WASHINGTON D.C. — Justice Department Special Counsel Robert Mueller has launched a grand jury in his investigation of Russian influence in the 2016 election, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

Citing unnamed people familiar with the matter, the Journal said Mueller had impaneled the grand jury in Washington, where his team of investigators continue to look into whether President Donald Trump or any of his campaign associates colluded with Russia during the presidential contest.

The move would signal a new step in the investigation, which Trump has lambasted as a “witch hunt.” Trump has denied any collusion between his team and the Russians. US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia attempted to sway the presidential contest in Trump’s favor.

In May, CNN reported that federal prosecutors had issued grand jury subpoenas to some associates of former national security adviser Michael Flynn as part of the ongoing FBI probe into the Russian meddling.

Mueller took over that investigation in mid-May. </s> Special counsel Robert Mueller has convened a grand jury in Washington to investigate allegations of Russia’s interference in the 2016 elections, the Wall Street Journal reported

The grand jury has issued subpoenas in connection with a meeting between Donald Trump Jr and a Russian lawyer in June 2016, according to Reuters.

It began its work in recent weeks and is a ramping up of that Mueller's inquiry into Russia's efforts to influence the election and whether it colluded with Mr Trump's campaign is ramping up,.

A grand jury's deliberations are secret and its existence was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

It consists of lay individuals and it can hand down criminal indictments if convinced to do so by Mr Mueller.

Through a grand jury prosecutors can also have subpoenas issued for documents and put witnesses under oath.

The setting up of a grand jury was a sign that Mr Mueller believes criminal charges could be possible at some point, or at least that he thinks he will have to subpoena records and obtain testimony from witnesses.

Ty Cobb, special counsel to Mr Trump, told the Wall Street Journal he was not aware of the existence of the grand jury. </s> A grand jury impaneled by Special Counsel Robert Mueller to investigate possible Russian interference in the 2016 election has issued subpoenas related to a meeting between then-candidate Donald Trump’s son, son-in-law, and a Russian lawyer, a

ccording to CNN . Trump has repeatedly defended himself, calling the investigation a “witch hunt,” as U.S. intelligence agencies believe that Russia did work with his campaign to secure the election.

Democratic and Republican senators met yesterday to introduce legislation that would prevent Trump from firing special counsel involved in the investigation, according to Reuters.

Mueller’s team will investigate records and testimonies related to the 2016 meeting. Federal investigators have already begun to probe Trump’s alleged financial ties to Russia. People familiar with the investigation told CNN that these ties offer a “more concrete path” to an eventual prosecution, while former federal prosecutor Thomas Zeno shared with the Wall Street Journal that although a grand jury doesn’t guarantee anything, it is a sign that the investigation will not easily be shut down by President Trump. “[Mueller] wouldn’t do this if it were winding down.” </s> A grand jury impaneled by special counsel Robert Mueller in connection with the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election has issued subpoenas concerning Donald Trump Jr.’s meeting with Kremlin-aligned lawyers during the campaign.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday the panel began its work in recent weeks. Grand juries are seated to assess the validity of an accusation brought by prosecutors in advance of an indictment. Though the primary task of a grand jury is to issue an indictment, they also allow prosecutors to subpoena documents and question witnesses under oath.

Reuters subsequently reported that the grand jury has issued subpoenas concerning Trump Jr.’s June 2016 meeting with Natalia Veselnitskaya, a Russian lawyer with Kremlin connections hawking opposition research about former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

It is not clear whether the subpoenas compel the appearance of witnesses, the production of documents, or both.

Trump’s Jr.’s legal counsel did not respond to The Daily Caller News Foundation’s inquiries by press time.

Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact . </s> WASHINGTON - Special counsel Robert Mueller has impaneled a grand jury as the federal investigation into Russia's interference in the presidential election intensifies, according to news reports.

The Wall Street Journal, which broke the story Thursday, reported that the grand jury was based in Washington and began working in recent weeks.

A grand jury has issued subpoenas relating to the controversial June 2016 meeting between the president's son, Donald Trump Jr., and a Russian lawyer, Reuters reported.

