Curious on Impeachment

Newspapers in Japan reported with curiosity United States Department of Justice’s appointment of former Director of Federal Bureau of Investigation, Robert Mueller, to special counsel to investigate the relationship between Donald Trump campaign in U.S. Presidential election last year and Russia. Imagining possible impeachment of highly strange President in U.S. history, the Japanese are closely watching what is going on in U.S. politics. Stock market in Tokyo has shown disappointment on the young U.S. administration.

The appointment was reported in Japan as a rebel of DoJ against coercive intervention of U.S. President in the investigative organization. Asahi Shimbun emphasized urgent move of DoJ, in which Deputy Attorney General, Rod Rosenstein, reported their decision of appointing Mueller to White House only 30 minutes before the announcement to the public. Asahi quoted Rosenstein’s statement that the decision was made “based upon the unique circumstances” with public requirement of independent investigation.

It is supposed that Rosenstein has attempted to restore his honor as a watchdog of law. Rosenstein recommended Trump earlier this month firing of FBI Director, James Comey, with suspect of weak attitude in dealing with mailing scandal of Hillary Clinton, the action which invited firm criticism from Democrats in the Congress. “This is the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history!” screamed Trump in his tweet.

Japanese media is focusing on how this issue would be developed to the impeachment of President. It was reported that Trump was suspected to have requested FBI to end their investigation on relationship between former National Security Adviser, Michael Flynn, and Russia, the action which would cause fundamental erosion of legitimacy of Trump’s Presidency. The word of “special prosecutor” even reminds Japanese people of historical scandals including Watergate, Whitewater of inappropriate relationship between President Bill Clinton and his female intern, Monica Lewinsky.

Tokyo Stock Market showed temporary confusion with potential risk of Trump administration. On Thursday, Nikkei Average marked ¥360 of drop from the day before. To avoid risk in foreign exchange, investors bought Japanese yen, raising its value up to ¥110 for a U.S. dollar in Tokyo. Stock price of Japanese exporters declined with negative speculation in foreign exchange. “Now, Trump himself is the risk,” told a trader in the market.