Schumer Calls Appointment of Mueller a 'Great First Step'

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday took to Twitter to laud the appointment of special prosecutor Robert Mueller as a "great first step," but said more needs to be done.

The appointment of Mr. Mueller is a great 1st step to getting Russia investigation back on solid ground. These things also need to happen:

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) May 18, 2017

Mr. Comey testifying; White House turning over relevant “tapes” & transcripts to Congress; & selection of an ind, impartial FBI Director.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) May 18, 2017

Mueller, himself a former FBI director, was appointed Wednesday by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, himself a lightning rod of criticism since his memo last week was at first lifted up by the White House as the impetus to terminate FBI Director James Comey.

Rosenstein made the appointment since his boss, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, had long ago recused himself from anything to do with Russia due to his role in Donald Trump's election campaign.

Schumer on Wednesday tweeted out support for the hiring of Mueller, calling him "exactly the right kind of individual" to investigate Russia's involvement in the 2016 presidential election.

• 10 Things to Know About Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller
• Ronald Kessler Praises Mueller for Probe: 'Man of High Integrity'