Where Law Ends

More about the book

In May 2017, Robert Mueller was appointed to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, foreign coordination with Donald Trump's campaign, and potential obstruction of justice by the president. Assembling a "dream team" of top prosecutors, the inquiry remained largely opaque for twenty-two months until the release of the special counsel's report in April 2019. Andrew Weissmann, a key figure in the Special Counsel's Office, reveals the inner workings of the investigation, including intense debates, difficult decisions, and external pressures from President Trump and Attorney General William Barr aimed at manipulating the process for political gain. Weissmann provides an insider's perspective on pivotal choices, such as whether to subpoena the president or pursue a full financial investigation. He also highlights the significant impact of Trump's actions, including threats to shut down the inquiry and dangling pardons, which hampered the investigation. This account captures the camaraderie and dedication of Mueller's team, portraying him as a distinguished public servant and human presence. Weissmann candidly discusses both the successes and mistakes of the team, aiming to document this historic investigation for future generations to learn from. Ultimately, it is a tale of public servants committed to the rule of law while facing unprecedented challenges from the highest office.