Special counsel Robert Mueller is "close" to wrapping up his investigation into the Trump campaign's potential role in the Russian government's attack on the 2016 election, acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said Monday.
While speculation has been widespread that Mueller's probe is nearing an end, Whitaker's comment marks the first time a senior Justice Department official has publicly affirmed it.
"The investigation is, I think, close to being completed, and I hope that we can get the report from Director Mueller as soon as possible," Whitaker said during a news conference at Justice Department headquarters.
Whitaker, who was handpicked by President Donald Trump to replace ousted Attorney General Jeff Sessions on an acting basis, added he has been "fully briefed" on Mueller's inquiry.
William Barr, Trump's pick to permanently replace Sessions, pledged earlier this month that he will, if confirmed, make Mueller's findings public to whatever extent possible.
The Senate is expected to confirm Barr as the next attorney general.
Mueller was appointed to investigate possible Russian collusion in May 2017 after Trump fired former FBI Director James Comey.
Since his appointment, Mueller has secured guilty pleas and indictments against six high-profile Trump associates, including former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and longtime confidant Roger Stone. Dozens of Russian operatives and companies have also been indicted in the probe.
