After Mueller testimony to Congress, Trump declares victory

Following six hours of Congressional testimony by former Special Counsel Robert Mueller about the Russia investigation, President Donald Trump on Wednesday blasted Democrats, critics, and reporters, declaring that he had been cleared of any wrongdoing over Russian interference in the 2016 elections.

"There was no defense for this ridiculous hoax, this witch hunt," the President told reporters at the White House, as he said that Mueller had done a 'horrible job' in his hearings before a pair of U.S. House committees.

"Robert Mueller did a poor job, but in all fairness to him, he had nothing to work," Mr. Trump added, repeatedly labeling the Russia investigation a hoax, as he sparred with reporters.

"You're fake news," President Trump said to several reporters, as he criticized 'nauseating networks' and their coverage of the Russia investigation.

"The Democrats had nothing. And now they have less than nothing," the President added.

On Capitol Hill, Republicans joined the President in condemning Democrats, and ridiculing the idea of any impeachment effort.

"Today only reinforced the facts—no collusion and no obstruction," said House GOP Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).

"Democrats’ last desperate attempt to change the narrative on the Mueller report and generate support for their delusional impeachment fantasy landed with a thud," tweeted Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL).

While Republicans in Congress joined the President in saying it was time to move on, some Democrats urged their leadership to press ahead with a full-fledged impeachment inquiry.

"Mueller made it clear that Trump can be indicted the second he leaves office," said Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). "The only problem is that we can't afford to wait that long."

"I come away from the hearing today with new urgency for Congress to continue these oversight efforts and to begin an impeachment inquiry," said Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), one of the members of the House Judiciary Committee.

"Robert Mueller did his job. Now it's time for Congress to do ours," said Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL). "It's time to open an impeachment inquiry."

"Today’s hearing underscores one thing: we need to immediately start impeachment hearings," said Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH).

As of now, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is still not endorsing the idea of a formal impeachment effort.

The number of House Democrats in support of an impeachment inquiry is now over 90 - still not even a simple majority of their members.

"I believe it is time to begin an impeachment inquiry," said Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA), who announced her decision after the Mueller hearings had concluded.

"This administration has continuously failed to cooperate with legitimate legislative oversight," Trahan said.

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