Ex-DOJ officials to Congress: Act ‘forcefully’ if Trump fires Mueller

Hundreds of former Department of Justice (DOJ) officials have signed a petition urging Congress to act “swiftly and forcefully” if President Trump fires special counsel Robert Mueller, who is currently investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

The former DOJ officials wrote in a statement published Friday that it is up to Congress to oppose any attempt made by the president to interfere in the DOJ’s work, including firing Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

“Should the President take such a step, we call on Congress to swiftly and forcefully respond to protect the founding principles of our Republic and the rule of law,” the DOJ officials wrote.

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They added that they view Mueller and Rosenstein as “dedicated public servants” and noted that they are “deeply disturbed” by attacks on the integrity of the people in the Justice Department.

“Not only is it an insult to their public service, but any attempt to corrupt or undermine the even-handed application of the rule of law threatens the foundation of our Republic,” the officials wrote.

The statement — which was signed by officials that served under every president since Kennedy — had more than 400 signatures as of Monday morning, including a number of employees with more than 30 years of DOJ service.