All I know is that Flynn knows. And the President knows he knows.
So much knowledge in this White House.
So much knowledge in this White House.
6
Look, this should all be over very shortly. Trump will expedite Mueller's request and deliver everything that Mueller wants, after all, Trump himself has said there is nothing, Priebus called it a "Nothing Burger" and Michael Flynn urged us to "Lock her up!"
Let us not forget how Flynn stated last September to CNBC, "When you are given immunity, that means you have probably committed a crime," only to then later himself seek immunity. Flynn's actions only mean he really has nothing to hide, after all Trump asked Comey to let Flynn go, precisely because there is nothing there.
Mueller simply has to put a beautiful ribbon on what really is a whole lot of nothing, right? Cue soundtrack to "Jaws."
Let us not forget how Flynn stated last September to CNBC, "When you are given immunity, that means you have probably committed a crime," only to then later himself seek immunity. Flynn's actions only mean he really has nothing to hide, after all Trump asked Comey to let Flynn go, precisely because there is nothing there.
Mueller simply has to put a beautiful ribbon on what really is a whole lot of nothing, right? Cue soundtrack to "Jaws."
3
Leaks from Mueller's probe? HMMMMMMMM.
1
This is just the tip of an iceberg. You can see a whole lot of the iceberg uncovered in my article here, which has info, details, and context no one else has on Trumpies ties to Russia/Putin/Russian mafia: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/think-you-know-how-deep-trump-russia-goes...
1
Flynn won't turn on Trump because he knows Trump will pardon him if he is ever indicted or convicted.
Why can't Mueller just get information from the CIA and NSA. The White House gets its information from the Intelligence Agencies.
1
Mueller asking for documents from the White House? Good luck getting them.
1
"News"? How could a Special Counsel not do so?
1
There is a striking resemblance of the lead photo of Flynn and Leonardo da Vinci's portrait of Judas for his Last Supper fresco. Here is a link to an image of Leonardo's study for Judas: https://www.leonardodavinci.net/study-for-the-last-supper-judas.jsp
The likeness is uncanny. I've always thought this but this photo makes it clear. Just wanted to share the observation.
The likeness is uncanny. I've always thought this but this photo makes it clear. Just wanted to share the observation.
1
all that money laundering - and so much of it right out in the open
2
Whatever the outcomes of the many investigations taking place, my hope is that big business is kept out of politics. There must be tighter vetting of candidates, and legislated codes of conduct that stop this cosy revolving door of people moving opaquely, but in the pay of foreign governments and special interest groups. The fascination with wealth and wealth creation has to be rendered a dirty word. The compromises made behind closed doors are not worth it for the rest of us.
5
Our problem is that Putin and the Oligarchs can buy legislators and administration officials with small change. Trump, Kushner, Flynn, etc., all of them together less than a billion. That is why we must emphasize integrity and absolutely get rid of those who do not have integrity. 'Follow the money', Mr. Mueller.
5
Tip of the iceberg.
You know what they say about grand juries and ham sandwiches. Hold onto your seat folks, it's going to be a bumpy ride.
Info item: You can take the fifth under questioning, but your documents are not privy to the fifth. Mr. Trump's taxes are not exempt as well. Everyone's taxes are up for grabs.
All this will end badly for Trump and family and for us as a country.
Remember how the Clinton story began with Whitewater and ended up with a blue dress? There's no telling where the bouncing ball will lead us to now.
I think of Trump as the Lonesome Rhodes character caught on an open microphone who came tumbling down. The last two conversations leaked showed another Trump, didn't they?
Mr. Mueller has started out properly, unlike his colleague and friend Jim Comey who chose not to give his evidence to a grand jury in the Hillary matter.
I'm in favor of limiting the investigation into the scope and nature of the Trump campaign interaction with Russians to determine collusion in any manner. And secondly, were they violating the Logan Act in the run up to the election. But this will spin off in several directions ending up who knows where.
Info item: You can take the fifth under questioning, but your documents are not privy to the fifth. Mr. Trump's taxes are not exempt as well. Everyone's taxes are up for grabs.
All this will end badly for Trump and family and for us as a country.
Remember how the Clinton story began with Whitewater and ended up with a blue dress? There's no telling where the bouncing ball will lead us to now.
I think of Trump as the Lonesome Rhodes character caught on an open microphone who came tumbling down. The last two conversations leaked showed another Trump, didn't they?
