I just read that the DOJ told an NBC Fake Newsie that Mueller's report will not be released next week. Could be Trump's "always-keep'em-guessing", it could be a delay or it could be that Muellers report will not be released by the DOJ. I believe the later is the case.
I believe Barr has heard enough at this point to end the investigation. Mueller may or may not give him the report, but his report will be obtained as evidence.
I don't believe the DOJ will release Mueller's report as it normally would release any SC report because it would tarnish (further) the DOJ. At this point, Barr knows it's illegitimate attempt at a coup. What DOJ would "look good" releasing that as if it were endorsed or legitmate, while at the same time in possession of proof it was never a legitimate investigation. Having the DOJ release Mueller's report as if it were normal process would basically set the DOJ's imprimatur on it - knowing it's a coup attempt.
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im·pri·ma·tur
NOUN
a person's acceptance or guarantee that something is of a good standard.
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We've seen with Cohen that Mueller tried to use Cohen's statements that Trump ordered him to lie as if it were proof of Trump's guilt. There's more where that came from in Mueller's report. It's a propaganda piece meant to damage the POTUS.
I think Mueller's report becomes evidence upon delivery to Barr, or at the very least, portions of it would be released as it exposed the witch hunt. I don't believe Barr can reasonably allow the farce to continue - knowing it's based on a coup attempt. There was no basis for the entire investigation and in fact - it's inception and continuation was a crime. I have no legal background and I can be quite wrong about this, but I can't imagine how Barr could defend releasing it to the public knowing it's intended to damage the presidency, and it based on criminal activity. Likewise, I don't know on what basis Barr could allow such activity (investigation) to continue. Just my nickle...
mark
Tricksy Mother of Dragons.
The President could release it? There are several grounds it seems to me on which the President & Commander in Chief would demand release of it, or could release it himself.
I suppose it does have an Insurance Policy buried in it somewhere that may prove embarrassing for the president, but Elections Have Consequences.
We know the Report will be leaked if kept hidden.