The Mueller investigations began nearly two years ago, only months after Trump entered office in 2017. Mueller submitted his report on Friday to the Attorney General, William Barr. And, although the reports won’t be submitted to the public yet, Mueller has confirmed that the investigation into Trump’s Russian involvements have ceased.
The direction of the investigation is still unclear, as Attorney General Barr has not disclosed whether or not he will release the investigation report to Congress or release it to the public. Barr has also not commented on if he would only release specific parts of the report or the entire report overall. As Attorney General, Barr can choose what will and will not be disclosed to the public, even though it is an FBI investigation.
The report exceeds 300 pages, leading many Democrats to stress that a four page summary from Attorney General Barr will not suffice. Democrats have also accused Barr of attempting to cover up damning information regarding the Russian interference, especially since there are allegations that Mueller and Barr have opposing views on whether or not Trump’s relationship with Russia could actually be determined as obstruction of justice. Barr says investigators must have to satisfy three questions to charge a person with obstruction. Did Trump have corrupt intent? Did he engage in obstructive conduct? And, did that affect a pending or contemplated proceeding? Barr said Mueller could not reach a conclusion in which Trump could satisfy all three questions.
Members of Barr and Mueller’s teams are currently examining the report in hopes to rid information that cannot be made public for intelligence or other reasons. Barr has told the press he and his team need more time to examine the report in order to accurately interpret Mueller’s findings.