Mr. Mueller has started out properly, unlike his colleague and friend Jim Comey who chose not to give his evidence to a grand jury in the Hillary matter.
I'm in favor of limiting the investigation into the scope and nature of the Trump campaign interaction with Russians to determine collusion in any manner. And secondly, were they violating the Logan Act in the run up to the election. But this will spin off in several directions ending up who knows where.
2
This is how it works. General Flynn was in the employ of foreign agencies that were looking for him to use his influence within the Donald Trump administration to conceal their illegal activities.
Donald Trump nevertheless appointed him as the National Security Advisor. Why not, Donald Trump himself was selling us put to the Russians due to very compromising evident that Vladimir Putin had on him?
But it turns out that Michael Flynn was as ignorant as he was traitorous. The United States intelligence agencies had been tapping communications with Flynn conspiring with foreign governments. They have him dead nuts guilty.
So they're in the midst of "turning him". They will offer him a reduced sentence if he tells the truth about Donald Trump selling us out also.
It's just a matter of time. Tick, tick, tick.
Donald Trump nevertheless appointed him as the National Security Advisor. Why not, Donald Trump himself was selling us put to the Russians due to very compromising evident that Vladimir Putin had on him?
But it turns out that Michael Flynn was as ignorant as he was traitorous. The United States intelligence agencies had been tapping communications with Flynn conspiring with foreign governments. They have him dead nuts guilty.
So they're in the midst of "turning him". They will offer him a reduced sentence if he tells the truth about Donald Trump selling us out also.
It's just a matter of time. Tick, tick, tick.
37
I agree. But the thing Trump really dreads is revelation of his true wealth and its sources. On that score, running for the White House may be the biggest mistake he ever made. Now his weaknesses are going to be exposed, something his narcissism cannot tolerate. I hope Gen. Mattis overrides any impulse to first use of tactical nuclear weapons.
2
If Flynn and Manafort are as bad as it looks, Trump should fire them right away. That is what is expected from any leader.
Check the charges, and then fire them!
Check the charges, and then fire them!
2
They've both been out of the Trump camp for some time. Where have you been?
@novoad
Am I missing the irony/sarcasm In your comment?
Manafort was fired BEFORE Trump got, "elected"....
& Flynn was fired after less than a month on the job? How can you be a Times reader...& not know either-if not both- of these facts?...or are you just trolling? The article itself states the Flynn portion as I recall.
Am I missing the irony/sarcasm In your comment?
Manafort was fired BEFORE Trump got, "elected"....
& Flynn was fired after less than a month on the job? How can you be a Times reader...& not know either-if not both- of these facts?...or are you just trolling? The article itself states the Flynn portion as I recall.
1
Shocked Just read where we have US troops fighting in Yemen but let's talk about Russia.
4
I know this may be very difficult for some people to fathom, but many intelligent people can actually "talk" about more than one subject.
Trump never says a bad word about Putin. He never says a bad word about Flynn. Coincidence?
23
"Trump never says a bad word about Putin."
He should do more than words. Sanction him!
He should do more than words. Sanction him!
Inept and Thuggish - sums up everything and everybody associated thus far with the Tweeter-in-Chief. It might eventually become a toss up whether to impeach the man because he is dangerously inept and weak or because he is dangerously corrupt and thus again, weak.
19
"Drain the swamp!"...and fill it with a new team of villains, thieves and scoundrels! Lies only delay the inevitable...the truth.
15
This will be such a nice showdown. Trump has maintained all along there is no Russian connection of any kind whatever.
Mueller must have discovered that there is and that Trump is lying; otherwise, why would he empanel two = not one but two , in VA and DC - grand juries?
Mueller must have discovered that there is and that Trump is lying; otherwise, why would he empanel two = not one but two , in VA and DC - grand juries?
17
Trump’s WH parrot says Donnie Covfefe doesn’t like Mueller going beyond the Russia investigation. Why not? What is he hiding? If the FBI, NSA, CIA want to investigate my dealings with the Martians, why would I object? If Covfefe is innocent, which I doubt very much, then is understandable that he is very worried and scared stiff. Especially if Mueller goes into his crooked financial dealings here and in Russia, including cheating on his taxes. His goose is cooked and he knows it. By now, he feels the noose tightening around his miserable neck so he goes on an extended, and undeserved, vacation from where he will have to decide to stay, be impeached and kicked out of office, or simply resign cutting a deal not to be prosecuted.
