Mueller’s Investigation Found No Collusion, But It Did Not Exonerate Trump

The long-awaited Mueller report was handed in a few days ago, and the key findings from the investigation did not conclude that Trump committed a crime, but it also did not completely exonerate him. 

CNN is reporting that Special Counsel Robert Mueller did not find Trump’s campaign or his associates conspired with Russia, according to Attorney General William Barr. 

After nearly two years of investigation, interviewing about 500 witnesses, the 22-month special counsel probe led to charges against 37 defendants, which included the taking down of six close Trump associates, 26 Russians, and three Russian companies. 

The Justice Department decided not to prosecute Trump for obstructing justice with his behavior – both in public or in private- but declining to prosecute him, doesn’t entirely clear him of wrongdoing. 

Seven defendants have already pleaded guilty, and Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort has been convicted. 

Mueller said he thoroughly investigated the question of obstruction even though he never got to interview Trump. Mueller left the question to Trump’s political appointees Barr and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein as to how they want to proceed and whether or not they wish to prosecute- quick answer- they do not. 

Trump, however, is claiming victory, saying that the findings were a “complete and total exoneration.” Setting himself up for a clear runway to the 2020 presidential re-election campaign. 

He tweeted, “No Collusion, No Obstruction, Complete and Total EXONERATION. KEEP AMERICA GREAT!” 

In the meantime, Mueller’s team has no plans to issue any new indictments. Although the special counsel’s investigation is officially over, several criminal investigations are still going strong. 

The US Attorney’s office will take over many of the open court cases, including former Trump advisor Roger Stone and his former personal attorney Michael Cohen.