Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Scribner (2019), 736 pages
Description
There has never been a more important political investigation than Robert S. Mueller III's into President Donald Trump's possible collusion with Russia. His momentous findings can be found here, complete with: The 300+ pages of the historic report, as released by the Justice Department. An introduction by constitutional scholar, eminent civil libertarian, and New York Times bestselling author Alan Dershowitz. The relevant portions of Title 28 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the 1999 provisions written by former acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal, which establish and regulate the powers of the special counsel. Rod Rosenstein's 2016 order appointing Robert Mueller III as special counsel and outlining the scope of his investigation. Attorney General William Barr's four-page summary of the report, as sent to Congress. Barr's explanation of the four reasons for redacting the report, and a key for identifying them in the color-coded report. The wait is over. Robert Mueller, a lifelong Republican, has concluded his investigation and submitted its findings to Attorney General William Barr. Barr has told Congress that Mueller found no proof of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, and did not come to a conclusion on obstruction of justice-neither concluding the president committed a crime nor exonerating him. But Mueller's report was over 300 pages and Barr's summary was only four pages, raising questions about the conclusions of a historic investigation. Special Counsel Robert Mueller III's probe into Russian influence on the 2016 election of Donald Trump-including links between the campaign and Russian interests, obstruction of justice by President Trump, and any other matters that may have arisen in the course of the investigation-has been the focal point of American politics since its inception in May 2017. Democrats in the US House of Representatives hoped to use the report to begin impeachment proceedings, with the support of those critical of the president. Media tracked Mueller's every move, and the investigation was subject to constant speculation by political pundits everywhere. It resulted in the indictments of Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, and many others. President Trump and his supporters affirmed that the investigation was a "witch hunt" and the product of a plot by the political establishment-the "deep state"-to delegitimize his presidency. Mueller's findings-at least according to Barr-allowed the latter to claim victory. But now, thanks to a subpoena from House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerry Nadler for the full report, a resolution from the House of Representatives to release the full report to the public (though blocked in the Senate by Mitch McConnell), and popular demand, it's time for public to judge if that is true. The Mueller investigation will join Watergate, and the Mueller Report will join the 9/11 Commission Report, the Warren Report, and the Starr Report, as one of the most important in history. The Mueller Report is required reading for everyone with interest in American politics, for every 2016 and 2020 voter, and every American. It's now available here as an affordable paperback, featuring an introduction from eminent civil libertarian, Harvard Law Professor Emeritus, and New York Times bestselling author Alan Dershowitz, who provides a constitutional, civil law-based commentary sorely needed in today's media landscape.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member janeajones
I downloaded the PDF file of The Mueller Report because I thought I should read it for myself. It was a bit of a slog, though coherently and even succinctly written -- it took me 2 weeks to get through it. I can't say I learned a whole lot that was new as I've become a bit of a news junky,
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following this Presidency both on TV and in newspaper reports. The number of contacts among trump campaign operatives and Russians as described in Volume I is staggering, and in Volume II, the evidence that the the president has tried to obstruct justice in both the Mueller investigation and in congressional investigations is totally convincing to me. But go and read it for yourself. Show Less
LibraryThing member write-review
The Most Discussed Unread Report
If you are like most Americans, you have an opinion about what is popularly known as The Mueller Report. And, like 97% of Americans, including members of congress and probably the president of the United States, you haven’t read it. Your opinions most likely
Let’s begin with this: being such an important document it really is the obligation of every American to read the report. Of course, this will go unheeded, as does the call for these same Americans to educate themselves before voting. But, really folks, if you are going to talk about this thing, you should know what you’re talking about.
Okay, enough of that. The official title isn’t The Mueller Report. It is Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election, Volumes I and II. Volume I reports on the findings of Russian interference in the election and the interactions and encouragements of Trump people regarding the interference. Volume II reports in detail the various ways Donald Trump tried to thwart the investigation into Russian interference and then into the many ways he tried to shield himself from investigation. Both volumes are contained in the one-volume Washington Post edition.
