Congressman Trent Franks, who sits on the House Judiciary Committee, called upon Robert Mueller to resign as Special Counsel for Russia Investigation, citing violation of the law governing the special counsel that prohibits Mueller from serving if he has a “conflict of interest.” According to Franks, as the rule has been interpreted, even the appearance of a conflict is sufficient for qualifying as a violation.
Franks argues that the same Code of Federal Regulations defines what constitutes a conflict: “a personal relationship with any person substantially involved in the conduct that is the subject of the investigation or prosecution” (28 CFR 45.2). The same passage’s language is mandatory, saying the employee “shall” disqualify himself – not “may” or “should.”
As it has been revealed and reported extensively, Robert Mueller has enjoyed a long, close relationship with former FBI Director James Comey since at least 2003. Here is Congressman Franks’ call for Mueller’s resignation:
“Bob Mueller is in clear violation of federal code and must resign to maintain the integrity of the investigation into alleged Russian ties. Those who worked under them have attested he and Jim Comey possess a close friendship, and they have delivered on-the-record statements effusing praise of one another.
“No one knows Mr. Mueller’s true intentions, but neither can anyone dispute that he now clearly appears to be a partisan arbiter of justice. Accordingly, the law is also explicitly clear: he must step down based on this conflict of interest.
“Already, this investigation has become suspect – reports have revealed at least four members of Mueller’s team on the Russia probe donated to support Hillary Clinton for President, as President Trump pointed out. These obviously deliberate partisan hirings do not help convey impartiality.”
“Until Mueller resigns, he will be in clear violation of the law, a reality that fundamentally undermines his role as Special Counsel and attending ability to execute the law.”