Capito says after Mueller testimony “it’s case closed”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito was on Air Force One with President Donald Trump Wednesday evening just after Special Counsel Robert Mueller had testified before two congressional committees on his investigation into Russian collusion and the involvement of President Trump. 

“I think he felt vindicated in terms of there’s nothing new here. There’s no collusion. He basically said to me, ‘Well, they’ll (his opponents) go to something else,’ and you can already see that,” Capito said Thursday on MetroNews “Talkline.” “The President is beleaguered in some sense but I think he’s a strong guy. He’s like, ‘I’m going to fight through this,’ for the people he saw last night (in Wheeling) it’s important they have more jobs, higher wages, more opportunities–all of the things he said he would do.” 

Capito said as far as she’s concerned the Mueller investigation is “case closed.” 

“Mueller really had difficulty being specific and answering questions. I know it was very demoralizing for the Democrats. So I think the question is ‘who was really in charge fo the investigation?’ is one that needs to be asked,” Capito said. “I don’t think (the testimony) changes anybody’s mind, although, I think in my view it totally exonerates him (President Trump) and it’s time to move on.” 

Capito said what was clear from the hearing is that the Russians were trying to meddle in U.S. elections. Capito said Republicans have moved forward to address the issue. 

“We put $380 million under my appropriations bill over the last year for election security for every single state to use those dollars to firm up their election protocols,” Capito said. 

Capito said the people attending the fundraiser for Trump, sponsored by Murray Energy owner Bob Murray, were enthusiastic to meet and hear from President Trump. She said his remarks covered a lot of ground including China, the economy and coal. 

“‘{Trump said) I’ve listened to you and I’ve helped this industry and I’ve also helped get more people back to work who haven’t had the opportunity before,'” Capito said.