July 24, 2019 - PBS NewsHour full episode

In our news wrap Wednesday, the Justice Department declined to pursue criminal contempt charges against Attorney General William Barr and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. House Democrats had voted to cite them for refusing to turn over documents on adding a citizenship question to the 2020 census. Also, Boris Johnson took over as the United Kingdom’s prime minister, succeeding Theresa May.

President Trump was at the White House for most of Robert Mueller’s testimony, tweeting reactions including a reference to the Russia investigation as a “ridiculous hoax.” House Democrats seemed somewhat muted after the hearings, while congressional Republicans believe Mueller’s appearance won’t affect public opinion significantly. Judy Woodruff talks to Yamiche Alcindor and Lisa Desjardins.

Robert Mueller’s appearance on Capitol Hill marked a historic day in American politics. Former Justice Department officials John Carlin and Mary McCord, both of whom worked under Democratic and Republican administrations, talk to Judy Woodruff about the multiple agendas on display, how Mueller avoided being used by either party and his "memorable" characterization of the president’s credibility.

Now that Robert Mueller’s appearance before Congress has concluded, we turn to lawmakers of both parties for their reactions. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., was a constitutional attorney for 20 years before being elected to Congress in 2016. A member of the House Judiciary Committee, Johnson joins Judy Woodruff to discuss his “main takeaway” from the hearings and what he thinks Congress should do next.

After Robert Mueller’s congressional testimony, how are lawmakers reacting? Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., sits on both the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees and is one of only three members of Congress to question Robert Mueller twice. Demings joins Judy Woodruff to discuss why she believes House Democrats should continue investigating and how the hearing advanced the case for impeachment.

Political turmoil continues to consume Puerto Rico. The island’s governor, Ricardo Rossello, was expected to resign Wednesday, although by evening, he had not. Amna Nawaz talks to The Washington Post’s Arelis Hernandez for the latest, including growing crowds of protesters, a media frenzy and a general sense of anxiety as Puerto Ricans await what’s coming next during a period already chaotic.

Robert Mueller testified Wednesday before the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees. While many Republicans cast doubt upon the integrity of Mueller and his investigation, Democrats questioned the former special counsel about his decision not to subpoena President Trump and the influence of Justice Department policy against indicting a sitting president. William Brangham reports.

July 24, 2019 - PBS NewsHour full episode