Lawmakers Want DOJ to Publicly Commit to Hands Off Mueller Investigation
Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Kamala Harris (D-CA) are urging top officials at the Justice Department to publicly commit to not interfere with Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, including refusing any requests from the White House. Their request, which was sent to those who are in the DOJ’s line of succession to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein should he “either resign or be removed,” follows growing concern about possible political interference in Mueller’s inquiry. The Senators also asked the DOJ officials to provide a written and public commitment to refuse to interfere in Mueller's investigation. “We have significant concerns that the president or his White House could order individuals at the Department of Justice with the authority to oversee Special Counsel Mueller’s probe to interfere with the probe or shut it down," they wrote. “You have an oath to uphold the rule of law and protect the Constitution. ... This includes refusing to take part in any effort to deny the American public access to the truth and refusing to participate in any attempt by the president to interfere with a legitimate and critical investigation of national importance.” Legislators have introduced two bills that would limit the president’s ability to fire Mueller. More here.