Well GOPers, what do you think?
Well GOPers, what do you think?
27
Flynn's financial connections to Turkey may then lead to financial connections with Russia. All this while serving in the Trump campaign, the Trump transition team, and then in the White House as Trump's National Security Adviser. No wonder Trump wanted Comey to drop the Flynn investigation, wasn't bothered by Flynn's contacts with Russians during the transition and wasn't bothered by DOJ Sally Yates warnings that Flynn could be comprised by the Russians. It is likely Flynn does indeed have a "story to tell." A story that Trump knows will end his Presidency.
29
Follow the money! That will be the answer.
22
Dear Trump supporters,
1. "it's supposed to be about Russia, not Turkey"
You don't know where the investigation is going; you don't even know everywhere it's been. We do have reason to think it includes potential felonies like failing to register as a foreign agent and omitting financial information on required filings. Maybe there is a larger pattern of such failings for Flynn and Turkey is only one part of the jigsaw puzzle. Maybe Mueller already has some pieces we don't know about (e.g., Russia). Maybe Mueller's grabbing a loose end and pulling on it. Maybe he's trying to flip Flynn, which is SOP for prosecutors.
2. "No votes were changed by Russian meddling, Hillary lost the election, and Democrats/liberals are trying to change the outcome."
The Russians tried to hack voting machines and supposedly didn't succeed (though how can we be sure?). If they could hack machines they wouldn't need to change voters' minds to affect the outcome, obviously. The Russians certainly used other cyber warfare techniques to disrupt our election; Putin admitted as much. The Trump campaign accepted (with "love") what it thought was the Russian government's help in winning the election, i.e., it colluded with a foreign state that was actively working to disrupt our election. Was that criminal conspiracy? Well, that's Mueller's assignment. Did Trump obstruct justice by firing Comey? That too is Mueller's assignment.
It's not about the outcome of the election.
1. "it's supposed to be about Russia, not Turkey"
You don't know where the investigation is going; you don't even know everywhere it's been. We do have reason to think it includes potential felonies like failing to register as a foreign agent and omitting financial information on required filings. Maybe there is a larger pattern of such failings for Flynn and Turkey is only one part of the jigsaw puzzle. Maybe Mueller already has some pieces we don't know about (e.g., Russia). Maybe Mueller's grabbing a loose end and pulling on it. Maybe he's trying to flip Flynn, which is SOP for prosecutors.
2. "No votes were changed by Russian meddling, Hillary lost the election, and Democrats/liberals are trying to change the outcome."
The Russians tried to hack voting machines and supposedly didn't succeed (though how can we be sure?). If they could hack machines they wouldn't need to change voters' minds to affect the outcome, obviously. The Russians certainly used other cyber warfare techniques to disrupt our election; Putin admitted as much. The Trump campaign accepted (with "love") what it thought was the Russian government's help in winning the election, i.e., it colluded with a foreign state that was actively working to disrupt our election. Was that criminal conspiracy? Well, that's Mueller's assignment. Did Trump obstruct justice by firing Comey? That too is Mueller's assignment.
It's not about the outcome of the election.
24
Rationality is not a strong suit of Trump supporters. That has been my experience speaking with them.
2
I wonder how many US retired military career men have gone to the dark side? How many have formed companies and hired on as foreign agents and interfered in elections, worked with countries to disrupt governments in places they have no right to be in. Is that how they use the training this country gave them? What the benefits and retirement isn't enough? And cozy up to Putin and the like. And yet, our leader loves this guy. Of course he does. Par for the course.
18
Flynn's group returns $40K, for undone work--four days after being paid? Then they return another $40K--six days after the next check came in!
Most businesses would have completed the unfinished work and kept the entire fee! But what "unfinished" work so neatly matches in amount and in swift, timely return? Six days, four days; neither are time to finish any 40 grand project.
And isn't there a reconciliation of accounts and fees by the parties--a final review--before the check is cut? Both times, the overpayment is the same size. Even in a world of science fiction, Flynn's representatives offered explanations don't compute. They think we are knaves desiring insult.
Most businesses would have completed the unfinished work and kept the entire fee! But what "unfinished" work so neatly matches in amount and in swift, timely return? Six days, four days; neither are time to finish any 40 grand project.
