Just How Far Can Robert Mueller's Investigation Reach?
In his latest speed-date with the not-failing New York Times, Donald Trump apparently asserted that Special Counsel Robert Mueller could not generally investigate Trump's family's "finances":
Asked if Mr. Mueller’s investigation would cross a red line if it expanded to look at his family’s finances beyond any relationship to Russia, Mr. Trump said, “I would say yes.” He would not say what he would do about it. “I think that’s a violation. Look, this is about Russia.”
The paragraph's a little unclear: it might mean (1) Trump believes Mueller can't investigate Trump's family finances at all or (2) Trump believes Mueller can't investigate Trump's family finances beyond any ties their finances have to Russia. It's also not clear what "family's finances" might mean. Business entities? Loans to and/or investments in Trump businesses and/or family members by the Russian government, businesses, or individuals? Other?
However you read this passage in the Times story, the scope of Mueller's authority (his jurisdiction) can only be ascertained by an examination of Mueller's mandate.
The entire order appointing Mueller can be found here. The key language of the order is succinct: