WASHINGTON — The Justice Department has appointed former FBI head Robert Mueller to oversee the probe into Trump-Russian connection in the 2016 election.
MORE: Former FBI Director Robert Mueller appointed as special counsel to oversee Russia investigation. https://t.co/7eU1uEiXB9 pic.twitter.com/e4LI5uLbSA
— ABC News (@ABC) May 17, 2017
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said in a statement 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."
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"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.”
The White House was blinded by the Special Counsel announcement -- given only about a 30-minute heads up
— Jonathan Karl (@jonkarl) May 17, 2017
Mueller will have 60 days to put together a budget for resources to conduct the investigation and that budget must be approved by Rosenstein. Attorney General Jeff Sessions previously recused himself from all matters related to the presidential campaign.
President Trump released a statement Wednesday evening saying:
Trump statement on special counsel appointment in Russia probe pic.twitter.com/Y3dmocLalX
— Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) May 17, 2017
The Justice Department said Mueller has agreed to resign from his private law firm in order to avoid any conflicts of interest with firm clients or attorneys.
ABC News contributed to this article.
Cox Media Group
