ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

McConnell rejects vote on bill to protect Mueller, says special counsel is 'not under threat'

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Friday suggested he would not allow a floor vote on legislation to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Friday suggested he would not allow a floor vote on legislation to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian election interference and alleged collusion by the Trump campaign.

"It's not necessary. The Mueller investigation is not under threat," McConnell told reporters.

This comes two days after the dramatic ousting of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who's been replaced for the time being by Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, Sessions' former chief of staff. Sessions said he resigned at the request of the president, and his departure was made public the day after the 2018 midterm elections.

ADVERTISEMENT

Whitaker has publicly criticized the Mueller investigation, prompting concerns he would move to shut it down. In this context, Republican Sen. Jeff Flake on Thursday said he and Democratic Sen. Chris Coons planned to call for a floor vote on legislation to protect Mueller.

Trump on Friday lambasted Flake via Twitter over these efforts.

The president tweeted, "Jeff Flake(y) doesn’t want to protect the Non-Senate confirmed Special Counsel, he wants to protect his future after being unelectable in Arizona for the 'crime' of doing a terrible job! A weak and ineffective guy!"

There have been broad calls for Whitaker to recuse himself from the probe. McConnell on Friday said he didn't "have any advice to give the administration on that."

McConnell added that he expects "we'll get a new nominee quickly for the job."

ADVERTISEMENT

On Thursday night, people in cities across the US participated in the #ProtectMueller march in support of the special counsel, declaring "Trump is not above the law."

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

Here are common things people rarely dream about

Here are common things people rarely dream about

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT