For the full two hours of former FBI Director James Comey's testimony last Thursday, he made it clear that he could not or would not, answer some of the Senate Intelligence Committee's questions. He referred members to special prosecutor Robert Mueller. On May 17, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein named Mueller as the special prosecutor to take over the criminal investigation over the Trump administration. The week prior to this, President Trump had fired James Comey for which he gave many different reasons. One of the most telling was because the director would not end the investigation he was conducting on Trump campaign aides for possible collusion with Russian officials.
Mueller's budget and power
Since Mueller -- who was also the director of the FBI before Comey -- was named as the one who will continue the investigation, it feels like years have gone by. Many people are wondering when the investigation will start. According to an article by the Washington Examiner titled: "Robert Mueller's first steps in the Russia investigation," the special prosecutor had to submit a budget request within 60 days from the time he was named.
This deadline is on July 17 and the budget will be for a year. It's been reported, however, that he will be able to request more for his budget during the course of the year if he needs to. Blasting News reported on Rod Rosenstein saying that he was giving Mueller free rein as the attorney generals might also be under investigation.
It's been noted that the focus of the investigation isn't necessarily specific and could pull other issues into its orbit. Blasting News reported that this had White House staffers in the West Wing on edge.
Routing inquiries to special prosecutor
On Wednesday before Comey's testimony, the Senate Intelligence Committee also questioned Rosenstein along with three other officials who -- like Comey the following day -- referred many of the questions the committee had over to Mueller.
The responses added to the frustration of all but at least one Senator on the dais who felt that the officials were not being forthcoming. Nevertheless, many of these officials seem to understand that what they say in a public hearing could have implications for Mueller's investigation.
The four justice and intelligence officials did not object to speaking in closed session but for whatever reason, this could not be arranged.
Comey had reportedly spoken with Mueller prior to his hearing where they settled on what he would talk about. After his testimony, the Trump administration felt vindicated and they did not hesitate to publicly attack Comey, calling him a liar and a leaker of information.
Republicans only need to override Mueller
If the Department of Justice decides that they do not want Mueller to prosecute, the Justice Department would have to go to Congress to make that request. But there is also the matter of whether Republicans will take action if Mueller determines that indictment and charges should follow.
Despite the claim that officials and lawmakers are looking at Mueller for the outcome, Comey's testimony was initially seen as the one that would end up indicting the Trump administration until it became the source of more doubt for the President's supporters.
House Speaker Paul Ryan downplayed the testimony saying that the President's mistakes in trying to "pressure" Comey to drop the investigation were due to his inexperience. In much the same way, Republicans wouldn't only need to take Mueller's final determination and downplay that in order to not indict President Trump.