Readers will find The Washington Post edition particularly helpful because of all the additional material it contains, as well as its organization. It reproduces the original document, including the original pagination. When people cite specific document pages, you can easily find them in this book. Additionally, the volume contains a very helpful narrative of events that took place over more than a year and half and that involved a large cast of characters. Speaking of the characters, this edition contains a list of individuals involved, arranged by affiliation, with short summaries of their activities and backgrounds. (Mueller also provides an extensive listing at the end of his report.) Also, because of the timespan, readers will find the book’s timeline of events useful. Finally, the book contains multiple appendices that include biographies of Mueller and Trump, a glossary of legal terms, and key documents (such as the indictment of the Internet Research Agency). Easily, it’s enough to give a clear understanding of the entire affair, start to finish.
As to Volume I of the report, readers will be astounded by the extent of Russian interference and very troubled by how Trump and his associates encouraged Russian help. It will become evident to most readers that Trump should count himself a lucky man, for if a prosecutor not nearly as Republican and conservative as Robert Mueller had conducted the probe, Trump and his people might have found themselves indicted on conspiracy charges. Interestingly, Trump probably still doesn’t realize just how fortunate he is.
It’s not for me to go through Volume I; that’s your job as an American citizen or a non-citizen curious about all the brouhaha is about. However, I would like to address one refrain common among Trump supporters. It goes something like: The Russians never had anything to do with how I voted; the Russians never influenced me. In fact, unbeknownst to them, the Russians did just that. The report presents numerous examples of how the IRA (Internet Research Agency, operated by the Russians out of a building at 55 Savushkina Street, Saint Petersburg) employed all types of media to reach voters, including social media. Read and mull over just this one paragraph from Volume I, and then ask yourself, did the Russians touch me, did they influence me (that is, did they anger you, turn you against a group, help you identify more strongly with a group, discourage you from voting, etc.)?
“Collectively, the IRA’s social media accounts reached tens of millions of U.S. persons. Individual IRA social media accounts attracted hundreds of thousands of followers. For example, at the time they were deactivated by Facebook in mid-2017, the IRA’s “United Muslims of America” Facebook group had over 300,000 followers, the “Don’t Shoot Us” Facebook group had over 250,000 followers, the “Being Patriotic” Facebook group had over 200,000 followers, and the “Secured Borders” Facebook group had over 130,000 followers. According to Facebook, in total the IRA-controlled accounts made over 80,000 posts before their deactivation in August 2017, and these posts reached at least 29 million U.S. persons and ‘may have reached an estimated 126 million people.” And, mind you, this is just Facebook.
Again, why this particular offense, out of the totality, is so important should be obvious. Because Americans insist on believing they were not influenced in the least bit by Russia. However, the report argues otherwise. And Russia continues to and can be expected to ramp up these activities as we approach the 2020 election. To believe that you somehow cannot be influenced is to be completely delusional and even more susceptible to influence. The message here: Wake up.
In Part Two, the Special Counsel lays out the case of obstruction against President Trump. And it is a very strong case. In fact, it is so strong that to date more than 1,000 former Department of Justice prosecutors have signed a letter stating that Trump, were he not president, could be indicted on several counts of felony obstruction of justice. What prevented Mueller, and has saved Trump for the time being (for, as Mueller points out, Trump could be prosecuted after leaving office), from indicting is the DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel guideline prohibiting prosecution of a sitting president. Thus, Mueller’s wishy-washy statement at the conclusion of Part Two: “…if we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the President clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would state so. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are unable to reach that judgment. Accordingly, while this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him.”
So, what are these points of obstruction detailed in Part Two? They are:
Trump’s and his campaign’s efforts to deny Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Trump’s efforts to protect Michael Flynn.
Trump’s firing of FBI Director Comey
Trump’s efforts to remove the Special Counsel.
Trump’s attempts to coverup the June 9 meeting involving Trump, Jr., Kushner, Manafort, and the Russians.
Trump’s efforts to have Jeff Sessions un-recuse himself and take over the investigation.
Trump’s attempt to order McGahn to deny Trump tried to fire the Special Prosecutor.
Trump’s attempts at witness tampering regarding Flynn, Manafort, and Cohen.
Part Two provides in-depth detail regarding each of these points that paints a vivid picture of a scheming President Trump. Readers familiar with Trump’s behavior in New York as a self-styled real estate mogul will see reflected in The Mueller Report conduct typical of Trump throughout his life.
At the end of the report, readers will find a number of helpful items provided by the Special Counsel, among them: Trump’s written answers to questions deemed by the Special Counsel as inadequate and an extensive list of individuals referred in the body of the report.
