Special counsel Robert Mueller defended his handling of anti-Trump FBI employees who temporarily served on his team investigating Russia election interference and potential obstruction of justice committed by President Trump.
Mueller, 74, was grilled about his knowledge of former FBI special agent Peter Strzok’s political leanings during his appearance before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
“When did you first learn of Peter Strzok’s animus toward Donald Trump?” Republican Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert asked Mueller.
“In the summer of 2017,” Mueller said.
Gohmert continued: “Peter Strzok hated Trump. You didn’t know that before he was made part of your team?”
The former special counsel replied: “No, I did not know that. And when I did find out, I acted swiftly to have him reassigned elsewhere in the FBI.”
Gohmert shot back: “Well, there’s some discussion about how swift that was.”
The Texas congressman’s questions were part of a House Republican strategy seeking to undermine Mueller’s credibility. The GOP lawmaker also focused on the former FBI director’s relationship with another ex-head of the bureau, James Comey.
Strzok’s communications with former FBI lawyer Lisa Page sparked internal and congressional probes into potential bias at the bureau after text messages between the pair, who were having an extramarital affair, included a note in which they expressed hope that they would “stop” Trump. Strzok was fired from the FBI in August 2018. Page resigned in May that year.
[Also read: Mueller denies Russia investigation ‘totally’ exonerated Trump]
