Deputy AG Rob Rosenstein defended Robert Mueller today before Congress and basically said he has no intention of firing Mueller because there is just no cause to do so:
DepAG Rosenstein tells Hse Cmte says Special Counsel Mueller is well qualified to lead investigation. Says there's no indication that they want to try to remove Mueller from probe
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 13, 2017
AG Rosenstein now aggressively dismissing GOP case to undermine Mueller: "Based upon his reputation, his service, his patriotism...I believe he was an ideal choice for this task"
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) December 13, 2017
Here’s video from the hearing where Rosenstein addresses this:
Q: Have you seen good cause to fire Special Counsel Mueller?
— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 13, 2017
Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein: "No." pic.twitter.com/4sHtKsupR8
Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein: "Nobody has communicated to me the desire to remove Robert Mueller ... It would be very difficult for anybody to find somebody more qualified for this job." pic.twitter.com/BMMOLAg3YO
— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 13, 2017
Here’s more:
"Are you afraid of Donald Trump firing you?"
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) December 13, 2017
"No, I'm not" - AG Rosenstein
Rosenstein is sending a pretty clear signal right now that he's not gonna carry Trump's water on firing Mueller.
— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) December 13, 2017
Rosenstein not only defends Mueller, but also those in the FBI with now known political affiliations:
Rosenstein said he consults regularly with Mueller and the special counsel is conducting himself consistently with his understanding of the scope of his investigation.
— Charlie Savage (@charlie_savage) December 13, 2017
To the extent there is any ambiguity about the scope (expansion/clarification) of Mueller's jurisdiction, Mueller has sought and obtained Rosenstein's authorization to do what he is doing, RR says.
— Charlie Savage (@charlie_savage) December 13, 2017
Asked if political texts/contributions of some Mueller staffers creates appearance of impropriety, Rosenstein says no violation of DOJ rules & special counsel employees subject to civil-service rule that can't take political affiliation into account for career hiring decisions.
— Charlie Savage (@charlie_savage) December 13, 2017
Rep Chabot (R-OH) lists Mueller staffers who contributed to Dems & calls them biased partisans, Rosenstein says there's a diff btwn political affiliation & bias & says Mueller is committed to making sure any staffer's personal political views do not affect investigation decisions
— Charlie Savage (@charlie_savage) December 13, 2017
Bottom line: Rod Rosenstein today is resending a clear signal that if Trump decides to fire Mueller based on anything that has happened so far, Trump would have to 1st fire Rosenstein & go hunting down the DOJ hierarchy for someone willing to do it, Saturday Night Massacre style.
— Charlie Savage (@charlie_savage) December 13, 2017
I think it’s safe to conclude that as long as Mueller stays within the DOJ rules, Rosenstein will have his back.