold the powerful accountable.
But we need your help, too. More people, all around the world, are reading and supporting The Guardian’s independent, investigative journalism. And unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall. We have chosen an approach that allows us to keep our reporting accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live or what they can afford. We hope you’ll consider making a contribution. Every contribution we receive goes directly into funding our journalism. Support The Guardian from as little as $1 – and it only takes a minute. Thank youBut we need your help, too. More people, all around the world, are reading and supporting The Guardian’s independent, investigative journalism. And unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall. We have chosen an approach that allows us to keep our reporting accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live or what they can afford. We hope you’ll consider making a contribution. Every contribution we receive goes directly into funding our journalism. Support The Guardian from as little as $1 – and it only takes a minute. Thank you
Judiciary Committee chair Jerry Nadler is holding a press conference in New York.Judiciary Committee chair Jerry Nadler is holding a press conference in New York.
He accuses Barr of “undermin[ing] his own department in order to protect President Trump”. He said it was “disingenuous and misleading” of Barr to say Trump is “clear of wrongdoing”.He accuses Barr of “undermin[ing] his own department in order to protect President Trump”. He said it was “disingenuous and misleading” of Barr to say Trump is “clear of wrongdoing”.
Barr is scheduled to testify before the committee on May 2. Nadler said he has formerly requested Mueller also testify before the committee because “we can’t believe what Barr tells us.”Barr is scheduled to testify before the committee on May 2. Nadler said he has formerly requested Mueller also testify before the committee because “we can’t believe what Barr tells us.”
The Mueller report outlines “disturbing evidence” that president Trump engaged in obstruction of justice, Nadler says.The Mueller report outlines “disturbing evidence” that president Trump engaged in obstruction of justice, Nadler says.
He said the report is clear that Mueller did not exonerate Trump and that the responsibility now lies with Congress.He said the report is clear that Mueller did not exonerate Trump and that the responsibility now lies with Congress.
Asked about impeachment, Nadler said: “It’s too early to talk about. We will have to follow the evidence where it leads.”Asked about impeachment, Nadler said: “It’s too early to talk about. We will have to follow the evidence where it leads.”
He said he believes the report provides Congress a “road map”.He said he believes the report provides Congress a “road map”.
White House senior counselor Kellyanne Conway told reporters that the publication of the Mueller report is “really the best day since he got elected”. She reiterated Trump’s insistence that there was “no collusion, and there was certainly no criminal conspiracy with any Russians”.White House senior counselor Kellyanne Conway told reporters that the publication of the Mueller report is “really the best day since he got elected”. She reiterated Trump’s insistence that there was “no collusion, and there was certainly no criminal conspiracy with any Russians”.
“We’re accepting apologies today, too, for anybody who feels the grace in offering them,” Conway said.“We’re accepting apologies today, too, for anybody who feels the grace in offering them,” Conway said.
Kellyanne Conway says “this is the best day since he got elected.” pic.twitter.com/SrYMfRexfSKellyanne Conway says “this is the best day since he got elected.” pic.twitter.com/SrYMfRexfS
Hello! Lauren Gambino here in the nation’s capital. I’m taking the keyboard from Adam for the duration of the afternoon. Stay tuned for our continuing coverage of the Mueller report.Hello! Lauren Gambino here in the nation’s capital. I’m taking the keyboard from Adam for the duration of the afternoon. Stay tuned for our continuing coverage of the Mueller report.
Mike Pence, vice-president and Christian, has issued a statement on the Mueller report. It’s a greatest hits of nonsense, containing the same lies as Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale’s statement earlier.Mike Pence, vice-president and Christian, has issued a statement on the Mueller report. It’s a greatest hits of nonsense, containing the same lies as Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale’s statement earlier.
I’ve put the bits that are incorrect in bold:I’ve put the bits that are incorrect in bold:
Today’s release of the special counsel’s report confirms what the president and I have said since day one: there was no collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia and there was no obstruction of justice.Today’s release of the special counsel’s report confirms what the president and I have said since day one: there was no collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia and there was no obstruction of justice.
After two years of investigation, conducted with the full cooperation of this administration, that involved hundreds of witness interviews and millions of pages of documents, the American people can see for themselves: no collusion, no obstruction.After two years of investigation, conducted with the full cooperation of this administration, that involved hundreds of witness interviews and millions of pages of documents, the American people can see for themselves: no collusion, no obstruction.
Now that the special counsel investigation is completed, the American people have a right to know whether the initial investigation was in keeping with long-standing justice department standards — or even lawful at all. We must never allow our justice system to be exploited in pursuit of a political agenda.Now that the special counsel investigation is completed, the American people have a right to know whether the initial investigation was in keeping with long-standing justice department standards — or even lawful at all. We must never allow our justice system to be exploited in pursuit of a political agenda.
