Meaning: This quote is a statement made by Robert Mueller, the former Special Counsel who was appointed to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 United States presidential election and any potential links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government. The quote is from Mueller's testimony before the House Intelligence Committee on July 24, 2019, in which he was questioned about his investigation and the findings of his report.

In this quote, Mueller seems to be avoiding delving into the specifics of the investigation, but he implies that the investigation was important and meaningful. He also suggests that the president would have been periodically briefed on the investigation's progress. This statement sheds light on the significance of the investigation and the level of awareness the president would have had regarding its developments.

The investigation led by Robert Mueller was a highly significant and controversial undertaking. It sought to uncover the extent of Russian interference in the 2016 election and determine whether there was any coordination or collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. The investigation also examined potential obstruction of justice by President Trump or his associates.

Throughout his testimony, Mueller was careful in his responses and often referred back to the findings outlined in his report. His statement in the quote reflects this approach, as he chooses not to delve into specifics but rather emphasizes the importance and meaningfulness of the investigation.

The phrase "to the extent that investigation is a relatively important investigation" indicates that Mueller views the investigation as having substantial significance. This suggests that the issues being investigated were not trivial or insignificant, but rather central to the functioning of the government and the integrity of the electoral process.

By stating that "the president would have been periodically briefed," Mueller implies that the president would have been kept informed about the investigation's progress. This raises questions about the extent of the president's knowledge of the investigation and whether there were any attempts to influence or interfere with its proceedings.

Overall, Mueller's statement in this quote provides insight into the gravity of the investigation and its potential impact on the highest levels of government. It underscores the importance of understanding the context and implications of the investigation, as well as the significance of the findings presented in Mueller's report.

In conclusion, the quote from Robert Mueller's testimony highlights the gravity and importance of the investigation he led, as well as the level of awareness the president would have had regarding its progress. The statement serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies surrounding the investigation and its findings, and the ongoing debates about its implications for the presidency and the political landscape in the United States.