Last month, Trump Jr. released emails showing he arranged the meeting in the hopes of obtaining damaging information about his father's election opponent Hillary Clinton – even after he was told it would come from the Russian government. Trump son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner, along with then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort, were also in the meeting with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya and others.

Josh Stueve, a spokesman for Mueller, declined to comment on the report.

President Trump has denounced Mueller's investigation into possible collusion between his associates and Russians who sought to influence the election by hacking Democrats. He's called the investigation a "witch hunt."

The news appeared to take the Trump team by surprise.

Ty Cobb, special counsel to the president, did not know that Mueller had called a grand jury. "Grand jury matters are typically secret," Mr. Cobb said. "The White House favors anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly.…The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr. Mueller."

John Dowd, Trump's lead outside lawyer, also said Thursday that he was not aware of Mueller's reported move to impanel a new grand jury in D.C., but said he was confident that the president was not a target of prosecutors.

"With respect to reports of a federal grand jury, I have no reason to believe that President Trump is being investigated," Dowd said.

"Americans deserve answers. I hope this brings us one step closer," tweeted Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.

Top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, which is also investigating Russia's election meddling, said news that Mueller has impaneled a grand jury "suggests his work is proceeding."

"All the more impt (important) that Congress protect his independence," tweeted Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. </s> WASHINGTON, D.C.: Donald Trump described Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election as a “total fabrication” Thursday amid reports that a special prosecutor has impaneled a grand jury to investigate the issue — a step toward possible criminal indictments.

“We didn’t win because of Russia. We won because of you,” Trump said at a campaign-style rally in West Virginia.

Trying to build support among his core supporters, he said his enemies were “trying to cheat you out of the leadership you want with a fake story that is demeaning to all of us and most importantly, demeaning to our country and demeaning to our constitution.”

“The reason why Democrats only talk about the totally made-up Russia story is because they have no message, no agenda, and no vision,” he said. “The Russia story is total fabrication. It’s just an excuse for the greatest loss in the history of American politics.”

His comments came after the Wall Street Journal revealed that special counsel Robert Mueller has impaneled a grand jury to investigate Russia’s interference with the 2016 presidential election.

The newspaper, citing two unnamed sources familiar with the matter, reported that the grand jury had begun its work in the US capital Washington “in recent weeks.”

The move is a sign that the sweeping federal investigation — which includes allegations that Trump campaign officials coordinated with Russia to tilt the election in the Republican’s favor — is gathering pace.

The establishment of a grand jury will allow Mueller — a former FBI director — to subpoena documents and get sworn testimony. It could well lead to criminal indictments.

“You don’t impanel a grand jury unless your investigation has discovered enough evidence that you feel reflects a violation of at least one, if not more, criminal provisions,” he said.

“If you secure an indictment, your next step is to arrest the defendant.”

Presidential lawyer Ty Cobb said he was not aware that a grand jury had been convened.

“Grand jury matters are typically secret,” Cobb said, adding that “the White House favors anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly.”

“The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr Mueller.”

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president was not likely the subject of the investigation.

“Former FBI director Jim Comey said three times the president is not under investigation and we have no reason to believe that has changed,” she said.

Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores declined to comment on the report.

Trump has repeatedly denied allegations of collusion, saying he is the victim of a political “witch hunt” and “fake news.”

But he has been forced to acknowledge that his eldest son, Donald Jr, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and his then campaign advisor Paul Manafort did meet a Kremlin-connected lawyer to get dirt on Hillary Clinton.

Mueller is also said to be investigating Trump’s financial records unrelated to Russia or the election, CNN reported.

Trump has publicly warned Mueller that his financial dealings should be out of bounds and investigating them would cross a red line.

If called to testify before a grand jury, Trump would not be the first president to do so. Then president Bill Clinton was forced to give details about his relationship with Monica Lewinsky, evidence that was used in his impeachment.

Thursday’s revelations will only fuel speculation that Trump may try to curb the investigation by firing Mueller.

Two US senators introduced a bipartisan bill Thursday to pre-empt that move by insulating Mueller.

