Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report on Russia’s role in the 2016 US election will be released on Thursday. Almost four weeks after US President Donald Trump declared himself completely exonerated, Americans will get a chance to see the evidence themselves.
The report will also unravel the conspiracy behind the stealing of Hillary Clinton campaign emails that were made public and damaged her campaign, helping Trump win presidency. The report will also give a better peek into the role WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange played in this. The 400-page report could determine whether Democrats in Congress pursue impeachment of the president. The report could also have an impact on Trump's chances for re-election in 2020.
Widespread doubt and suspicion has remained in the air despite Attorney General Bill Barr's March 24 statement that the Mueller investigation found no criminal collusion by Trump's 2016 campaign with Russia, and insufficient evidence of obstruction of justice. Barr and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who oversaw the 22-month Mueller investigation, plan a press conference on Thursday morning to discuss the report.
Another aspect that will be disclosed in the report is, exoneration of the Trump campaign of it conspiring with Russia. But it might contain new information about contact between Trump campaign officials and Russian operatives.
The White House appeared poised to fight back.
Trump's team has spoken with Justice Department officials in recent days on what the report says in order to prepare their response.
Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani told reporters that he is preparing a detailed “counter report” focusing on the obstruction allegations.
And Trump told local Washington radio station WMAL that he might hold a press conference as well.
“You'll see a lot of very strong things come out tomorrow. Attorney General Barr is going to be giving a press conference. Maybe I'll do one after that; we'll see,” he said.
Much of that the Russia collusion story has already been told by Mueller in court filings, in which he charged 26 Russians and three Russian companies with conspiracy.
The report will likely have information on the most potent allegations against Trump on obstruction of justice.
