This archive report was first published on 25 July 2019.
Washington Prepares for Mueller's Testimony ¶
As the nation's capital awoke on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, anticipation coursed through the halls of Capitol Hill. Robert Mueller, the special counsel who led the investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election, was set to testify before two House committees.
Representative Mary Gay Scanlon, a Pennsylvania Democrat and vice chairwoman of the Judiciary Committee, pored over Mueller's report and her notes in the hours leading up to the hearing. She had previously compared the report's findings to the Watergate hearings and President Richard Nixon's resignation.
As the hearing room filled with reporters, photographers, and spectators, members of Congress struggled to navigate the crowds. 'I don't think they're here for us,' an aide quipped to a congressman.
Mueller Takes the Stand ¶
At 8:41 a.m., Mueller was sworn in and began his testimony. He pledged to tell nothing but the truth, and the first hearing got underway. Democratic lawmakers used their phones to capture the moment from the dais.
As the hearing progressed, Representative Louie Gohmert of Texas tore into Mueller's credibility, accusing him of perpetuating injustice by prolonging the investigation. Mueller responded calmly, 'I take your question.'
Break and Recalibration ¶
After nearly an hour and a half, Mueller took a short break, allowing committee members to recalibrate their lines of questioning. Representative Jerrold Nadler, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, conferred with an aide during the break.
Outside the Room ¶
While the major broadcast news networks provided wall-to-wall coverage, Fox News appeared to pique President Trump's interest. He tweeted quotes from the network's live coverage, including from anchor Chris Wallace, who said, 'This has been a disaster for the Democrats.'
The End of Round 1 ¶
Representative Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio and one of the president's most outspoken defenders, emerged from the first hearing triumphant. 'If there was anyone out there in the country who was thinking like they should move forward with impeachment, I think that's done,' he told reporters.
Round 2 ¶
After a short break, Mueller testified before the House Intelligence Committee, led by Representative Adam Schiff of California. Representative Devin Nunes of California compared evidence of presidential collusion with the Russians to 'the Loch Ness monster' in his opening statement.
Mueller Departs Capitol Hill ¶
Nearly seven hours after first being sworn in, Mueller departed Capitol Hill, leaving lawmakers to continue warring over impeachment and presidential oversight on their own.
The President Speaks ¶
President Trump weighed in on Mueller's testimony before leaving for a fund-raiser in West Virginia. 'Robert Mueller did a poor job,' he said. 'Today proved a lot to everybody.'