Finally, please heed these words of Special Counselor Mueller at the conclusion of his May 29 remarks: “And I will close by reiterating the central allegation of our indictments—that there were multiple, systematic efforts to interference in our election. That allegation deserves the attention of every American.” It’s incumbent upon you as a U.S. citizen to understand what happened, and what continues to happen, and will almost certainly happen again in the 2020 election.
If you are like most Americans, you have an opinion about what is popularly known as The Mueller Report. And, like 97% of Americans, including members of congress and probably the president of the United States, you haven’t read it. Your opinions most likely
Show More
emanate from your personal confirmation bias supported by commentary from news organizations and “pundits” you follow and believe, as well as acquaintances in your group and your family. That Americans can offer up strong opinions on a document they haven’t read and by all measures have little idea of what it contains shouldn’t surprise anybody. It’s how the vast majority of our fellow citizens operate. Let’s begin with this: being such an important document it really is the obligation of every American to read the report. Of course, this will go unheeded, as does the call for these same Americans to educate themselves before voting. But, really folks, if you are going to talk about this thing, you should know what you’re talking about.
Okay, enough of that. The official title isn’t The Mueller Report. It is Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election, Volumes I and II. Volume I reports on the findings of Russian interference in the election and the interactions and encouragements of Trump people regarding the interference. Volume II reports in detail the various ways Donald Trump tried to thwart the investigation into Russian interference and then into the many ways he tried to shield himself from investigation. Both volumes are contained in the one-volume Washington Post edition.
Readers will find The Washington Post edition particularly helpful because of all the additional material it contains, as well as its organization. It reproduces the original document, including the original pagination. When people cite specific document pages, you can easily find them in this book. Additionally, the volume contains a very helpful narrative of events that took place over more than a year and half and that involved a large cast of characters. Speaking of the characters, this edition contains a list of individuals involved, arranged by affiliation, with short summaries of their activities and backgrounds. (Mueller also provides an extensive listing at the end of his report.) Also, because of the timespan, readers will find the book’s timeline of events useful. Finally, the book contains multiple appendices that include biographies of Mueller and Trump, a glossary of legal terms, and key documents (such as the indictment of the Internet Research Agency). Easily, it’s enough to give a clear understanding of the entire affair, start to finish.
As to Volume I of the report, readers will be astounded by the extent of Russian interference and very troubled by how Trump and his associates encouraged Russian help. It will become evident to most readers that Trump should count himself a lucky man, for if a prosecutor not nearly as Republican and conservative as Robert Mueller had conducted the probe, Trump and his people might have found themselves indicted on conspiracy charges. Interestingly, Trump probably still doesn’t realize just how fortunate he is.
It’s not for me to go through Volume I; that’s your job as an American citizen or a non-citizen curious about all the brouhaha is about. However, I would like to address one refrain common among Trump supporters. It goes something like: The Russians never had anything to do with how I voted; the Russians never influenced me. In fact, unbeknownst to them, the Russians did just that. The report presents numerous examples of how the IRA (Internet Research Agency, operated by the Russians out of a building at 55 Savushkina Street, Saint Petersburg) employed all types of media to reach voters, including social media. Read and mull over just this one paragraph from Volume I, and then ask yourself, did the Russians touch me, did they influence me (that is, did they anger you, turn you against a group, help you identify more strongly with a group, discourage you from voting, etc.)?
“Collectively, the IRA’s social media accounts reached tens of millions of U.S. persons. Individual IRA social media accounts attracted hundreds of thousands of followers. For example, at the time they were deactivated by Facebook in mid-2017, the IRA’s “United Muslims of America” Facebook group had over 300,000 followers, the “Don’t Shoot Us” Facebook group had over 250,000 followers, the “Being Patriotic” Facebook group had over 200,000 followers, and the “Secured Borders” Facebook group had over 130,000 followers. According to Facebook, in total the IRA-controlled accounts made over 80,000 posts before their deactivation in August 2017, and these posts reached at least 29 million U.S. persons and ‘may have reached an estimated 126 million people.” And, mind you, this is just Facebook.
