Mueller takes over inquiry as Comey memo raises stakes
A memo revealed Tuesday and written by former FBI Director James Comey provides the clearest evidence yet that Trump has tried to directly influence investigations into his campaign ties with Russia. The memo purports that Trump asked Comey to shut down the probe into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. “I hope you can let this go,” the president told Comey in February, according to the memo. On Wednesday, sources said Trump’s transition team knew before hiring Flynn that he was under federal investigation for secretly working as a paid lobbyist for Turkey. Also Wednesday, Deputy U.S. Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller to take over the Russia investigation as special counsel. Mueller was hailed by members of both parties as one of the most credible law enforcement officials in the country. Late Friday, Comey agreed to publicly testify before Congress about his role in the investigation.