And isn't there a reconciliation of accounts and fees by the parties--a final review--before the check is cut? Both times, the overpayment is the same size. Even in a world of science fiction, Flynn's representatives offered explanations don't compute. They think we are knaves desiring insult.
21
Doesn’t mention that PENCE KNEW.
40
At the time, Trump made much of the fact that he was using his own money to pay for the campaign. Was that his money or was it Russian money?
If I remember correctly, Trump turned around and sought reimbursement from the Republican party. So, did both the Republicans and the Russians reimburse Trump for campaign expenses?
If I remember correctly, Trump turned around and sought reimbursement from the Republican party. So, did both the Republicans and the Russians reimburse Trump for campaign expenses?
27
That is SO unfair to the Democrats, who spent a single billion on Hillary.
3
Perfectly appropriate.
Now, what millions of Americans want Mr. Mueller to seek: the IRS returns with Donald J. Trump's name on them. For the past ten years.
Because we're pretty sure they'll reveal financial hanky-panky with people of the Russian persuasion.
Now, what millions of Americans want Mr. Mueller to seek: the IRS returns with Donald J. Trump's name on them. For the past ten years.
Because we're pretty sure they'll reveal financial hanky-panky with people of the Russian persuasion.
36
Trump was so totally insane to appoint Michael Flynn as his National Security Advisor, even after President Obama specifically warned him not to follow-through with it. Apparently, he didn't adequately vet him, if at all.
Interestingly, since the NSA post is an "Appointment", whereas the Secretary of Defense, as a Cabinet Post, would have had to be confirmed by the Senate. Flynn's atrocious behavior has been public for, at least, several years.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Interestingly, since the NSA post is an "Appointment", whereas the Secretary of Defense, as a Cabinet Post, would have had to be confirmed by the Senate. Flynn's atrocious behavior has been public for, at least, several years.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
23
wow this is starting to sound like the beginning of a Tom Clancy novel. Only instead of a influential, steely eyed president... we have Donald Trump.
30
I assume that the strategy is to pressure Flynn into giving incriminating information against Trump in exchange for immunity from prosecution for these crimes. I hope that Flynn takes the bait...
22
They ditched Lewandowski, Flynn and Manafort as fast as they could and then made them out to be mere bit player passing acquaintances. You don't do that to gain a point or two in the polls. You don't do it for appearances (as neither Trump or Bannon care a whit about appearances and Pence is a functionary). You sever them in order to prevent large scale damage and to distance yourself from material evidence. They all must think we all just fell off the turnip truck.
85
We should all thank God for our free press, because without them, we would be fed presidential propaganda meant to manipulate us into the Twilight Zone of misinformation.
Don't ever take freedom of the press for granted, folks!
Don't ever take freedom of the press for granted, folks!
64
Lol , the trolls and trump believers are out in force today , defending the indefensible Flynn.
23
This inquiry should pertain to involvement in the election not 30 years of business transactions!
Bill Clinton's impeachment trial dealt with his behavior while IN OFFICE!
Bill Clinton's impeachment trial dealt with his behavior while IN OFFICE!
3
True, but Ken Starr started with Whitewater and transactions by the Clintons in the 70s and 80s.
24
Hello! Whitewater investigation with Ken Starr and Monica Lewinski began over a land deal in 1978 and the various investigations went to 1998.
25
Impeachment was for perjury during a deposition in a case unrelated to presidency as cause of action arose prior to Clinton's presidency.
5
A good many people seem to relish in what is going on here regardless of the rules and laws that are being broken when it comes to bringing down the Trump Administration. Mueller is not the one to determine the scope of an independent counsel...rules do. These rules were broken from the very beginning. There is NO crime for the independent counsel to investigate! Independent counsel's are not convened to find a crime they are created to investigate one...but it is becoming evident that rules and laws do not apply to individuals as long as they are anti-Trump.
5
What? No crime to investigate? Not convened to find a crime but to investigate one? So, how does one know a crime has been committed without an investigation to get the facts and data??
Hello ...
These Trump people might as well go live with the Taliban or ISIS.
THe same kind of logic, same kind of thinking. Completely devoid of rational, intelligent, thoughtful content.
Hello ...
These Trump people might as well go live with the Taliban or ISIS.
THe same kind of logic, same kind of thinking. Completely devoid of rational, intelligent, thoughtful content.
26
Rod Rosenstein set out the matters for Mueller to investigate in the appointment of the special counsel and Mueller is clearly following that direction.