While many Democrats will cling to discredited allegations, the American people can be confident President Trump and I will continue to focus where we always have, on advancing an agenda that’s making our nation stronger, safer, and more secure.While many Democrats will cling to discredited allegations, the American people can be confident President Trump and I will continue to focus where we always have, on advancing an agenda that’s making our nation stronger, safer, and more secure.
Political reaction to the report had been baked into the cake by Barr’s four-page summary last month. Trump and Republicans inevitably circled the wagons and claimed vindication again; Democrats seized on the damning evidence that the president attempted to obstruct justice and was saved only by those around him.Political reaction to the report had been baked into the cake by Barr’s four-page summary last month. Trump and Republicans inevitably circled the wagons and claimed vindication again; Democrats seized on the damning evidence that the president attempted to obstruct justice and was saved only by those around him.
The timing of the report was fortunate for Trump, with Congress not in session and Washington winding down for Easter. Attorney general William Barr also did his best to positive spin on the findings in a pre-publication briefing. Garry Kasparov, the Russian human rights activist, tweeted: “Barr’s press conference reminded me of the Soviet spokesmen reassuring people in bread lines that the grain harvest is again at record levels.”The timing of the report was fortunate for Trump, with Congress not in session and Washington winding down for Easter. Attorney general William Barr also did his best to positive spin on the findings in a pre-publication briefing. Garry Kasparov, the Russian human rights activist, tweeted: “Barr’s press conference reminded me of the Soviet spokesmen reassuring people in bread lines that the grain harvest is again at record levels.”
Responses to the report itself broke down along predictably partisan lines. Trump himself, speaking at an unrelated White House event, said: “This should never happen to another president again. This hoax – it should never happen to another president again.” He added on Twitter: “GAME OVER” with a photoshopped image from Game of Thrones.Responses to the report itself broke down along predictably partisan lines. Trump himself, speaking at an unrelated White House event, said: “This should never happen to another president again. This hoax – it should never happen to another president again.” He added on Twitter: “GAME OVER” with a photoshopped image from Game of Thrones.
pic.twitter.com/222atp7wuBpic.twitter.com/222atp7wuB
There was also a preview of how Trump will attempt to use the report to his advantage in next year’s presidential election, arguing that it was cooked up by Democrats and the deep state in an attempt to thwart his supporters.There was also a preview of how Trump will attempt to use the report to his advantage in next year’s presidential election, arguing that it was cooked up by Democrats and the deep state in an attempt to thwart his supporters.
His reelection campaign said in a statement: “President Trump has been fully and completely exonerated yet again. Now the tables have turned, and it’s time to investigate the liars who instigated this sham investigation into President Trump, motivated by political retribution and based on no evidence whatsoever.”His reelection campaign said in a statement: “President Trump has been fully and completely exonerated yet again. Now the tables have turned, and it’s time to investigate the liars who instigated this sham investigation into President Trump, motivated by political retribution and based on no evidence whatsoever.”
There were few cracks in the Republican wall. Congressman Jim Jordan, ranking member of the House committee on oversight and reform, said: “It would be a miscarriage of justice to use cherry-picked bits of information from the report to sow further divisiveness and spread conspiracies that serve only to undermine our democratic institutions.”There were few cracks in the Republican wall. Congressman Jim Jordan, ranking member of the House committee on oversight and reform, said: “It would be a miscarriage of justice to use cherry-picked bits of information from the report to sow further divisiveness and spread conspiracies that serve only to undermine our democratic institutions.”
But there was plenty of fodder for Democrats and other critics of the president, including his attempt to remove Mueller, which McGahn refused. Mueller writes: “The president’s efforts to influence the investigation were mostly unsuccessful, but that is largely because the persons who surrounded the president declined to carry out orders or accede to his requests.”But there was plenty of fodder for Democrats and other critics of the president, including his attempt to remove Mueller, which McGahn refused. Mueller writes: “The president’s efforts to influence the investigation were mostly unsuccessful, but that is largely because the persons who surrounded the president declined to carry out orders or accede to his requests.”
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a joint statement: “The differences are stark between what Attorney General Barr said on obstruction and what Special Counsel Mueller said on obstruction.Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a joint statement: “The differences are stark between what Attorney General Barr said on obstruction and what Special Counsel Mueller said on obstruction.
“As we continue to review the report, one thing is clear: Attorney General Barr presented a conclusion that the president did not obstruct justice while Mueller’s report appears to undercut that finding.”“As we continue to review the report, one thing is clear: Attorney General Barr presented a conclusion that the president did not obstruct justice while Mueller’s report appears to undercut that finding.”
