Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

1 Year In, Trump Claims the Mueller Probe Is a 'Witch Hunt,' But CNN Has the Receipts

1 Year In, Trump Claims the Mueller Probe Is a 'Witch Hunt,' But CNN Has the Receipts
(Photos by Win McNamee and Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Facts are stubborn things.

Make us preferred on Google

Last year, the United States Justice Department, headed by Attorney General Jeff Sessions decided to conduct a more thorough investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and any ties to the campaign of President Donald Trump. This move came after investigations led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and in the House and Senate and the high profile firing of the FBI director, James Comey, by the president.

Trump administration member AG Sessions recused himself from the investigation, turning it over to another Trump appointee, Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein decided to appoint former FBI director Robert Mueller as Special Counsel exactly one year ago today. All three men are lifelong Republicans.


Trump mocked and  ridiculed the investigation from the beginning and continues to do so, referring to it as a "witch hunt" or a "hoax" perpetrated by Democrats. The president marked the anniversary of Mueller's appointment with another series of mocking tweets.

The president made the same claim—greatest witch hunt in American history—one day after the special counsel appointment occurred.

But is it really a witch hunt or a hoax? Has the investigation bore no fruit? CNN doesn't think so and they've been kind enough to break it down, by the numbers, for us all.

19 is the number of individuals with charges brought against them because of the investigation. 3 companies also were subject to charges.

Among those charged? 1 White House adviser, 3 Trump campaign aides, 1 prominent Russian oligarch, and 12 internet trolls with ties to Putin's Kremlin.

75 is the number of criminal charges they face. Charges encompass bank fraud and tax violations, lying to FBI investigators, identity fraud and conspiracy against the United States.

5 defendants plead guilty. They include Trump campaign aide Rick Gates and former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Both chose to cooperate with Mueller's investigation.

1 person who plead guilty, Alex van der Zwaan, guilty of lying to the special counsel, is already serving a prison sentence for the crime.

1 person, Paul Manafort, chose to fight the Justice Department's charges in court. Manafort was chairman of the Trump 2016 presidential campaign.

Meanwhile, at least 40 people voluntarily spoke to the Office of the Special Counsel and at least 7 went before a grand jury.

Despite the mounting numbers of charges and indictments, the first occurring 5 months into the probe, Trump has used the phrase "witch hunt" to refer to the Russia investigation 39 times. Twitter users provided some feedback for him about that claim.

More from People

Meghan McCain
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Meghan McCain Speaks Out After Video Of Her Sparks Cruel Comments From Body-Shaming Trolls

When it comes to sensitive subjects, some people make derogatory comments instead of having a hard conversation, either to pivot the focus or to try to feel superior.

In a podcast episode from just over a week ago, "Mamdani's Talent Knows No Limitations," Meghan McCain openly praised New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and said plainly that Republicans "would be in trouble" and "should be scared" if the possibility were to ever arise for him to be able to run for President.

Keep ReadingShow less
Redditor jpdiv's photo on the 'Mildly Infuriating' subReddit
u/jpdiv/Reddit

Restaurant Patron Stunned After Waiter Leaves Note Urging Them To See Doctor After Noticing Worrisome Mole

Giving unsolicited advice is generally frowned upon and considered inappropriate, but when it comes to medical concerns, sometimes it's better to offer the advice just in case it could help someone.

In the "Mildly Interesting" subReddit, Redditor jpdiv shared an experience where they were visiting a restaurant, and before they left the venue at the end of their meal, a waiter gave them a note from a fellow restaurant patron.

Keep ReadingShow less
Man in restroom
Panuwat Dangsungnoen/Getty Images

Photo Of Guy Standing Right Outside Restroom Stall The Entire Time Someone Was Using It Sparks Debate About Bathroom Etiquette

Unfortunately, public restroom experiences can be very hit or miss, particularly when it comes to cleanliness, availability of toilet paper, and long lines.

Even more unfortunately, some people do not respect basic bathroom etiquette, like giving people space.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshots from @scottiferr's TikTok
@scottiferr/TikTok

Steak 'N Shake Sparks Debate After Soda Machine Requires Scanning QR Code To Dispense Drinks

When it comes to drinks at fast food restaurants, where the drink machines are often self-serve, customers have done some pretty shady things.

From ordering a cup of water, only to fill it with soda instead, to bringing a water bottle or something similar and filling it at the machine, it seems some customers will stop at nothing to acquire a free drink.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshots from @wife_mama02's TikTok video
@wife_mama02/TikTok

Viral TikTok Of Farmers Market Worker Allegedly Trying To Pass Off Produce From Grocery Store As Her Own Has Us Questioning Everything

Groceries are already expensive enough, and depending on where a person lives, they cannot guarantee the quality of the groceries that they're purchasing and eating. With many recalls going into effect right now, these concerns are especially important for produce.

TikToker Autumn of @wife_mama02 was alarmed when she went to the farmers market, only to catch an employee refilling a basket of blueberries for customers to purchase. The problem was that the employee was emptying out containers of what appeared to be store-bought blueberries into the bin.

Keep ReadingShow less