17
When he fired Comey, he obstructed justice.
Your premise assumes competence. There is no evidence of that whatsoever.
3
What does this have to do with the election? This seems to be a fishing expedition looking for a clue! The president should limit this inquiry to the campaign, not the history of the presidents financial dealing throughout his career! As I remember about President Bill Clinton's impeachment pertained to his behavior IN OFFICE!
3
Go back to read about Clinton impeachment. It was based on perjury in a deposition in a case brought by Paula Jones regarding the time whenClinton was a governor. The perjury related to potentially irrelevant matter to Paula Jones because Lewinsky was consensual but Jones was not. But Starr set up Clinton for perjury- he would not have involved himself in the Paula Jones private lawsuit.
4
Lance, please educate yourself on history before commenting. As several posters have pointed out, your analogy is a very poor and incorrect one.
Dear Electoral College President Trump,
Based on your presidential activity these past few months you have been in office and as the evidence amasses from the intelligence and legal community, this country needs you personally to amend those campaign slogans of yours when you ran for president against Hillary Clinton in 2016.
Please correct your following statements, so they are truthful rather than misleading, slanderous, unscrupulous, and false:
Crooked who ________?
Lock up whom ________?
Making America what _______?
Based on your presidential activity these past few months you have been in office and as the evidence amasses from the intelligence and legal community, this country needs you personally to amend those campaign slogans of yours when you ran for president against Hillary Clinton in 2016.
Please correct your following statements, so they are truthful rather than misleading, slanderous, unscrupulous, and false:
Crooked who ________?
Lock up whom ________?
Making America what _______?
31
Washington, Washington, better candidates to choose from.
1
Hillary was a sterling candidate. Never lied. Sad!
3
Isn't the investigation supposed to be not public? Is it a crime for Miller's hires to be leaking information?
3
I wouldn't doubt that Steven Miller's assistants have leaked something or other. As to the legality of any of the possible leaks -- well, I just can't say.
Robert Mueller, on the other hand, having the most sterling of reputations of almost anyone who has served the Country, has hired people of similar qualities. To the best of my knowledge, they have maintained an unparalleled integrity in their work.
Godspeed, Mr. Mueller.
Robert Mueller, on the other hand, having the most sterling of reputations of almost anyone who has served the Country, has hired people of similar qualities. To the best of my knowledge, they have maintained an unparalleled integrity in their work.
Godspeed, Mr. Mueller.
22
I love how Dear Leader seems to think he can dictate how an investigation involving him can be conducted. Anyone over 30 can probably recall how Ken Star's investigation went all over the map.
The accused doesn't get to dictate terms of how an investigation progresses. Period.
The accused doesn't get to dictate terms of how an investigation progresses. Period.
62
It's not the "dear leader" that determines the scope of an independent counsel...rules do. These rules were broken from the very beginning. There is NO crime for the independent counsel to investigate! Independent counsel's are not convened to find a crime they are created to investigate one...but it is becoming evident that rules and laws do not apply to individuals as long as they are anti-Trump.
5
Mistakes abound!
1) This is not an independent counsel. That law expired. This is a special counsel.
2) He has been appointed to investigate the role of the Russians in the 2016 election and all related matters. He takes over several ongoing investigations, including those of Flynn and Manafort, which do allege crimes.
3) But his mandate also includes taking over the counterintelligence investigation of the Russian meddling in the election.
4) He is also investigating whether there has been any obstruction of justice committed to interfere with those investigations.
Most of these elements of his investigation are indeed targeted at criminal behavior. The cyberactivity of the Russians contains multiple chargeable offenses, collusion with them would also be anything from influencing an election on behalf of a foreign power to out and out espionage. Money laundering is also a crime (it is involved with the Manafort investigation) as is failure to register as a foreign agent (Flynn) or willful misrepresentation on a security clearance application.
There are plenty of crimes being investigated, at the grand jury stage there is as yet no indictment or formal accusations of crimes but there do not have to be at this stage. It is very much a criminal investigation, you are wrong to say that it is not.
1) This is not an independent counsel. That law expired. This is a special counsel.
2) He has been appointed to investigate the role of the Russians in the 2016 election and all related matters. He takes over several ongoing investigations, including those of Flynn and Manafort, which do allege crimes.
3) But his mandate also includes taking over the counterintelligence investigation of the Russian meddling in the election.
