Reprinted with permission from Shareblue.com
Trump incorrectly called the investigation into Russia election interference — which was greenlighted by his appointees — “illegal” as he continued to rant to the world about the probe via Twitter.
In a tweet, Trump wrote, “Despite the disgusting, illegal and unwarranted Witch Hunt, we have had the most successful first 17 month Administration in U.S. history.”
The allegation that the investigation is “illegal” is absolutely false.
The probe was triggered by officials put in place by Trump himself, and was done so in accordance with the law.
Special counsel Robert Mueller was appointed by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who was nominated for his position by Trump himself.
It is now an established fact — agreed upon by even Senate Republicans — that Russians interfered in the election with the intent of helping Trump’s campaign.
Despite initial protests, it is also clear that multiple Trump campaign officials, including his son Donald Jr. and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, held meetings with Russian operatives during the campaign. At those meetings the Trump team discussed getting dirt on Hillary Clinton that they would then use to try to win the election.
Trump also proclaimed that the investigation is “the greatest Witch Hunt in American History.”
But witch hunts do not generate convictions. Several Trump campaign aides have been found guilty of crimes, including his National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who confessed to lying to the FBI. Flynn and other Trump campaign officials are now cooperating with the probe.
Additionally, Trump’s own former campaign chairman Paul Manafort has been indicted with several crimes.
The Mueller investigation was triggered by Trump’s own officials at the Department of Justice. It complies with the law. It has secured convictions and indictments. It continues to uncover wrongdoing from Trump’s team in concert with Russian operatives.
Everything Trump said about the probe in his unhinged tweet is inaccurate and self-serving.
