

The Inside Story of Trump, Russia, and the Mueller Investigation
Sep 24, 2024
Aaron Zebley, former deputy to Special Counsel Robert Mueller and co-author of "Interference," provides an insider’s perspective on the investigation into Trump's ties to Russia. He reveals why his team chose not to indict the president and elaborates on the challenges of questioning presidential intent regarding obstruction of justice. Zebley discusses key events from the 2016 election, the legal complexities of conspiracy and obstruction, and the ongoing threat of foreign election interference, emphasizing the critical need for transparency in political investigations.
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Importance of Interviewing Trump
- The Mueller team prioritized interviewing Trump to understand his intent regarding potential obstruction of justice.
- They believed direct questioning was crucial for assessing corrupt intent, a key element of obstruction.
Trump's Unsent Letter
- Trump's unsent letter to Comey highlighted a disconnect between stated reasons and actual concerns.
- Trump cited a loss of faith due to past Clinton investigation, yet seemed preoccupied with Russia probe.
Giuliani's Leak
- Giuliani, after being confidentially told Trump was a subject, not a target, leaked the information.
- He misrepresented the details to the press, highlighting challenges of dealing with dishonest lawyers.