4) He is also investigating whether there has been any obstruction of justice committed to interfere with those investigations.
Most of these elements of his investigation are indeed targeted at criminal behavior. The cyberactivity of the Russians contains multiple chargeable offenses, collusion with them would also be anything from influencing an election on behalf of a foreign power to out and out espionage. Money laundering is also a crime (it is involved with the Manafort investigation) as is failure to register as a foreign agent (Flynn) or willful misrepresentation on a security clearance application.
There are plenty of crimes being investigated, at the grand jury stage there is as yet no indictment or formal accusations of crimes but there do not have to be at this stage. It is very much a criminal investigation, you are wrong to say that it is not.
17
I hope the Russia meddling investigation proceeds without let or hindrance from anyone..including the WH, politicians or others.
I don't care which political party or position one is in - IF you sold out your country for an election win or some shady business deal to some foreign power, you need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
I don't care which political party or position one is in - IF you sold out your country for an election win or some shady business deal to some foreign power, you need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
57
Follow the money:
---Trump's Russian mafia (government) connections run deep.
---His failing business was rescued by Russian mafia money (no American banks wanted to finance his business)
---His real estate business has been using as Russian money laundering vehicle
---His campaign had at least 18 meetings with Russian officials.
---Why they intended to establish a back channel with Russia?
---Why they have acted like they have something to hide---denying, changing stories, giving not credible explanations, etc?
---Why during the G20 meetings with Putin, Trump didn't follow the usual protocol----having notes-keeper to record their discussions?
---Trump's Russian mafia (government) connections run deep.
---His failing business was rescued by Russian mafia money (no American banks wanted to finance his business)
---His real estate business has been using as Russian money laundering vehicle
---His campaign had at least 18 meetings with Russian officials.
---Why they intended to establish a back channel with Russia?
---Why they have acted like they have something to hide---denying, changing stories, giving not credible explanations, etc?
---Why during the G20 meetings with Putin, Trump didn't follow the usual protocol----having notes-keeper to record their discussions?
47
Great points - The icing on the cake, an image seared into my memory, was Trump meeting with 2 Russians in the White House and the only other person present was a Russian photographer --- Is he that full of himself or just more stupid than we imagine or perhaps he assumes he has the same sort of absolute power as his 'guests' ... would be funny if it weren't so sad and I keep telling myself soon it will be over, hopefully without a major 'incident' ... !
24
I am afraid of a "Gotterdammerung" ending wherein he will decide to attack Pyongyang. if we are lucky, his generals have a "stand down" written into the codes to protect against a Dr. Strangelove scenario.
Anyone interested in following the money on Trump should be sure to read the New Republic magazine article (9/2017) "Married to the Mob. What Trump owes the Russian Mafia." The money laundering aspect is horrific and I can't believe Trump didn't know exactly what he was doing. Trump Tower is full of units owned by these mobsters. It made my blood boil.
56
Chilling that he duped you into voting for Trump
3
Thanks for referencing the New Republic article. A fascinating read. It's good to know that Mueller is following the same trail.
On the bright side, people who are in jail for lying on forms may now be offered second chances.
20
What makes this situation most galling is that trump can (and undoubtedly will)
pardon this guy.
pardon this guy.
11
The parameters of who, how, when and why Trump might be able to pardon someone are still unknown. He has expounded at length on his ability to do so.--but then he says a lot of things well known to be false
14
So far this story has 1) one Turkish-American businessman whose company is registered in the Netherlands, 2) a data-mining company which happens to share office space with Flynn’s consulting business, 3) a former director of the Export-Import bank that is apparently under scrutiny, and 4) a political opponent of the Turkish government who is, depending on one’s perspective, either a reclusive cleric or a highly effectively political rabble rouser. What a cast of characters!
9
Wouldn't one start with the premise that anything tangible, palpable, material, physical, real, substantial, corporeal, solid, concrete; visible, noticeable; actual, definite, clear, clear-cut, distinct, manifest, evident, unmistakable, perceptible, discernible and relative has already long been destroyed?
12
You would be surprised how dumb some people can be! All that is needed is one little piece of paper and it starts from there.
8
We have the Trump Jr emails......that s a nice start...and Trump's own incriminating comments.
11
Flynn was hired by Russians to interfere in Turkey's election?
Did the Turkish candidate against whom he conducted a smear campaign happen to be named Hillary Clinton? Odd name for a Turk.
