Hands off Mueller, AG pick vows

Attorney general nominee William Barr will promise lawmakers Tuesday he won’t undermine Robert Mueller’s investigation in any way and would, if confirmed, publicly release the “results” of the special counsel probe once it’s finally over, according to prepared remarks obtained by the Daily News.

Barr (photo), picked by President Trump to succeed ousted AG Jeff Sessions, will tell the Senate Judiciary Committee at his first confirmation hearing it’s “in the best interest of everyone” that Mueller be permitted to independently complete his inquiry into whether the President or his campaign played a part in Russia’s attack on the 2016 election.

“On my watch, Bob will be allowed to complete his work,” Barr will tell senators, according to the remarks. “I also believe it is very important that the public and Congress be informed of the results of the special counsel’s work. For that reason, my goal will be to provide as much transparency as I can consistent with the law.”

Barr, who served as attorney general under President George H.W. Bush, described Mueller in glowing terms that sharply contradict Trump’s frequent rebukes of the special counsel. “I have known Bob Mueller personally and professionally for 30 years,” Barr plans to tell the committee. “I have the utmost respect for Bob and his distinguished record of public service.”

Moreover, Barr will tell committee members he has given “no assurances, promises or commitments” to Trump as it relates to Mueller’s investigation or any other matters.

Barr’s prepared remarks focus on his potential role as Mueller’s supervisor and seek to tamp down any concerns Democrats may have that he could curtail the special counsel investigation or shut it down.

The longtime lawman addressed specifically a controversial memo he penned last year, in which he argued that Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey did not constitute obstruction of justice and ripped Mueller’s separate probe into the matter as “fatally misconceived.”

“The memo did not address — or in any way question — the special counsel’s core investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election,” Barr will say.