Robert Mueller spoke publicly for the first time since being appointed in May 2017 to be special counsel in charge of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, closing the door to congressional testimony that would reveal further details about his 22-month long investigation.

In defiance of President Trump’s declaration of total exoneration after the release of his report, Mueller also stressed that while he did not accuse the commander in chief of trying to obstruct the investigation he did not absolve him either.