Republicans said former special counsel Robert Mueller’s testimony affirmed President Trump did not collude with Russians or obstruct the investigation and said Democrats should drop their investigations and calls for impeachment.
“The Democrats have refused to accept reality,” said California Rep. Devin Nunes, the top Republican on the Intelligence Committee. “They live in an alternate universe. This is over.”
Four top Republicans briefed reporters following a press conference by House Democratic leaders touting the importance of Mueller’s hourslong appearance before both the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees.
Mueller’s appearance has largely been assessed as weak, hesitant and at times confused, although Democrats pointed to the substance of Mueller’s answers and damning comments he made affirming his believe that Trump obstructed justice.
Republicans disagreed and said even Mueller objected to Democrats’ assessment that the president obstructed justice.
“None of the evidence has panned out,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said.
McCarthy said he watched Democrats brief reporters after the hearing and their “body language” signaled their disappointment in the day many thought would damage Trump and lead to an impeachment inquiry.
Democrats, McCarthy added, “know this is not what they wanted to see today. This is not what they wanted to hear. This should end the chapter of this book we put America through.”
