Mueller probe found 'no evidence' of collusion between Trump campaign and Russia: AG

The nearly two-year investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller found "no evidence" of a "collusion" between the Trump campaign and the Russian government during the 2016 US elections, Attorney General William Barr Thursday announced Thursday, in a major relief to President Donald Trump.

Addressing the media at the Department of Justice here on the release of Mueller's redacted report on the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Mueller was chosen to head the investigation in 2017 following concerns from US intelligence agencies that Russia had tried to tip the election in Trump's favour. The businessman-turned-politician defeated former secretary of state Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.

Barr said Mueller investigated a number of links or contacts between Trump Campaign officials and individuals connected with the Russian government.

"After reviewing those contacts, the special counsel did not find any conspiracy to violate US law involving Russia-linked persons and any persons associated with the Trump campaign," Barr said on the 400-page report.

He, however, said the Russian government sought to interfere in US election process.

Barr emphasised that the primary purposes of the Special Counsel's investigation was to determine whether members of the presidential campaign of Trump, or any individuals associated with that campaign, conspired or coordinated with the Russian government to interfere in the 2016 election.

The Special Counsel's report states that his "investigation did not establish that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities."
Earlier on Thursday, President Trump said the Mueller probe was "Greatest Political Hoax of all time!"