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As it happenedended1555625449

Trump-Mueller report: Explosive document reveals '11 instances of possible obstruction' as Democrats attack 'partisan' handling

The president is claiming victory. Democrats say not so fast.

Clark Mindock
New York
,Tom Embury-Dennis
Thursday 18 April 2019 20:20 BST
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Trump says he has not seen or read the Mueller report

The explosive, and much-anticipated, release of the Mueller report has come.

Just after attorney general William Barr stood behind a podium and largely seemed to defend Donald Trump, the damaging report was released, showing that Mr Trump attempted to fire Robert Mueller multiple times and that he said he thought his presidency was "f****d" after the special counsel was appointed.

Mr Barr has declined to prosecute Mr Trump for obstruction, a decision he announced last year. But, the special counsel investigation highlights an incredible amount of damaging nuance to that decision.

And, Democrats were quick to challenge the assumption that Mr Trump did not commit a crime, or that there was no collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Instead, the 400 page document detailed dozens of interactions between the Trump campaign and Russian officials seeking to flip members of the Trump team.

In addition, the report detailed a shocking propensity for White House officials to disregard the president when it comes to the Russia investigation — and that willingness to ignore the president could be a saving grace for Mr Trump.

According to the report, Mr Trump attempted repeatedly to get his staff to force Mr Mueller's firing. Those staff members just ignored him, though.

There's a lot to unpack — and we've done most of that work for you below.

Please read along for the updates we posted throughout the day — from Mr Barr's press conference, to the shocking revelations of the report, to the reaction as Washington transitioned into its next phase of the Trump presidency:

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  ↵This whole thing isn't over — analysisThe Independent's diplomatic editor, Kim Sengupta, has weighed in on what the Mueller report means.

Clark Mindock18 April 2019 21:45
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Here's why Mueller decided not to prosecute Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner

Clark Mindock18 April 2019 22:00
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  ↵The Mueller report is only a glancing blow for Trump — Indy Voices

Clark Mindock18 April 2019 22:15
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Game of Thrones fans are mad, and not just because the first episode of the new season was 'meh'

Clark Mindock18 April 2019 22:30
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People cracked up about the Mueller report's form of transfer

Clark Mindock18 April 2019 22:45
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Who is in charge here? What Barr just proved — analysisHere's a bit of analysis about what Mr Barr protecting the president means.

Clark Mindock18 April 2019 23:00
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That's it for our ongoing coverage of the Mueller report release. 

What a day! Thanks for riding along with us through this hectic and shocking day.

Clark Mindock18 April 2019 23:10

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