As Robert Mueller writes his report, a potential battle brews over obstruction of justice

CNN ^ | January 10th, 2019 | By Evan Perez, Pamela Brown and Laura Jarrett

[Mariner]

Washington (CNN)As special counsel Robert Mueller wraps up his Russia probe, investigators have focused on conflicting public statements by President Donald Trump and his team that could be seen as an effort to influence witnesses and obstruct justice, according to people familiar with the investigation.

The line of questioning adds to indications that Mueller views false or misleading statements to the press or to the public as obstruction of justice. That could set up a potential flashpoint with the White House and the Trump legal team should that become part of any final report from the Mueller investigation.

Mueller hasn't addressed the issue publicly, but prosecutors have dropped hints that they view public statements as possibly key in influencing witnesses.

Court filings from the plea of Michael Cohen, the President's former personal lawyer, included allegations related to false public statements -- not usually considered illegal since they aren't made directly to investigators. A December sentencing memo filed by Mueller's office notes that Cohen's lies were amplified in public statements, "including to other potential witnesses." The memo said this was done partly "in the hopes of limiting the investigation into possible Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election -- an issue of heightened national interest."

The President's legal team took notice of the Cohen plea documents and believe the special counsel is pursuing a thin legal theory when it comes to potentially criminalizing public statements, a source briefed on the matter said. They believe the President's comments are protected under the First Amendment and that there's a difference between a plea deal and the President's position, which is to fight the allegations.

[OrioleFan]

I guess Mueller is going to attempt to prosecute President Trump for unfairly campaigning (ie working) while hillary sat on her fat a$$ assuming she had it in the bag, so to speak. President Trump proved that hard work triumphs every time, except when vote harvesting is used. California vote harvesting needs to be investigated.

[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

I wonder who “compromised” Mueller? If this article is true, he’s as corrupt as they come, but given his role in the Whitey Bulger frameups, that should come as no surprise to any law abiding person.

[M Kehoe]

Hi.

To have a charge of obstruction of justice there has to be an underlying crime. What crime has been committed?

5.56mm

[editor-surveyor]

.
Robert Mueller has committed more crimes than he has fingers and toes.

Ditto for all of his staff.

Rent a Cat 360 to dig a place to keep them while they await trial. (cheaper than building jail space)

[Mariner]

“To have a charge of obstruction of justice there has to be an underlying crime.”

That should be true.

But it’s not.