Come July 17th, Robert Mueller III will testify publicly before Congress. Many experts believe that this could be the last chance for Democrats to effectively wield the Mueller report as a political bludgeon against President Donald Trump. It will also mark a rare public appearance for Mueller, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight following his investigation into Trump and his alleged ties to Russia.
While Mueller released a 448-page report outlining President Trump and his alleged collusion with Russia, the report has largely failed to sway public opinion one way or another. The report’s findings were mixed and inconclusive. While Mueller did not accuse Trump of collusion, he didn’t exonerate the president either.
Ultimately, however, most Americans aren’t going to sit down to read a novel-length report. However, many Americans might be willing to tune into a televised testimony. It largely appears that Democrats are hoping to sway public opinion against the president ahead of the 2020 Presidential race.
Mueller has agreed to speak publicly before the House Judiciary Committee and also the Intelligence Committee. He signaled his willingness to speak publicly after acknowledging that he would not resist a subpoena. Democrats currently control the House. President Trump took to Twitter to label the testimony as “Presidential Harassment.”
It’s unlikely that much new information, if any, will be revealed. Mueller has already expressed reluctance to speak publicly about his investigation and has said “the report is my testimony.” Most likely, Democrats will be looking for convincing sound bites.
As for Democrats, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has thus far resisted calls for impeachment. The public testimony may satiate or worsen internal pressure to impeach the president.
