Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein rarely gives interviews, but this week he spoke with the Wall Street Journal and we can bet Donald Trump won’t be thrilled with some of what he has to say.
Even though Trump has repeated called the Russia investigation a “witch hunt,” Rosenstein disagrees saying:
“I committed I would ensure the investigation was appropriate and independent and reached the right result, whatever it may be…I believe I have been faithful to that.”
Trump and his allies often say the investigation has been a waste of time as well, but Rosenstein begs to differ. The WSJ writes:
Mr. Rosenstein said the investigation has already revealed a widespread effort by Russians to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, an assertion that has been played down by Mr. Trump and repeatedly called into question by other members of the administration.
This interview took place as questions swirl over whether Rosenstein’s job is safe. It came after the New York Times reported that Rosenstein thought about secretly recording Trump and discussed the 25th Amendment (to remove Trump from office). Rosenstein denied the report but later came news that he offered his resignation. Now almost a month later he is still in his job and Trump recently remarked that he has a “good relationship” with Rosenstein. Here’s what Rosenstein said:
“The president knows that I am prepared to do this job as long as he wants me to do this job.”
“You serve at the pleasure of the president, and there’s never been any ambiguity about that in my mind.”
The big question some people have after this interview is over the timing. Why talk to the Wall Street Journal now? We do know that Robert Mueller may issue his findings soon after the midterm elections. So that could mean Rosenstein’s days are numbered.
Specifically, Mueller is close to rendering judgment on two of the most explosive aspects of his inquiry: whether there were clear incidents of collusion between Russia and Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, and whether the president took any actions that constitute obstruction of justice, according to one of the officials, who asked not to be identified speaking about the investigation.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Mueller’s findings would be made public if he doesn’t secure unsealed indictments. The regulations governing Mueller’s probe stipulate that he can present his findings only to his boss, who is currently Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.
