Mueller Initiates Escape Clause - Indicting Russian Nationals
After nearly a year of investigating the Trump Administration for collusion with the Russians, all signs now point toward an end of the investigation. President Trump nor any member of his team has been proven to have colluded with any Russian entity, although several members have been indicted on charges unrelated to their service with the President. Special counsel Robert Mueller will announce today that a grand jury has indicted 13 Russian nationals and 3 Russian entities for election interference. This new scenario serves to vindicate the President, yet allows those behind the lengthy investigation to "get a win" or sorts. Mueller gets to walk away without damage to his personal reputation. Yet, this bold move will likely set back any Russian-United States diplomacy and could be the catalyst for a new Cold War; one that will be fought digitally through hackers, bots, and possibly computer virus attacks or worse.
When in Doubt, Blame the Russians
The indictment states that a Russian group called the Internet Research Agency has been waging an information war against the United States dating back to 2014, long before President Trump was involved in American Politics. One of the talking points of the indictment specifically states that the group was working against Hillary Clinton as well as spreading dis-trust toward the American political system in general. Those indicted are being charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud, bank fraud, and identity theft. There were no charges of collusion with any person or entity in the United States.
Trump Not Tied to Collusion
Although no one has officially closed the investigation, this action appears to be one which will bring it to an end. Mueller, being unable to pin anything on the President, has laid all the blame on the Russians. What this action does, will be seen as highly political in nature for several reasons. It will serve as a tool for the Democrats to support the landslide loss Hillary Clinton experienced. It will allow them to "save face" in some way for allowing the DNC information network to be compromised. And finally it will give the media a huge plate of red meat to continue assaulting the Trump administration. Unfortunately this, like all things tainted by the Democratic Party will backfire on them.
GOP Will End Up With A Historic Win
For years the GOP has been trying to shift the nation toward Voter ID; now that case will have stronger footing. Second, other influential foreigners such as George Soros can now be investigated without any cries of political bias. And lastly the President will be now free to move forward with his popular America First agenda in a historic circling of the wagons against the rest of the world.
Social Media Likely to Lose
It's likely that Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms will get hurt by this indictment as well. It was through their platforms that most of the alleged discord was sown. Regulators are likely looking at ways to reign them in right now in light of this information.
What's Next?
For now, no additional information is being reported and "we the people" are left to spend the weekend hearing from every political commentator and their opinions. As to the real impact this group of Russians made, it's likely no one will be able to produce any measurable metrics. Either way, for the sake of the nation, it's time to move on to more important issues. Stay tuned as they say!