Since national news coverage has been driven by the allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, many have forgotten about the ongoing Special Counsel investigation regarding alleged collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. But forces are moving against the investigation, and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is in the eye of the storm.

Rosenstein was thrust into an awkward position last year after Attorney General Jeff

Sessions recused himself from any investigations related to the 2016 election. Thus, Rosenstein became responsible for overseeing the probe against President Donald Trump. Rosenstein has the final call on all relevant indictments, and he was responsible for the appointment Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

Recently, Trump and Rosenstein came into direct conflict when reports surfaced that Rosenstein intended to tape Trump and invoke the 25th Amendment, which would remove the president from office. As their relationship soured, Trump summoned Rosenstein to testify about these reports.

Many have interpreted Trump’s summons as an indication that he may fire Rosenstein. “This looks like a blatant attempt by Rep. Meadows to bully Rosenstein into resigning or to provoke President Trump to fire him,” former White House lawyer Andrew Wright said to Vox.

Were Trump to fire Rosenstein, he would likely replace him with someone who would fire Mueller and bring an end to Mueller’s investigation.

Facing public backlash, the White House has refrained from conclusively firing Rosenstein. Though the drama between the two has abated ever so slightly in the last week, a Rosenstein departure remains a real possibility.

With Mueller making steady progress as we draw nearer and nearer to the midterm elections, it is critical Rosenstein remains until Mueller concludes his investigation. Time and time again, this probe has absorbed a barrage of insults as Trump and his allies seek to discredit its integrity.

But through it all, Rosenstein has shielded Mueller and his team in the face of relentless attacks and has allowed Mueller relative autonomy. Under Rosenstein’s steady leadership, this probe has charged 37 individuals, including four Trump associates who have agreed to cooperate. Relevant associates include Paul Manafort, who attended an infamous meeting that between Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, and a Russian lawyer to gather damaging information on Hillary Clinton.

Rosenstein’s job security should not be a partisan issue; it is an exemplification of our democracy and our commitment to justice. If President Trump is indeed innocent, this probe assuredly will clear his name. It is vital that our investigators are allowed to complete their work without fear of dismissal or slander.

Holding our leaders accountable to their actions is what sets America apart from other nations. Without accountability, our country could fall to autocracy.

Rod Rosenstein is the only person who has proven he is prepared to defend this special process. In the spirit of what truly makes America great, Rod Rosenstein must stay.