But one question remains open: What will happen once special counsel Robert S. Mueller III wraps up his investigation and submits a report to Justice Department leaders, whether Mr. Whitaker or William P. Barr, the man President Trump nominated to be the next attorney general, is in charge? Mr. Trump has been clear about his hostility to Mr. Mueller and his “witch hunt” investigation, leading to concern that the president’s Justice Department appointees will suppress the public release of Mr. Mueller’s findings. The Mueller probe is not just another criminal investigation. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced a bill last month that would require public disclosures from Mr. Mueller and every other subsequent special counsel. And because special counsel investigations are rare and involve serious questions of official wrongdoing, the public will have a similar interest in transparency in later special counsel probes, as well.

Source: Washington Post February 09, 2019 23:58 UTC