Former Congressman Devin Nunes has consistently asserted that the investigation led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller was a "hoax" and part of a broader scheme, a claim he frequently discussed during appearances on Maria Bartiromo's program. In a recent social media post, author James Surowiecki highlighted this perspective, questioning why, if Mueller were involved in such a scheme, he would not have found evidence of collusion and instead "let Trump off the hook."
The Special Counsel's report, officially released in April 2019, concluded a nearly two-year investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and related matters. Volume I of the report detailed extensive efforts by the Russian government to interfere with the election, including a social media campaign and hacking operations.
However, the report stated that the investigation "did not establish that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities." This finding addressed the central question of criminal conspiracy, though it noted numerous contacts between the campaign and individuals with ties to Russia.
Regarding the question of obstruction of justice, Volume II of the Mueller report examined several actions by President Donald Trump. While the report did not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also explicitly stated, "it does not exonerate him." Attorney General William Barr and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein subsequently determined that the evidence was insufficient to establish that the President committed an obstruction-of-justice offense.
Nunes, who served as the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, often argued that the origins of the investigation, particularly the use of the Steele Dossier, were politically motivated and lacked proper predicate. His public statements, including those on Fox News with Maria Bartiromo, frequently emphasized what he perceived as a lack of evidence for collusion and criticized the investigation's legitimacy.
The divergent interpretations of the Mueller report's findings continue to fuel political debate. While the report found no criminal conspiracy regarding Russian interference, the detailed account of contacts and the unresolved question of obstruction have led to ongoing discussions about accountability and the nature of the investigation.