President Donald Trump is leaning on an array of former campaign aides, including former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski and former communications director Jason Miller, as scandals pile up at the White House. | Getty 45 After Dark: A Very Special edition

The investigation of Russian election interference — and any ties to President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign — has a new, formidable face.

The Justice Department tonight announced the appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller as a special counsel, in charge of the Russia investigation. Mueller is a widely respected figure, who served as FBI director under both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama.


With broad authority and investigative powers, including the ability to convene grand juries, Mueller’s appointment won quick praise from Democrats and many Republicans who have been bewildered by a more than a week of controversies roiling the White House, many of them centered on Russia. It also sets up, potentially, months of problems for the White House, POLITICO’s Josh Gerstein reports .

“The investigation, which could take months and will follow a separate track from congressional inquiries, likely will involve accessing classified documents and interviews, and Mueller can also convene grand juries and seek indictments if he deems it appropriate. He will have access to all the information the FBI and Justice Department have compiled so far.”

On Capitol Hill, Mueller’s appointment won nearly universal praise — even from Republicans who see his appointment as a release valve, that may mean they don’t have to answer persistent questions about investigations.

“I think it takes the issue off the table for the time being,” Rep. Ryan Costello (R-Pa.) told reporters Wednesday night. “We’re trying to separate fact from fiction and we’re getting asked by all of you, respectfully, ‘Should an independent commission be established?’ ‘What about an independent prosecutor?’”

Costello added: "It’s one less question that we have to answer about an extremely confounding and contentious issue that a lot of people are politicizing.”

Elsewhere in Trump’s orbit:

BACK TO THE FUTURE: President Trump is leaning on an array of former campaign aides, including former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski and former communications director Jason Miller, as scandals pile up at the White House.

PUTIN A GOOD WORD: The Washington Post reports that in 2016, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy told colleagues he “thinks Putin pays” President Trump, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. It’s not entirely clear if McCarthy was joking — and immediately after he said it, House Speaker Paul Ryan swore those in attendance to secrecy.

JOEMENTUM?: President Trump to interview more candidates to lead the FBI, including former Sen. and one time Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Lieberman.

VLAD THE CONCILIATOR: Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to release a transcript of what was said in President Trump’s meeting with Russian officials — if the White House okayed the release. (The New York Times)

COMEY GET ME: An array of congressional committees are asking fired FBI Director James Comey to testify, including the Senate Judiciary Committee the House Oversight Committee .

COAST GUARD CUTTER: In a commencement address to graduates of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, President Trump argued that no politician in American history had been treated worse and more unfairly than him.

TOO TAXING?: Amid the swirl of scandals, Wall Street seems to be giving up on a big tax overhaul under President Trump.

And there you have it. You’re caught up on the Trump administration. That is it for Wednesday.