Again, why this particular offense, out of the totality, is so important should be obvious. Because Americans insist on believing they were not influenced in the least bit by Russia. However, the report argues otherwise. And Russia continues to and can be expected to ramp up these activities as we approach the 2020 election. To believe that you somehow cannot be influenced is to be completely delusional and even more susceptible to influence. The message here: Wake up.
In Part Two, the Special Counsel lays out the case of obstruction against President Trump. And it is a very strong case. In fact, it is so strong that to date more than 1,000 former Department of Justice prosecutors have signed a letter stating that Trump, were he not president, could be indicted on several counts of felony obstruction of justice. What prevented Mueller, and has saved Trump for the time being (for, as Mueller points out, Trump could be prosecuted after leaving office), from indicting is the DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel guideline prohibiting prosecution of a sitting president. Thus, Mueller’s wishy-washy statement at the conclusion of Part Two: “…if we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the President clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would state so. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are unable to reach that judgment. Accordingly, while this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him.”
So, what are these points of obstruction detailed in Part Two? They are:
Trump’s and his campaign’s efforts to deny Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Trump’s efforts to protect Michael Flynn.
Trump’s firing of FBI Director Comey
Trump’s efforts to remove the Special Counsel.
Trump’s attempts to coverup the June 9 meeting involving Trump, Jr., Kushner, Manafort, and the Russians.
Trump’s efforts to have Jeff Sessions un-recuse himself and take over the investigation.
Trump’s attempt to order McGahn to deny Trump tried to fire the Special Prosecutor.
Trump’s attempts at witness tampering regarding Flynn, Manafort, and Cohen.
Part Two provides in-depth detail regarding each of these points that paints a vivid picture of a scheming President Trump. Readers familiar with Trump’s behavior in New York as a self-styled real estate mogul will see reflected in The Mueller Report conduct typical of Trump throughout his life.
At the end of the report, readers will find a number of helpful items provided by the Special Counsel, among them: Trump’s written answers to questions deemed by the Special Counsel as inadequate and an extensive list of individuals referred in the body of the report.
Finally, please heed these words of Special Counselor Mueller at the conclusion of his May 29 remarks: “And I will close by reiterating the central allegation of our indictments—that there were multiple, systematic efforts to interference in our election. That allegation deserves the attention of every American.” It’s incumbent upon you as a U.S. citizen to understand what happened, and what continues to happen, and will almost certainly happen again in the 2020 election.
Show Less
LibraryThing member annbury
Wonderful book.Trump clearly obstructed justice, and one can see his
frustration mounting. the author does not believe in pursuing criminal
charges against a sitting President, because that is all the opposition would do. But the President violated every rule in the book as is clearly set out in
frustration mounting. the author does not believe in pursuing criminal
charges against a sitting President, because that is all the opposition would do. But the President violated every rule in the book as is clearly set out in
Show More
volume 11 of the report. Show Less
LibraryThing member TooBusyReading
This Audible edition of the Mueller report is both interesting and frustrating. The narrators did an incredible job, and that they were able to do it so quickly speaks well of their talents. The report itself was well organized and well documented. The heavily redacted version caused much
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frustration, and I'm sure that's true for most readers/listeners. I also got the Kindle version because this is an important document, redactions and all, and I wanted a print version as well as the audio. Show Less
LibraryThing member JBD1
This edition, with contextual reporting and other material from the Washington Post, is as good a print version of the report as any I've found. This important document should be widely—and carefully—read.
LibraryThing member PitcherBooks
The complete copy of the Mueller Report is almost twice length of the edition published by Toxic Books.
Editing and abridging may or may not distort the facts.
Editing and abridging may or may not distort the facts.
LibraryThing member Susan.Macura
I am embarrassed to say that this took me longer to read than I anticipated, despite it not being a difficult read. In fact, it read like a spy novel, only with real ramifications as it is based on what actually happened during the 2016 Presidential Election. I also would like to point out that I
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am a registered Republican, though I am not a supporter of President Trump. After following his business and personal life for too many years, I made the determination prior to voting that he was not a candidate I could support. However, that did not preclude me from reading this report with my only goal being to learn what really happened and learn I did. Despite Trump's assertion that there was no collusion, a view shared by Mueller, and no obstruction, a view Mueller did not share, this report was an eye opener. While Mueller found no collusion, there were way too many contacts between Trump's staff and Russian business people and government officials for me to feel comfortable with. I feel no good came from those numerous contacts. Furthermore, the section on obstruction truly frightened me. One example occurred when Trump asked KT McFarland to write a document declaring Trump did not tell Micheal Flynn to discuss sanctions with Russian diplomat Kislyak. Since she was up for an ambassadorship in Singapore, she declined because it would look like the appointment was a "quid pro quo." Shades of Ukraine? I came away agreeing with Mueller - there was no way to find Trump did not commit obstruction of justice based on the known facts and that if one reads he answers to the Special Counsel's questions, one really wonders just how much he is hiding. I am so glad I actually read the document and do not rely on others to interpret it for me. Every American who cares should do so. Show Less
LibraryThing member stbyra
Trump is guilty as hell. Period. That's all you need to know.
