AP/Cliff Owen
- This week, we found out the Justice Department will release a redacted version of the special counsel Robert Mueller’s final report in the Russia probe on Thursday.
- For the last two years, Mueller spearheaded a tight ship as he and his team of prosecutors conducted one of the most politically sensitive investigations in modern US history.
- We’ve put together a running list of everything you need to know about the highly anticipated report ahead of its release, and how Washington’s political factions are bracing for its impact.
The Justice Department announced this week that a redacted version of the special counsel Robert Mueller’s final report in the Russia investigation will be released Thursday.
The report’s release will cap nearly two years of frenzied speculation about the most politically sensitive investigation in modern US history.
Here’s everything we know about the highly anticipated report so far:
What was Mueller investigating?
Ann Heisenfelt/Getty Images
Mueller was appointed special counsel in May 2017, after President Donald Trump fired then-FBI director James Comey. According to a memo by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein outlining the scope of Mueller’s appointment, he was tasked with investigating the following:
- "Any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump."
- "Any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation."
- "Any other matters within the scope of 28 C.F.R. § 600.4(a)." This federal statute authorizes the special counsel to investigate federal crimes "committed in the course of, and with intent to interfere" with the investigation, such as perjury and obstruction of justice.
Throughout the course of the investigation, the public learned through media reports and legal disclosures by the special counsel’s office that Mueller was investigating several threads, including: Trump’s business ties to Russia; his campaign associates’ links to Russia; the contacts and meetings between his advisers and those linked to the Russian government; Trump aides’ involvement in foreign lobbying activities; Trump’s decision to fire Comey and any other attempts to hamper the investigation; the Trump Organization’s push to build a Trump Tower in Moscow; why several Trump associates lied to Congress, the FBI, or the public about their involvement in episodes being investigated; and more.
When will the Mueller report be delivered to Congress?
Associated Press
The Justice Department confirmed in an email to INSIDER that the report will be delivered to lawmakers on Thursday afternoon. The report will then be publish online and made available to the general public.
What format will the report be in?
Reuters
It’s unclear whether the document will be in an easily readable format — like a PDF document that allows you to search for keywords — or if it will be a paper copy scanned and uploaded online.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
See Also:
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- Trump suggests sending ‘flying water tankers’ to put out the massive fire at the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
- The Justice Department says the redacted Mueller report will be released Thursday
SEE ALSO: The Justice Department says the redacted Mueller report will be released Thursday
Source: Business Insider – ssheth@businessinsider.com (Sonam Sheth)