Who Is Robert Mueller, Former FBI Director, Named Special Counsel For Russia Investigation By Justice Dept?

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has announced that former FBI Director Robert Mueller has been appointed by the Justice Department to serve as special counsel to investigate Russian involvement and potential corruption in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This appointment puts Mueller back in the center of the political storm that will determine the future of the Trump presidency, but who is Robert Mueller, and what qualifies him for this important position?

Rober Mueller’s appointment comes on the heels of the revelation that a memo from recently ousted FBI Director James Comey, now being called the “Comey Memo,” exists, and states that President Trump asked Comey to cease the investigation into General Michael Flynn and his relationship with the Russian government according to the Inquisitr. The White House released a statement saying that the information in the Comey Memo is untrue and contains lies. Robert Mueller will have a unique perspective in his new position, as he has literally been in Comey’s position for years.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein released a statement explaining that appointing Robert Mueller as special counsel is not an indication that a crime or crimes have been committed. In this new role, Mueller would be answerable to Rosenstein.

“I determined that it is in the public interest for me to exercise my authorities and appoint a special counsel to assume responsibility for this matter. My decision is not a finding that crimes have been committed or that any prosecution is warranted. I have made no such determination.”

Who Is Robert Mueller?

But who is Robert Mueller, and why does Rod Rosenstein think he is the best man for the special counsel job? Born Robert Swan Mueller III in New York City, Mueller, now 72, has lived a full political life with vast experience, and has done the jobs of many of the players he will be researching in this current investigation. Mueller attended Princeton undergrad and UVA for law school after serving in the Marines during the Vietnam War (Mueller received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Gallantry Star for his service).

Along the way, not only has Mueller headed up the FBI as director prior to James Comey, but he also has served in Rod Rosenstein’s role as Deputy Attorney General under George Bush. Mueller is a Republican but is largely seen apolitical, and has worked under both parties. To take the position as special counsel, Robert Mueller will have to resign his position at the law firm WilmerHale.

As Special Counsel Into Russian Involvement, What Will Robert Mueller Do?

Robert Mueller, who was appointed by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein (he is taking over for Attorney General Jeff Sessions as Sessions agreed to recuse himself in any investigation into all things Russian), will oversee the ongoing FBI investigation, and he is in a position to prosecute any federal crimes he uncovers.

Rosenstein will oversee Mueller, but is placing a great deal of power in his hands.

“[This task includes evaluating] any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump” and “any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation.”

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Both sides of the political aisle approve of Robert Mueller in the position of special counsel, and this includes former Attorney General Robert Holder, who spoke out to MSNBC‘s Rachel Maddow.

“Great choice. Incorruptible. As long as his charter is appropriately defined and he is properly resourced, this is a good move.”

Do you think that Robert Mueller, former director of the FBI and former deputy attorney general, is the right person to serve as special counsel in the investigation into Russian involvement in the U.S. election?

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