Press Secretary Sarah Sanders responds to the end of the Special Counsel investigation

This morning, Special Counsel Robert Mueller announced the completion of his investigation with a short, prepared address from the Department of Justice headquarters.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders issued the following statement:

After a two-year, $35 million investigation that involved 500 witnesses, 500 search warrants, and 2,800 subpoenas, the Special Counsel’s office found no evidence that President Donald J. Trump, any member of his campaign team, or indeed any American citizen conspired with Russia to influence the 2016 presidential election.

It’s time to move forward. Mueller announced that he will step down from his role at the Department of Justice now that his investigation is complete, and he concluded today’s remarks by calling on Americans to unite against a real threat: “multiple, systematic efforts” by a foreign government to interfere with our country.  

“That allegation deserves the attention of every American,” he said.

From day one, President Trump has taken action to defend America from Russian meddling. The Trump Administration has maintained the closure of 2 Russian compounds—and the expulsion of 35 diplomats—in response to Russian interference in the 2016 election. Last April, the Administration also imposed sanctions against 7 Russian oligarchs, 12 companies they own or control, and 17 senior Russian officials to ensure the oligarchs who profit from Russia’s destabilizing activities face consequences.

“We have been far tougher on Russia than anybody—anybody,” the President says.

President Trump knows that a strong, united, and energy-independent America is the last thing Russia wants to see. An internally divided, dysfunctional Washington, on the other hand, would give Moscow the victory it craves. Which path will Congress choose?

President Trump has stood up to Russia since day one.

Vice President Pence: It’s time for Democrats to focus on the American people.