With three individuals in Donald Trump’s orbit facing charges related to Robert Mueller’s ongoing investigation into the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia, several Republican lawmakers are throwing their support behind the special counsel probe.
In a statement released Monday, high-ranking GOP Sen. Orrin Hatch, who is third in line for the presidency, said Mueller “needs time and support” to continue his investigation.
Hatch’s full statement via his Twitter page:
Hatch, the senior members and former Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee on the indictments of Paul Manafort and Rick Gates. #utpol pic.twitter.com/ll31373r59
— Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) October 30, 2017
Two other GOP lawmakers, Reps. Randy Hultgren and Adam Kinzinger, also threw their support behind the special counsel investigation, saying it’s critical that Mueller is allowed to do his job so the American people can get the answers they deserve.
Letting Mueller finish his work is the right thing to do. He, along with several congressional committees, will bring forth the truth. (1/2)
— Rep. Randy Hultgren (@RepHultgren) October 30, 2017
As I’ve said from day one, the American people deserve answers, transparency & the truth. Important to allow Mueller to do his job.
— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) October 30, 2017
The comments from the GOP lawmakers echo what many Democrats have been saying for months, but it’s particularly important coming from members of Trump’s own party.
This is especially true as recent reports indicate that many in Washington are concerned that Trump will respond to today’s developments by forcing Mueller out and even pardoning those who end up facing charges.
According to CBS News:
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, the number two Democrat in the Senate, said given the president’s repeated criticism of a special prosecutor’s investigation into his campaign’s ties to Russia, there is legitimate concern Trump might try to fire special counsel Robert Mueller, or pardon those charged.
“If I would have said a year ago what you just said about the possibility of a special prosecutor being fired, and that a presidential pardon would be issued following it, you’d have said that movie will never sell, it’s too outlandish, it’s just not even possible,” he said. “But it sadly is within the realm of possibility.”
In addition to expressing concern about the potential firing of Mueller, Democrats are also urging Republicans in Congress to join them in passing legislation that would protect Mueller from any attempt by Trump to oust him.
The decision by GOP lawmakers to voice their support for Mueller today is a clear signal to the president that he should think twice before taking drastic steps in response to the indictments handed out on Monday.
It won’t just be Democrats pushing back in the event that Trump tries to shut down this investigation and force Mueller out – particularly as his close associates are being charged – but Republicans appear to be ready to fight back, too.
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