Are we sure the Russians weren't paying Flynn to interfere in another country's election as well?
Did the Turkish candidate against whom he conducted a smear campaign happen to be named Hillary Clinton? Odd name for a Turk.
Are we sure the Russians weren't paying Flynn to interfere in another country's election as well?
12
So to his is how trump drains the swamp, he re-stocks it with snakes and cesspool water. It is very early on in the investigation but they seem to be following all of the money trails.
19
Lie until you get caught and then lie some more until the lies get public exposure. Flynn's financial disclosure statements have more amendments than our Constitution. Trump and all the people surrounding him have more Russian contacts than the U.S. embassy IN Russia.
Clan Trump, mainly thanks to the Trump presidency and his blatant violation of the Constitution, now have their brand in Russia, China, and more in Saudi Arabia. The Trump hotel in Washington is thriving thanks to the Trump presidency. Apparently, multi billionaires can never have enough money. Greed is like an addiction rivaling our opioid epidemic in America.
Yet Trump holdings have literally kicked our Secret Service to the curb as they can't afford the lease space to remain in Trump Tower, NY?! WHY do they have to pay in the first place? Are the Trumps that cheap even about their own protection? Melania Trump should also reimburse taxpayers for her personal choice to stay in NY and that 'yuge' security cost hit to our Treasury. Millions.
Trump, as president, believes he is above all laws and above any and all criminal prosecution that may come. Label me an idealist or a moralist, but I prefer a president who respects the Constitution and upholds our laws and is not in daily violation of his oath of office.
Clan Trump, mainly thanks to the Trump presidency and his blatant violation of the Constitution, now have their brand in Russia, China, and more in Saudi Arabia. The Trump hotel in Washington is thriving thanks to the Trump presidency. Apparently, multi billionaires can never have enough money. Greed is like an addiction rivaling our opioid epidemic in America.
Yet Trump holdings have literally kicked our Secret Service to the curb as they can't afford the lease space to remain in Trump Tower, NY?! WHY do they have to pay in the first place? Are the Trumps that cheap even about their own protection? Melania Trump should also reimburse taxpayers for her personal choice to stay in NY and that 'yuge' security cost hit to our Treasury. Millions.
Trump, as president, believes he is above all laws and above any and all criminal prosecution that may come. Label me an idealist or a moralist, but I prefer a president who respects the Constitution and upholds our laws and is not in daily violation of his oath of office.
21
They probably kicked the Secret Service to the curb because they thought the SS were the leakers.
13
Good point and observation, they are probably at the top of the list of possible leakers, but paranoia runs rampant in our WH because they have so much to hide. Their fingers have to be exhausted at the end of the day from all the finger pointing that gets done.
CNN mentioned that Conway wants staff to take lie detector tests, she should start with Trump and herself.
CNN mentioned that Conway wants staff to take lie detector tests, she should start with Trump and herself.
16
As the Uber-Repulican mantra goes, so oft repeated by Flynn during his days of hubris on the campaign trail, "lock him up!"
16
Whether Mueller is looking at Flynn or any other individual at the moment is secondary to the fact that Trump is the person of interest here. And a recent column in the New Yorker by Robin Wright exemplifies the horribleness of his failed attempt at presidency. Ms. Wright doesn't just write about his abject foreign policy ignorance (his idiotic comments about Hezbollah in front of the Lebanese Prime Minister is just a more recent example of his ignorance), she quotes many key policy makers and participants from over the years on their explicit horror regarding his actions. And their comments are notable in that they use language normally attributed to "regular people" who may be overly energetic in their frustration; for example, "completely irredeemable"; "unteachable"; "idiotic and bigoted and ignorant of the law" all said by Eliot Cohen, former counselor to Condoleezza Rice. Or, the " least prepared President", "Our leadership in the world is slipping away", said by onetime acting director of the CIA John McLaughlin; or "appalling ignorance of the current world" as noted by Geoffrey Kemp, who worked at the Pentagon under Gerald Ford. These are not leftwing provocateurs, but people who have served the country under Republican administrations, and who with many others are appalled at Trump's astounding and willful stupidity...who said Korea was "once part of China", was confused where Saudi Arabia is located. The sense of panic from these leaders is truly frightening.
30
Why on earth did you vote for him?
1
@chgo: Please explain how on earth you came to that conclusion? Your lack of reading comprehension indicates alt-right inclinations, or just cluelessness.
