Mueller investigation: Why the next week could be one of the biggest yet for Donald Trump

Several developments are expected this week that could provide a roadmap for the weeks and months ahead

(REUTERS)

A former Justice Department spokesperson says that this week could show us how the special counsel’s investigation will be received and ultimately shape American politics in the weeks and months to come.

Matthew Miller, who worked for the Justice Department during the Obama administration, said that several expected updates are expected that could provide a road map for what comes ahead.

“It’s one of those moments when a number of threads are finally starting to merge together, which is to be expected because we do appear to be near the end,” Mr Miller told Politico.

Among the news we expect to come out this week will be former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort’s total prison sentence which will tie up the first of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s public legal fights.

We also expect former Trump campaign strategist Roger Stone’s trial date to be established. In addition, we expect further updates on Michael Flynn and Rick Gates, both of whom have been cooperating with Mr Mueller’s investigation.

With the Mueller probe said to be winding down, these various updates could help us to understand how Mr Mueller plans on proceeding, and if any investigations will be handed off to other investigators across the US government like in the Souther District of New York.

But the big question remains as to what Mr Mueller’s report — which will be released to the attorney general’s office — might contain. There are a few options, with a recommendation for charging Donald Trump being the obviously most damaging possibility should the special counsel investigation have found proof of crimes.

If that happens, it is likely that Democrats in the House will swiftly turn to impeachment proceedings. Should it not, the future of the investigation into Mr Trump is much more murky.