House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerrold Nadler added: “Even in its incomplete form, the Mueller report outlines disturbing evidence that President Trump engaged in obstruction of justice and other misconduct.House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerrold Nadler added: “Even in its incomplete form, the Mueller report outlines disturbing evidence that President Trump engaged in obstruction of justice and other misconduct.
“The report concluded there was ‘substantial evidence’ that President Trump attempted to prevent an investigation into his campaign and his own conduct. Contrary to the Attorney General’s statement this morning that the White House ‘fully cooperated’ with the investigation, the report makes clear that the president refused to be interviewed by the special counsel and refused to provide written answers to follow-up questions; and his associates destroyed evidence relevant to the Russia investigation.”“The report concluded there was ‘substantial evidence’ that President Trump attempted to prevent an investigation into his campaign and his own conduct. Contrary to the Attorney General’s statement this morning that the White House ‘fully cooperated’ with the investigation, the report makes clear that the president refused to be interviewed by the special counsel and refused to provide written answers to follow-up questions; and his associates destroyed evidence relevant to the Russia investigation.”
Democrats have called for Mueller to testify on Capitol Hill. Some may even reconsider whether to push for Trump’s impeachment, although Republican control of the Senate could make that a messy and inconclusive process.Democrats have called for Mueller to testify on Capitol Hill. Some may even reconsider whether to push for Trump’s impeachment, although Republican control of the Senate could make that a messy and inconclusive process.
From Russia with (no) love: Russian officials have branded Mueller’s allegations of election meddling “absurd”, according to the Guardian’s Marc Bennetts:“Two years of work and tens of millions of dollars wasted,” is how Russian state TV’s Channel One described Mueller’s investigation into allegations of collusion between Trump and Russia. There has been no comment yet from the Kremlin on Mueller’s findings that there were multiple links between Trump campaign officials and individuals tied to the Russian government.From Russia with (no) love: Russian officials have branded Mueller’s allegations of election meddling “absurd”, according to the Guardian’s Marc Bennetts:“Two years of work and tens of millions of dollars wasted,” is how Russian state TV’s Channel One described Mueller’s investigation into allegations of collusion between Trump and Russia. There has been no comment yet from the Kremlin on Mueller’s findings that there were multiple links between Trump campaign officials and individuals tied to the Russian government.
Leonid Slutsky, the head of the Russian parliament’s foreign affairs committee, said the allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 elections were “absurd,” evidence of “Russophobia,” and part of an “internal political struggle in Washington”.Leonid Slutsky, the head of the Russian parliament’s foreign affairs committee, said the allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 elections were “absurd,” evidence of “Russophobia,” and part of an “internal political struggle in Washington”.
He also warned that the accusations that Russia tried to sway the election had seen US-Russia relations hit “rock bottom” and that as a result “fundamental agreements on arm control” were in danger of collapse.He also warned that the accusations that Russia tried to sway the election had seen US-Russia relations hit “rock bottom” and that as a result “fundamental agreements on arm control” were in danger of collapse.
Slutsky said: “Politicians in Washington must finally come to their senses and realize that such activities have brought the world to the brink of war.”Slutsky said: “Politicians in Washington must finally come to their senses and realize that such activities have brought the world to the brink of war.”
Bill Barr’s pre-spin on the Mueller report is looking shakier by the minute. The attorney general told us this morning that the White House had “fully cooperated” with the investigation.Bill Barr’s pre-spin on the Mueller report is looking shakier by the minute. The attorney general told us this morning that the White House had “fully cooperated” with the investigation.
Let’s not forget that Trump refused to be interviewed by Mueller – instead he only agreed to give written responses. Now, we get to see for the first time the president’s answers to the questions the special counsel posed him, reproduced as an appendix.Let’s not forget that Trump refused to be interviewed by Mueller – instead he only agreed to give written responses. Now, we get to see for the first time the president’s answers to the questions the special counsel posed him, reproduced as an appendix.
As a clearly exasperated Mueller notes, “the president stated on more than 30 occasions that he ‘does not recall’ or ‘remember’ or ‘have an independent recollection’” of information called for by the questions.As a clearly exasperated Mueller notes, “the president stated on more than 30 occasions that he ‘does not recall’ or ‘remember’ or ‘have an independent recollection’” of information called for by the questions.
When you read Trump’s answers you can see what Mueller means. Take the first three responses the president gives relating to the Trump Tower meeting between his eldest son, Don Jr, and a group of Russians in June 2016.When you read Trump’s answers you can see what Mueller means. Take the first three responses the president gives relating to the Trump Tower meeting between his eldest son, Don Jr, and a group of Russians in June 2016.
