Mueller Impanels Grandy Jury in DC in Russia Probe

It is a serious step in any investigation.

The use of a grand jury, a standard prosecution tool in criminal investigations, suggests that Mr Mueller and his team of investigators are likely to hear from witnesses and demand documents in the coming weeks and months.

The beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency has been clouded by an ever-evolving scandal around potential collusion between his campaign and Russian Federation.

It’s been previously reported that Manafort was discussed in intercepted Russian conversations, but not that he was said to have encouraged Russia to support Trump. This essentially means that the investigation into alleged Russian interference in the US presidential election is heating up, and Mueller is most likely seeking subpoena power and witness testimony. The president has vigorously denied allegations of collusion, even as revelations regarding his associates’ activities continue to unfold.

Robert Mueller only took over the federal investigation into the Russian Federation scandal in mid-May, following Donald Trump’s decision to fire then-FBI Director James Comey in the hopes of derailing the ongoing probe.

And CNN reported that Mueller’s investigation has widened to include the Trump Organization and Trump family’s business dealings and “focus on possible financial crimes, some unconnected to the 2016 elections”. The president has warned Mueller to stay away from his finances.

The White House issued a statement from Trump attorney Ty Cobb saying that they are committed to “fully cooperating” with Mueller. Two separate bills introduced this week aim to hinder the firing of a special counsel.

If Mueller or any future special counsel were to be fired, the decision could be challenged before a special panel of three federal judges. Trump will then be in a better position to decide whether to fire Mueller.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller departs after briefing members of the U.S. Senate on his investigation into potential collusion between Russian Federation and the Trump campaign on Capitol Hill on June 21, 2017.

“This is something that lives long beyond this” situation involving Mueller, Tillis told reporters.

“I do not think his investigation should be constrained beyond the mandate that he was given”, she said. Trump has repeatedly derided Sessions over his recusal, suggesting he would not have appointed him as attorney general had he known ahead of time.