Justice Department preparing for Mueller report as soon as next week: reports

Department of Justice (DOJ) officials are preparing for special counsel Robert Mueller to issue a report on his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election as soon as next week, according to multiple reports.

CNN reported Wednesday evening that the report could come next week, citing people familiar with the plans. The Washington Post, citing people familiar with discussions, reported Wednesday that DOJ officials believe a confidential report could be issued in the coming days.

{mosads}The Post also reported that Mueller may deliver his report next week to newly minted Attorney General William Barr.

The reports come hours after CNN reported that Barr could announce the conclusion of Mueller’s probe as soon as next week. 

Mueller is investigating Russian interference in the election and possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. 

An adviser to President Trump reportedly told the Post that those in Trump’s inner circle have expressed concerns that the report could include politically damaging information, but no evidence of criminal conduct. 

Mueller is required to submit a report to the attorney general at the conclusion of his investigation, though that report is not required to be made public, CNN noted. The report also requires Mueller to explain his reasoning behind prosecuting or not prosecuting those named in his findings.

The DOJ and the special counsel’s office did not immediately return requests for comment from The Hill.

It’s unclear whether Mueller’s final report will be made public. Democratic lawmakers have called for the report to be made available to Congress and the public, but Barr hasn’t committed to that. 

Barr said during his confirmation hearing that he would make as much of the report public as he can based on the law.

Mueller has successfully charged or secured guilty pleas from several of Trump’s former associates.

Trump’s former national security adviser Michael Flynn, former deputy campaign manger Rick Gates, former campaign adviser George Papadopoulos, former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and former personal attorney Michael Cohen have all pled guilty.

Longtime Trump confidant Roger Stone was arrested last month and charged with seven counts stemming from the investigation.