Trump-appointed judge rules Robert Mueller Russia investigation is constitutional
Judge Dabney L. Friedrich rejected a challenge of special counsel Robert Mueller's authority.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A federal judge appointed by Donald Trump has upheld that Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into election meddling is legal and constitutional after a Russian company tried to stamp it out.
Judge Dabney Friedrich, who was appointed to US District Court of Washington, DC last year, ruled that Russian company Concord Management and Consulting could not have its case thrown out on the basis of constitutionality. The company has been accused of allegedly backing internet trolls and other efforts on social media to sway voters in the 2016 presidential election. The company denies the allegations.
Concord Management had claimed Mr Mueller lacked authority and his investigation violated the US Constitution because he was not appointed by the president or confirmed by the US Senate, instead Mr Mueller was appointed by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.
Back in June, Mr Trump tweeted that Mr Mueller’s appointment was unconstitutional.
“The appointment of the Special Counsel is totally UNCONSTITUTIONAL!” Mr Trump wrote. “Despite that, we play the game because I, unlike the Democrats, have done nothing wrong!”
But Judge Friedrich ruled in favour of Mr Mueller..
“The appointment does not violate core separation-of-powers principles,” Judge Friedrich wrote in a 13, August ruling according to CNN. “Nor has the Special Counsel exceeded his authority under the appointment order by investigating and prosecuting Concord.”
Three other federal judges, Amy Berman Jackson of DC, T.S. Ellis in Virginia and Beryl Howell, a DC district court chief judge, have all similarly previously rejected attempts to discredit Mr Mueller’s appointment as unconstitutional.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments