If Mueller is not on a fishing expedition, this is the reason why. Let's hope that Rosenstein means what he says.
If special counsel Robert Mueller finds any crime outside
the scope of the federal investigation into Russian interference in the
2016 election, then he’ll have to seek permission, Deputy Attorney
General Rod Rosenstein said Sunday.
“Bob Mueller understands and I understand the specific scope of the
investigation, and so no, it’s not a fishing expedition,” he told host
Chris Wallace on “Fox News Sunday.”
Rosenstein appointed Mueller to oversee the federal Russia probe,
which includes a search for possible collusion with the Trump campaign,
back in May after President Trump fired FBI Director James Comey.
Because Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from the case,
Rosenstein ultimately was given the power to hire, and fire if he has good reason, Mueller.
It has been reported that Mueller’s investigation has expanded to
look at the finances of Trump and his associates, giving rise to
concerns that Mueller could make it the focus of the probe. Rosenstein
seemed to dismiss this issue.
Asked if there were no red lines under the terms of his order,
Rosenstein said that the investigation is subject to the rules and
regulations of the Justice Department.
If there’s evidence of a crime that’s found within the scope of what
they have agreed, then Mueller has free rein, Rosenstein explained. If
it’s outside the scope of the probe, then “he needs to come to the
acting attorney general, at this time me, for permission to expand his
investigation,” he added. Rosenstein noted this as a precedent, which
was also followed by independent counsel Ken Starr during the Clinton
years.