Mueller says calling Trump's past WikiLeaks praise 'problematic' is an 'understatement'

Former Special Counsel Robert Mueller during his testimony on Wednesday agreed that President Trump's past praise of WikiLeaks is "problematic."

During the House Intelligence Committee hearing, Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) showed a slide full of Trump's statements during the 2016 election praising WikiLeaks, such as when he called their releases a "treasure trove" or when he said, "I love WikiLeaks." Asked for his reaction, Mueller said, "Problematic is an understatement."

Mueller, whose report did not establish a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia, went on to say that Trump's comments gave "some hope or some boost to what is and should be illegal activity." The former special counsel was then read exchanges between Donald Trump Jr. and WikiLeaks and asked if he'd agree this is disturbing.

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"Disturbing, and also subject to investigation," Mueller said, although he shied away from offering a more direct assessment by saying, "I wouldn't categorize it with any specificity." Brendan Morrow