Mueller inquiry targeted by criminal probe
Barr comes under fire as Trump administration investigates the investigators

The Trump administration’s probe into the origins of the 2016 Mueller inquiry is now a criminal investigation, US sources say.
It had previously been classed as an administrative review, but the switch to a criminal probe means investigators now have more powers, says the BBC. They will be able to issue subpoenas for testimony and documents relating to Robert Mueller’s inquiry into Donald Trump’s alleged collusion with Russia.
The investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election did not clear the president of obstructing justice, but could not prove any criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Moscow.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The president has repeatedly branded Mueller’s investigation a “witch hunt”.
His administration’s decision to investigate the Mueller inquiry is likely to raise concerns that Trump and his supporters could be using new tactics to go after the president’s political opponents, says Al Jazeera.
“Trump has made clear that he sees the typically independent Justice Department as a tool to be wielded against his political enemies,” says The New York Times.
In a joint statement, the chairs of the House judiciary and intelligence committees said the news of a switch to a criminal investigation raised “profound new concerns that the Department of Justice under [attorney general William] Barr has lost its independence and become a vehicle for President Trump’s political revenge”.
It’s not clear when the inquiry shifted to a criminal investigation, and the source who revealed the switch was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly.
The Justice Department has not commented on the reports, or what potential crime is under investigation.
John Durham, the US attorney for Connecticut, was appointed to lead the review that began in May. Before the switch to a criminal investigation, his powers were limited to voluntarily questioning people and examining government files.
Trump said at the time that he did not order Barr to start the administrative review, but said it was “a great thing that he did” and he was “so proud of our attorney general”.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues free–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why does the U.S. need China's rare earth metals?
Today's Big Question Beijing has a 'near monopoly' on tech's raw materials
By Joel Mathis, The Week US
-
When did divorce begin?
The Explaine Couples have always split up, but the institution has undergone major changes over the years
By David Faris
-
What are your retirement savings account options?
The explainer The two main types of accounts are 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
By Becca Stanek, The Week US
-
El Salvador's CECOT prison becomes Washington's go-to destination
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Republicans and Democrats alike are clamoring for access to the Trump administration's extrajudicial deportation camp — for very different reasons
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
-
Supreme Court takes up Trump birthright appeal
Speed Read The New Jersey Attorney General said a constitutional right like birthright citizenship 'cannot be turned on or off at the whims of a single man'
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
-
Court slams Trump, senator visits Ábrego García
Speed Read The case 'should be shocking not only to judges' but all Americans with an 'intuitive sense of liberty'
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
The anger fueling the Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez barnstorming tour
Talking Points The duo is drawing big anti-Trump crowds in red states
By Joel Mathis, The Week US
-
Judge threatens Trump team with criminal contempt
Speed Read James Boasberg attempts to hold the White House accountable for disregarding court orders over El Salvador deportation flights
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
-
Why the GOP is nervous about Ken Paxton's Senate run
Today's Big Question A MAGA-establishment battle with John Cornyn will be costly
By Joel Mathis, The Week US
-
UK-US trade deal: can Keir Starmer trust Donald Trump?
Today's Big Question White House insiders say an agreement is 'two weeks' away but can Britain believe it?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK
-
A running list of Trump's second-term national security controversies
In Depth Several scandals surrounding national security have rocked the Trump administration
By Justin Klawans, The Week US