LibraryThing member write-review
The Most Discussed Unread Report
If you are like most Americans, you have an opinion about what is popularly known as The Mueller Report. And, like 97% of Americans, including members of congress and probably the president of the United States, you haven’t read it. Your opinions most likely
Let’s begin with this: being such an important document it really is the obligation of every American to read the report. Of course, this will go unheeded, as does the call for these same Americans to educate themselves before voting. But, really folks, if you are going to talk about this thing, you should know what you’re talking about.
Okay, enough of that. The official title isn’t The Mueller Report. It is Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election, Volumes I and II. Volume I reports on the findings of Russian interference in the election and the interactions and encouragements of Trump people regarding the interference. Volume II reports in detail the various ways Donald Trump tried to thwart the investigation into Russian interference and then into the many ways he tried to shield himself from investigation. Both volumes are contained in the one-volume Washington Post edition.
Readers will find The Washington Post edition particularly helpful because of all the additional material it contains, as well as its organization. It reproduces the original document, including the original pagination. When people cite specific document pages, you can easily find them in this book. Additionally, the volume contains a very helpful narrative of events that took place over more than a year and half and that involved a large cast of characters. Speaking of the characters, this edition contains a list of individuals involved, arranged by affiliation, with short summaries of their activities and backgrounds. (Mueller also provides an extensive listing at the end of his report.) Also, because of the timespan, readers will find the book’s timeline of events useful. Finally, the book contains multiple appendices that include biographies of Mueller and Trump, a glossary of legal terms, and key documents (such as the indictment of the Internet Research Agency). Easily, it’s enough to give a clear understanding of the entire affair, start to finish.
As to Volume I of the report, readers will be astounded by the extent of Russian interference and very troubled by how Trump and his associates encouraged Russian help. It will become evident to most readers that Trump should count himself a lucky man, for if a prosecutor not nearly as Republican and conservative as Robert Mueller had conducted the probe, Trump and his people might have found themselves indicted on conspiracy charges. Interestingly, Trump probably still doesn’t realize just how fortunate he is.
It’s not for me to go through Volume I; that’s your job as an American citizen or a non-citizen curious about all the brouhaha is about. However, I would like to address one refrain common among Trump supporters. It goes something like: The Russians never had anything to do with how I voted; the Russians never influenced me. In fact, unbeknownst to them, the Russians did just that. The report presents numerous examples of how the IRA (Internet Research Agency, operated by the Russians out of a building at 55 Savushkina Street, Saint Petersburg) employed all types of media to reach voters, including social media. Read and mull over just this one paragraph from Volume I, and then ask yourself, did the Russians touch me, did they influence me (that is, did they anger you, turn you against a group, help you identify more strongly with a group, discourage you from voting, etc.)?
“Collectively, the IRA’s social media accounts reached tens of millions of U.S. persons. Individual IRA social media accounts attracted hundreds of thousands of followers. For example, at the time they were deactivated by Facebook in mid-2017, the IRA’s “United Muslims of America” Facebook group had over 300,000 followers, the “Don’t Shoot Us” Facebook group had over 250,000 followers, the “Being Patriotic” Facebook group had over 200,000 followers, and the “Secured Borders” Facebook group had over 130,000 followers. According to Facebook, in total the IRA-controlled accounts made over 80,000 posts before their deactivation in August 2017, and these posts reached at least 29 million U.S. persons and ‘may have reached an estimated 126 million people.” And, mind you, this is just Facebook.
