Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election proceeds and appears to be drawing ever closer to the president himself.
Not long ago, former Assistant Attorney General Jimmy Gurulé, who served in the George W. Bush administration, was a guest on The 11th Hour With Brian Williams. Gurulé was asked what specific charges he thought Mueller would bring against Trump and his associates. The list is lengthy and could result in decades behind bars for anyone convicted.
Specifically, Gurulé speculated that Mueller would be looking to bring the following felony charges in the Russia case:
- Obstruction of justice
- Violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
- Violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act dealing with fundraising
- Violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act
- Violations of IRS and tax law
- Money laundering
Clearly, Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn were in direct violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, taking money from foreign governments they failed to disclose to the American government. And Trump has long been suspected of cheating on his taxes and laundering money from criminal enterprises through his companies.
Keep in mind that Mueller cannot try Trump for any crimes he can prove the president committed. But he can make referrals to Congress, which then has the power to impeach the head of state. Mueller can also ask a grand jury to name Trump as an unindicted co-conspirator. This is the same thing that happened to Richard Nixon as a result of Watergate.
Gurulé was also asked by host Brian Williams whether or not Congress can prevent Trump from firing the special counsel. The former Justice Department official said they can, but added that should Trump attempt to remove Mueller, that itself would constitute obstruction of justice and lead to the president being impeached.
Any of the charges Gurulé named would lead to years in prison if members of the Trump team were convicted. That alone provides ample leverage for Mueller to convince Trump’s associates to cooperate with the investigation and testify against their boss.
Bottom line: The danger for Donald Trump is growing daily. And Mueller isn’t about to back down.
