Special Counsel Robert Mueller says charging President Trump with obstruction of justice was not an option due to a longstanding Justice Department policy. The policy states that a president cannot be charged with a federal crime while in office. Speaking at the department today, Mueller said if he had confidence that the President clearly did not commit a crime, he would have said so. Mueller also announced that he is formally stepping down as special counsel. He did not take questions.
Mueller summarized the key findings from his final report. He outlined sweeping efforts by Russia to influence the 2016 presidential election. Mueller also noted that there was insufficient evidence to "charge a broader conspiracy." Mueller had not spoken publicly since being appointed special counsel. Meantime, Mueller is negotiating with the House Judiciary Committee. He wants to testify behind closed doors while Democrats who run the committee want a full, public hearing.
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