It will all be over by Christmas. That was the message Donald Trump’s lawyers were giving the US president when the Mueller probe begun.

It should be wrapped up by Thanksgiving, they hoped, but certainly it would be done by the year’s end. That was 2017. 

Almost two years on, and with the special counsel’s investigation finally complete, the scale of criminality uncovered shows the foolishness of that early optimism.

Seven people have pleaded guilty or been convicted to charges brought or referred by Robert Mueller. Another 27 people and three Russian entities have been indicted. 

Among those guilty of crimes are Mr Trump’s former campaign manager, deputy campaign manager, foreign policy adviser,…