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  • 2017-05-29 (xsd:date)
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  • Did Mitch McConnell Vow to Block the Appointment of a Russia Investigation Special Prosecutor? (en)
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  • On 10 May 2017, Addicting Info reported that Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had vowed to block the appointment of an independent counsel to investigate Russian efforts to interfere in the United States' 2016 elections, along with alleged collusion between the Trump campaign team and Russia: The story was published the day after President Donald Trump fired Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey, and a week before Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein ultimately appointed former FBI director Robert Mueller as special counsel. The Addicting Info article does not actually include a quote from Mitch McConnell, but does allude to his remarks in the Senate on 10 May. The relevant statement can be read here, and watched here: This is the only point at which McConnell addresses the prospect of a new investigation into Russian election interference (of the kind ultimately started by Robert Mueller): These remarks make it clear that McConnell opposes setting up another investigation, and although he didn't explicitly refer to a special prosecutor or special counsel, it would be a reasonable interpretation of his remarks to say he would also oppose the appointment of a special counsel, given the many calls for such an investigation. However, he did not say he would obstruct any effort to hire an independent special prosecutor, or any words to that effect. Furthermore, it's not clear how Mitch McConnell would have even had the capacity to block efforts to hire a special prosecutor, a position now properly referred to as a special counsel. By law, the Attorney General or Deputy Attorney General is authorized to appoint a special counsel — who does not have to be vetted or confirmed by the Senate or House of Representatives. And that is exactly what happened: Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, acting in lieu of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has recused himself from the Russia investigation, named former FBI Director Robert Mueller as special counsel on 17 May 2017. The Addicting Info article accurately describes Mitch McConnell's opposition to a new Russia investigation, following the firing of James Comey. However, it offers nothing to support the claim, in its headline, that the Senate Majority Leader had said he would obstruct any effort to appoint a special counsel, because the Senate Majority Leader never said that. (en)
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