Again, why this particular offense, out of the totality, is so important should be obvious. Because Americans insist on believing they were not influenced in the least bit by Russia. However, the report argues otherwise. And Russia continues to and can be expected to ramp up these activities as we approach the 2020 election. To believe that you somehow cannot be influenced is to be completely delusional and even more susceptible to influence. The message here: Wake up.
In Part Two, the Special Counsel lays out the case of obstruction against President Trump. And it is a very strong case. In fact, it is so strong that to date more than 1,000 former Department of Justice prosecutors have signed a letter stating that Trump, were he not president, could be indicted on several counts of felony obstruction of justice. What prevented Mueller, and has saved Trump for the time being (for, as Mueller points out, Trump could be prosecuted after leaving office), from indicting is the DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel guideline prohibiting prosecution of a sitting president. Thus, Mueller’s wishy-washy statement at the conclusion of Part Two: “…if we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the President clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would state so. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are unable to reach that judgment. Accordingly, while this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him.”
So, what are these points of obstruction detailed in Part Two? They are:
Trump’s and his campaign’s efforts to deny Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Trump’s efforts to protect Michael Flynn.
Trump’s firing of FBI Director Comey
Trump’s efforts to remove the Special Counsel.
Trump’s attempts to coverup the June 9 meeting involving Trump, Jr., Kushner, Manafort, and the Russians.
Trump’s efforts to have Jeff Sessions un-recuse himself and take over the investigation.
Trump’s attempt to order McGahn to deny Trump tried to fire the Special Prosecutor.
Trump’s attempts at witness tampering regarding Flynn, Manafort, and Cohen.
Part Two provides in-depth detail regarding each of these points that paints a vivid picture of a scheming President Trump. Readers familiar with Trump’s behavior in New York as a self-styled real estate mogul will see reflected in The Mueller Report conduct typical of Trump throughout his life.
At the end of the report, readers will find a number of helpful items provided by the Special Counsel, among them: Trump’s written answers to questions deemed by the Special Counsel as inadequate and an extensive list of individuals referred in the body of the report.
Finally, please heed these words of Special Counselor Mueller at the conclusion of his May 29 remarks: “And I will close by reiterating the central allegation of our indictments—that there were multiple, systematic efforts to interference in our election. That allegation deserves the attention of every American.” It’s incumbent upon you as a U.S. citizen to understand what happened, and what continues to happen, and will almost certainly happen again in the 2020 election.
If you are like most Americans, you have an opinion about what is popularly known as The Mueller Report. And, like 97% of Americans, including members of congress and probably the president of the United States, you haven’t read it. Your opinions most likely
Show More
emanate from your personal confirmation bias supported by commentary from news organizations and “pundits” you follow and believe, as well as acquaintances in your group and your family. That Americans can offer up strong opinions on a document they haven’t read and by all measures have little idea of what it contains shouldn’t surprise anybody. It’s how the vast majority of our fellow citizens operate. Let’s begin with this: being such an important document it really is the obligation of every American to read the report. Of course, this will go unheeded, as does the call for these same Americans to educate themselves before voting. But, really folks, if you are going to talk about this thing, you should know what you’re talking about.
Okay, enough of that. The official title isn’t The Mueller Report. It is Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election, Volumes I and II. Volume I reports on the findings of Russian interference in the election and the interactions and encouragements of Trump people regarding the interference. Volume II reports in detail the various ways Donald Trump tried to thwart the investigation into Russian interference and then into the many ways he tried to shield himself from investigation. Both volumes are contained in the one-volume Washington Post edition.
Readers will find The Washington Post edition particularly helpful because of all the additional material it contains, as well as its organization. It reproduces the original document, including the original pagination. When people cite specific document pages, you can easily find them in this book. Additionally, the volume contains a very helpful narrative of events that took place over more than a year and half and that involved a large cast of characters. Speaking of the characters, this edition contains a list of individuals involved, arranged by affiliation, with short summaries of their activities and backgrounds. (Mueller also provides an extensive listing at the end of his report.) Also, because of the timespan, readers will find the book’s timeline of events useful. Finally, the book contains multiple appendices that include biographies of Mueller and Trump, a glossary of legal terms, and key documents (such as the indictment of the Internet Research Agency). Easily, it’s enough to give a clear understanding of the entire affair, start to finish.
