After listening to Robert Mueller's final public statement about the Russia probe on Wednesday, House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY) released a statement concluding that it will be up to Congress to do the dirty work of proving the president obstructed justice. To put it another way, Mueller explained that DOJ rules prevent him from pursuing criminal charges against a sitting president, so Nadler will take it from here.
Given that Special Counsel Mueller was unable to pursue criminal charges against the President, it falls to Congress to respond to the crimes, lies and other wrongdoing of President Trump – and we will do so. No one, not even the President of the United States, is above the law. https://t.co/w61a8rRQeK
— (((Rep. Nadler))) (@RepJerryNadler) May 29, 2019
#NEW @RepJerryNadler statement on #Mueller#impeachment pic.twitter.com/DEyvdqELZ2
— Kevin Corke (@kevincorke) May 29, 2019
Trump lawyer and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani reacted on FOX News and said that Nadler has just proven he shouldn't be chairman of the Judiciary committee. Nadler has clearly already made up his mind about Trump, and the Democrat's behavior has been "totally intolerable."
It is, Giuliani said, a "misuse of congressional power."
Rep. Justin Amash (R-MI), the first Republican lawmaker to mention impeachment last week, agrees with Nadler.
The ball is in our court, Congress. https://t.co/idpQo1xItH
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 29, 2019
In his surprise presser, special counsel Mueller said the Russia investigation is "complete." He's done speaking about it and he's not showing up for a congressional hearing.
"We are formally closing the Special Counsel's office, and I am resigning from the Department of Justice to return to private life," he said.
Editor's Note: This piece has been updated with additional information.