Delaware’s congressional delegation reacted Monday to revelations government prosecutors have charged former officials with President Donald Trump’s campaign with crimes.
Former Trump Campaign Manager Paul Manafort and his former business associate Rick Gates are pleading not guilty to a dozen charges, including money laundering and tax evasion.
Sen. Chris Coons said the indictments show Special Counsel Robert Mueller is starting to produce concrete evidence of criminal activity by members of the Trump campaign.
Coons adds he wants to ensure Mueller’s investigation into possible Russian meddling in last year’s election continues to be independent and credible.
“I’m concerned that President Trump may now take steps to try and fire Robert Mueller and short circuit his investigation," he said. "And I hope that we’ll be able to work on a bipartisan basis to ensure that the independence of this investigation of the Department of Justice is protected and preserved.”
Coons has sponsored legislation protecting Mueller from firing without a good reason. Senators held a hearing on the measure last month.
Former Vice President Joe Biden reacted to the indictments after his speech at an education conference at the University of Delaware.
Biden said he hasn’t had time to time to learn much about the indictments.
“Well look, I have great faith in the prosecutor who’s pursuing this," he said. "But that’s all I can tell you now. I don’t know anything about the details.”
In statements, Sen. Tom Carper and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester said Mueller must be allowed to complete his independent investigation.