The legislation, sponsored by Democrat Chris Coons and Republican Thom Tillis, would bar a president from directly firing the special counsel without a judicial review.

Under the bill, Mueller would be allowed to challenge his removal in court in the event he is fired without good cause.

“A back-end judicial review process to prevent unmerited removals of special counsels not only helps to ensure their investigatory independence, but also reaffirms our nation’s system of check and balances,” Tillis said in a statement.

Coons added: “Ensuring that the special counsel cannot be removed improperly is critical to the integrity of his investigation.” AFP </s> Special Counsel Robert Mueller has impaneled a grand jury to investigate Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

The move is seen as a sign the investigation into election interference and possible collusion with the Trump campaign is heating up and entering a new phase. Reuters also reported that grand jury subpoenas have been issued in connection with the meeting Donald Trump Jr. had with a Russian lawyer and others last year.

Russia has denied having a hand in the U.S. presidential election. President Trump, too, has strongly denied allegations of collusion and has frequently called the investigation a “witch hunt.”

Grand juries allow prosecutors to subpoena documents and get witness testimony on the record. They also can seek indictments.

Ty Cobb, special counsel to the president, told Fox News on Thursday he wasn’t aware that Mueller had impaneled a new grand jury but said, "We favor anything that brings this investigation to a swift conclusion."

Cobb also told reporters that, "Grand jury matters are typically secret," and the White House “is committed to fully cooperating with Mr. Mueller."

“We have no reason to believe President Trump is under investigation,” Trump attorney John Dowd told Fox News.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders noted that former FBI Director James Comey repeatedly said Trump was not under investigation earlier this year.

Mueller, who now has a team of 16 attorneys, was brought on as special counsel in May. Prior to his involvement, federal prosecutors reportedly had been using another grand jury, in Alexandria, Va., to help with their criminal investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn.

The Flynn case focuses on his work in the private sector on behalf of foreign interests.

Asked Thursday about the Journal report, the special counsel's office had no comment.

Trump and his allies have in recent weeks openly criticized Mueller, with one Republican lawmaker even calling for him to step aside.

Other lawmakers have responded with proposals that could serve to shield Mueller from being fired.

Trump also has fumed about Attorney General Jeff Sessions' decision to recuse himself from the Russia case, which cleared the way for Mueller's eventual appointment -- though Sessions has recently been told by the White House his job is considered safe.

Thomas Zeno, a former federal prosecutor, told the Journal that impaneling a grand jury is “confirmation that this is a very vigorous investigation going on.”

Zeno cautioned the step does not automatically mean Mueller will bring charges but added “it shows he is very serious. He wouldn’t do this if [the investigation] were winding down.” </s> Special counsel Robert Mueller (L) arrives at the U.S. Capitol for closed meeting with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee June 21, 2017 in Washington, DC.

A federal judge has extended by up to six months the authorization for the grand jury that special counsel Robert Mueller is using to conduct his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and other issues, including ones related to people in President Donald Trump's orbit.

That original 18-month authorization for the grand jury designated "17-1," which began sitting in July 2017, was set to expire Sunday.

"I can confirm that grand jury 17-1 has been extended, can continue to sit," said Lisa Klem, administrative assistant to Judge Beryl Howell, chief judge of U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.

Under federal rules, a grand jury can serve no longer than 18 months unless the chief judge extends its service by a period of six months or less "upon determination that such extension is in the public interest." </s> WASHINGTON (WOWO): Subpoenas for a grand jury have been issued over a meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer, as Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating allegations of Russian interference in last year’s Presidential elections.

Reuters reports that a grand jury has also been convened on the allegations of Russian meddling.

Russia has denied such allegations from the beginning. President Trump has also denied such allegations, usually referring to them as a “witch hunt.”

Trump Jr. recently released an email chain between him and someone promising to have information from the Russian government on Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton. He claims he made a meeting, but nothing happened during it.
Special counsel Robert Mueller has impaneled a grand jury in Washington, D.C. to investigate allegations of Russia’s interference in the 2016 elections.