As to Volume I of the report, readers will be astounded by the extent of Russian interference and very troubled by how Trump and his associates encouraged Russian help. It will become evident to most readers that Trump should count himself a lucky man, for if a prosecutor not nearly as Republican and conservative as Robert Mueller had conducted the probe, Trump and his people might have found themselves indicted on conspiracy charges. Interestingly, Trump probably still doesn’t realize just how fortunate he is.
It’s not for me to go through Volume I; that’s your job as an American citizen or a non-citizen curious about all the brouhaha is about. However, I would like to address one refrain common among Trump supporters. It goes something like: The Russians never had anything to do with how I voted; the Russians never influenced me. In fact, unbeknownst to them, the Russians did just that. The report presents numerous examples of how the IRA (Internet Research Agency, operated by the Russians out of a building at 55 Savushkina Street, Saint Petersburg) employed all types of media to reach voters, including social media. Read and mull over just this one paragraph from Volume I, and then ask yourself, did the Russians touch me, did they influence me (that is, did they anger you, turn you against a group, help you identify more strongly with a group, discourage you from voting, etc.)?
“Collectively, the IRA’s social media accounts reached tens of millions of U.S. persons. Individual IRA social media accounts attracted hundreds of thousands of followers. For example, at the time they were deactivated by Facebook in mid-2017, the IRA’s “United Muslims of America” Facebook group had over 300,000 followers, the “Don’t Shoot Us” Facebook group had over 250,000 followers, the “Being Patriotic” Facebook group had over 200,000 followers, and the “Secured Borders” Facebook group had over 130,000 followers. According to Facebook, in total the IRA-controlled accounts made over 80,000 posts before their deactivation in August 2017, and these posts reached at least 29 million U.S. persons and ‘may have reached an estimated 126 million people.” And, mind you, this is just Facebook.
Again, why this particular offense, out of the totality, is so important should be obvious. Because Americans insist on believing they were not influenced in the least bit by Russia. However, the report argues otherwise. And Russia continues to and can be expected to ramp up these activities as we approach the 2020 election. To believe that you somehow cannot be influenced is to be completely delusional and even more susceptible to influence. The message here: Wake up.
In Part Two, the Special Counsel lays out the case of obstruction against President Trump. And it is a very strong case. In fact, it is so strong that to date more than 1,000 former Department of Justice prosecutors have signed a letter stating that Trump, were he not president, could be indicted on several counts of felony obstruction of justice. What prevented Mueller, and has saved Trump for the time being (for, as Mueller points out, Trump could be prosecuted after leaving office), from indicting is the DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel guideline prohibiting prosecution of a sitting president. Thus, Mueller’s wishy-washy statement at the conclusion of Part Two: “…if we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the President clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would state so. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are unable to reach that judgment. Accordingly, while this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him.”
So, what are these points of obstruction detailed in Part Two? They are:
Trump’s and his campaign’s efforts to deny Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Trump’s efforts to protect Michael Flynn.
Trump’s firing of FBI Director Comey
Trump’s efforts to remove the Special Counsel.
Trump’s attempts to coverup the June 9 meeting involving Trump, Jr., Kushner, Manafort, and the Russians.
Trump’s efforts to have Jeff Sessions un-recuse himself and take over the investigation.
Trump’s attempt to order McGahn to deny Trump tried to fire the Special Prosecutor.
Trump’s attempts at witness tampering regarding Flynn, Manafort, and Cohen.
Part Two provides in-depth detail regarding each of these points that paints a vivid picture of a scheming President Trump. Readers familiar with Trump’s behavior in New York as a self-styled real estate mogul will see reflected in The Mueller Report conduct typical of Trump throughout his life.
At the end of the report, readers will find a number of helpful items provided by the Special Counsel, among them: Trump’s written answers to questions deemed by the Special Counsel as inadequate and an extensive list of individuals referred in the body of the report.
Finally, please heed these words of Special Counselor Mueller at the conclusion of his May 29 remarks: “And I will close by reiterating the central allegation of our indictments—that there were multiple, systematic efforts to interference in our election. That allegation deserves the attention of every American.” It’s incumbent upon you as a U.S. citizen to understand what happened, and what continues to happen, and will almost certainly happen again in the 2020 election.
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2019-04-30
Physical description
736 p.; 6 inches
ISBN
1982129735 / 9781982129736