New Developments in Russia Investigation

In May, Robert Mueller was appointed to lead the special counsel to investigate Russian meddling in the 2016 election. The special counsel’s job also includes investigating any obstruction of justice by Trump and his administration, as well as the president’s financial ties to Russia. Last week, Mueller brought the first charges before a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C.

Who Was Charged?

Paul Manafort, Trump’s former campaign chairman, was indicted and charged with twelve criminal counts including money laundering, making false statements, and conspiracy against the United States. His business partner, Rick Gates, was charged as well. Both are accused of using overseas accounts to defraud the U.S. government of millions of dollars. Both men pleaded not guilty.

Also indicted was George Papadopoulos, who was a foreign policy adviser to Trump’s campaign. He pleaded guilty to charges of lying to law enforcement officials. In 2016, Papadopoulos met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as well as aides to Putin, and was trying to set up a secure way for Trump to do the same. Papadopoulos has been cooperating with the investigation at the same time that the Trump administration has been distancing themselves from him (Trump recently referred to Papadopoulos as a “low-level volunteer”). Apparently Papadopoulos has been wearing a wire for the past several months and may provide Mueller’s team with new information.

The trial is set to begin in May. The charges are being filed as New York State cases, rather than federal cases. That way, Trump won’t be able to pardon anyone involved.

What About Flynn?

Michael Flynn, Trump’s original National Security Adviser, held the job for just 24 days before he was fired for lying to administration officials about his communications with Russian government representatives during the campaign. Now, Mueller’s team has revealed that they have enough evidence to bring criminal charges against Flynn.

Michael G. Flynn, the older Flynn’s son, is one of his father’s business partners and worked for Trump during his transition to the White House. He faces possible charges as well. So far, at least nine Trump associates have been found to have had direct contact with Russia during the presidential campaign or during Trump’s transition to the White House.

Dig Deeper Using internet resources, create a timeline of some of the important events in the Russia investigation up to today. Which, in your opinion, is the most significant? Why?