They begin:They begin:
- “I have no recollection…”- “I have no recollection…”
- “Nor do I recall…”- “Nor do I recall…”
- “I have no independent recollection…”- “I have no independent recollection…”
After he received these replies, Mueller went back to Trump and asked again for a face-to-face interview, given the “inadequacy of the written format”. Trump declined.After he received these replies, Mueller went back to Trump and asked again for a face-to-face interview, given the “inadequacy of the written format”. Trump declined.
The Trump 2020 campaign has put out a statement about the Mueller report which makes a series of incorrect claims.The Trump 2020 campaign has put out a statement about the Mueller report which makes a series of incorrect claims.
The statement, from Trump’s campaign manager Brad Parscale, claims Trump has been “fully and completely exonerated”, which is incorrect. Mueller specifically wrote that the report “does not exonerate” Trump.The statement, from Trump’s campaign manager Brad Parscale, claims Trump has been “fully and completely exonerated”, which is incorrect. Mueller specifically wrote that the report “does not exonerate” Trump.
Parscale also mentions “obstruction conspiracy theories”, despite Mueller detailing 11 instances in which Donald Trump or his campaign engaged in potential obstruction of justice, and despite the Special Counsel suggesting that Congress might prosecute the acts as crimes.Parscale also mentions “obstruction conspiracy theories”, despite Mueller detailing 11 instances in which Donald Trump or his campaign engaged in potential obstruction of justice, and despite the Special Counsel suggesting that Congress might prosecute the acts as crimes.
With those caveats, here’s Parscale’s piece:With those caveats, here’s Parscale’s piece:
STATEMENT ON RELEASE OF FULL MUELLER REPORTSTATEMENT ON RELEASE OF FULL MUELLER REPORT
“President Trump has been fully and completely exonerated yet again. Now the tables have turned, and it’s time to investigate the liars who instigated this sham investigation into President Trump, motivated by political retribution and based on no evidence whatsoever.“President Trump has been fully and completely exonerated yet again. Now the tables have turned, and it’s time to investigate the liars who instigated this sham investigation into President Trump, motivated by political retribution and based on no evidence whatsoever.
There is simply no denying that ‘spying did occur’ on the Trump campaign during the 2016 election, as Attorney General Barr himself noted in testimony before Congress.There is simply no denying that ‘spying did occur’ on the Trump campaign during the 2016 election, as Attorney General Barr himself noted in testimony before Congress.
Barr went on to testify that there was a ‘failure among a group of leaders there at the upper echelon [of the FBI]… [and] I feel I have an obligation to make sure that government power is not abused.’Barr went on to testify that there was a ‘failure among a group of leaders there at the upper echelon [of the FBI]… [and] I feel I have an obligation to make sure that government power is not abused.’
Now that the collusion and obstruction conspiracy theories have been exposed for the pathetic hoaxes they always were, the Obama-era DOJ and FBI must answer for their misdeeds and the scam that they perpetrated against the American people. Justice will be served.Now that the collusion and obstruction conspiracy theories have been exposed for the pathetic hoaxes they always were, the Obama-era DOJ and FBI must answer for their misdeeds and the scam that they perpetrated against the American people. Justice will be served.
Mueller floats evidence in his report that Trump was personally involved in discussions over the WikiLeaks dumps of Democratic emails hacked by Russia.Mueller floats evidence in his report that Trump was personally involved in discussions over the WikiLeaks dumps of Democratic emails hacked by Russia.
The report says that when WikiLeaks began publishing emails stolen from the Democratic National Convention in July 2016, Trump’s campaign aides “reacted with enthusiasm to reports of the hacks”.The report says that when WikiLeaks began publishing emails stolen from the Democratic National Convention in July 2016, Trump’s campaign aides “reacted with enthusiasm to reports of the hacks”.
“[REDACTED] discussed with campaign officials that WikiLeaks would release the hacked material. Some witnesses said that Trump himself discussed the upcoming releases.”“[REDACTED] discussed with campaign officials that WikiLeaks would release the hacked material. Some witnesses said that Trump himself discussed the upcoming releases.”
Rick Gates, Trump’s former deputy campaign manager, told Mueller that in the summer of 2016, a few months before the presidential election: “The campaign was planning a communications strategy based on the possible release of Clinton emails by WikiLeaks”.Rick Gates, Trump’s former deputy campaign manager, told Mueller that in the summer of 2016, a few months before the presidential election: “The campaign was planning a communications strategy based on the possible release of Clinton emails by WikiLeaks”.