Yes, Russia Indictment Makes It Harder For Trump To Fire Mueller. We Think It Also Makes It More Likely
Justice’s Move Late Last Week Proves Unequivocally That There’s A There There
Most news reports we’ve read argue that makes it harder for Trump to fire Mueller (or Rob Rosenstein), since he’s clearly demonstrated the Russian operation to disrupt the 2016 U.S. President election is no “hoax” or “witch hunt”. And the scope and size and financing was far more ambitious than anything documented before: to the tune of $1.25-million a month, with Russians planting operatives in the U.S., posing as Americans. Here’s the full text of the indictment.
But it also means that part of Mueller’s investigation is done. Yet Mueller didn’t close his investigation. Which means anything further has a much higher percentage chance of involving Trump or his family or his friends.
Is the President willing to take that risk? Or roll the dice, fire Mueller (or Rosenstein), and hope Congress doesn’t come after him? We think that’s well within the realm of possibility. As the President often says: “What have you got to lose?” The Presidency, perhaps. But it’s potentially a huge problem for Trump either way. So would the President rather navigate a Congress that seems to be in his sway, or a Special Counsel he can’t control?
For a quick snapshot of the President’s level of desperation and anxiety, you need look no further than his wild Tweeting this weekend: delivering 18 at one point in less than 24 hours. Here are a few (the first one providing what might be his rationale if he does fire somebody):
Although you did say you believed Putin when he whispered in your ear it wasn’t him.
And in case that doesn’t work, go back to the tried and true, blame Hillary!:
Yes, you’re right about that. But you think this Tweet storm makes you look tough? Someone who can’t be messed with? No, Mr. President: they’re laughing at you.