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Former FBI Director Appointed Special Counsel To Oversee Trump-Russia Investigation

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Saagar Enjeti White House Correspondent
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Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller to oversee the FBI investigation into any alleged collusion between the Trump 2016 campaign and the Russian government.

“In my capacity as acting Attorney General, I determined that it is in the public interest for me to exercise my authority and appoint a Special Counsel to assume responsibility for this matter,” said Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein in a press release Wednesday. “My decision is not a finding that crimes have been committed or that any prosecution is warranted.  I have made no such determination.  What I have determined is that based upon the unique circumstances, the public interest requires me to place this investigation under the authority of a person who exercises a degree of independence from the normal chain of command.”

Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein added, “Each year, the career professionals of the U.S. Department of Justice conduct tens of thousands of criminal investigations and handle countless other matters without regard to partisan political considerations.  I have great confidence in the independence and integrity of our people and our processes.  Considering the unique circumstances of this matter, however, I determined that a Special Counsel is necessary in order for the American people to have full confidence in the outcome.  Our nation is grounded on the rule of law, and the public must be assured that government officials administer the law fairly.  Special Counsel Mueller will have all appropriate resources to conduct a thorough and complete investigation, and I am confident that he will follow the facts, apply the law and reach a just result.”

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