The White House was considering former FBI Director Robert Mueller as a replacement for the bureau’s former boss James Comey before Mueller was scooped up to lead the government’s Russia probe, according to a new report.
The White House was considering former FBI Director Robert Mueller as a replacement for the bureau’s former boss James Comey before Mueller was scooped up to lead the government’s Russia probe, according to a new report.
NPR cites two sources who said Mueller was on President Donald Trump’s shortlist of potential FBI directors after he fired Comey last month. The Department of Justice, however, tapped Mueller to serve as a special counsel to oversee its investigation into whether Trump’s campaign had improper ties to Russia.
Trump ultimately nominated Christopher Wray to serve as FBI director this week.
NPR reports that Mueller had met with officials from the DOJ and the White House about the FBI director opening. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein later asked him to work the Russia case instead.
Mueller has been busy filling out his team of lawyers and investigators in recent days as the Russia investigation continues to lead the headlines. Comey testified on Capitol Hill Thursday and expressed his admiration for Mueller several times.