11
Frankly, I think Mueller's purpose, knowingly or unknowingly, is to distract attention from the many scandals connected to Hillary Clinton and Debbie Wassermann-Schultz. This is unfortunate, in part, because Hillary with her email and Wassermann-Schultz with her shady IT contractors both have displayed a cavalier disregard for communications security.
6
Yes, there are the real crimes. A private email server and Democratic Party contracts. Maybe Dick Nixon resigned because of distractions from Democratic crimes.
3
good luck with that - you are comparing a pimple to a brain tumor --- your comment is typical of white repubs so used to having it their way they cannot accept anything else ... enjoy the moment, it's only getting worse
18
That actually sounds like YOUR purpose. Nice try.
9
Manafort had serious money trouble and Flynn , tarnished by his dismissal by Obama, was living on a military pension . The Russians didn't have to do much to recruit them.
Kushner took the bait because he thought the Russians might bail him out of 666 Fifth which announced his arrival in the big leagues of Manhattan real estate . His willingness to absurdly overpay reflects his desperation to be a commercial titan ; his pivot to the Russians reflects his desperation to maintain the facade at any cost.
Kushner had his trophy wife and his trophy media property ( New York Observer) but he needed the real estate trophy to complete the caricature of a New York mogul. He bought into the myth and choked on it.
And Trump? He is just a con man , a criminal mind and a corrupt soul , who considered the Russians the masters of illicit gain with a complicit government and international flair no less. The Russians would be the crowning achievement of his career. How right he was.
Kushner took the bait because he thought the Russians might bail him out of 666 Fifth which announced his arrival in the big leagues of Manhattan real estate . His willingness to absurdly overpay reflects his desperation to be a commercial titan ; his pivot to the Russians reflects his desperation to maintain the facade at any cost.
Kushner had his trophy wife and his trophy media property ( New York Observer) but he needed the real estate trophy to complete the caricature of a New York mogul. He bought into the myth and choked on it.
And Trump? He is just a con man , a criminal mind and a corrupt soul , who considered the Russians the masters of illicit gain with a complicit government and international flair no less. The Russians would be the crowning achievement of his career. How right he was.
21
.4 million or 400K seems like a lot of money to just forget. I can see forgetting I borrowed $10 in lunch money from someone, but not 400K. What else is Mike Flynn hiding?
16
Not much difference between "I'll file an amendment" (and yet another amendment) and "I'll take the Fifth Amendment."
11
It appears that "financial disclosure" rules for the Trump crime family are as follows: Submit the paperwork. If you get caught lying/omitting something, simply resubmit the forms. There will be no sanctions. If, down the road, Flynn, Kushner, et all, are caught lying again, simply resubmit the forms.
It's a perfect system for criminals, and no sanctions, Fox will call it an "honest mistake," and the Trump cadre in Ohio/Wisconsin, etc, will buy it and demand that the country cut him some slack so he can get back to work taking their health care away.
It's a perfect system for criminals, and no sanctions, Fox will call it an "honest mistake," and the Trump cadre in Ohio/Wisconsin, etc, will buy it and demand that the country cut him some slack so he can get back to work taking their health care away.
19
I wonder if the average citizen can try this with the I.R.S.? Somehow I doubt it
15
Hillary fund was found hiding the donations from the foreign governments, and was forced to amend its reports.
2
I'm gratified to see Mueller go after Flynn only if Mueller leverages the threat of charges to get Flynn to testify against Trump.
And if Trump preemptively pardons Flynn (or anyone else) to head off some plea bargaining with the special counsel, that alone should be an impeachable offense.
And if Trump preemptively pardons Flynn (or anyone else) to head off some plea bargaining with the special counsel, that alone should be an impeachable offense.
9
Impeach Trump, and the Americans who elected him are quite likely to use their ownership of most of the 300 million weapons to wipe out the coup leaders and seize control of the government.
This is a coup, and it will be treated as such. Pretend differently at your peril.
This is a coup, and it will be treated as such. Pretend differently at your peril.
5
Wow. Patriotism on full display. Refuse, in advance, to accept evidence of corruption at the highest levels of our government. If Mueller's team issues indictments through the grand juries, we can expect that significant evidence of wrongdoing exists. An impeachment trial would certainly examine such evidence, in depth, and in full public view. This would in no way be "a coup". Rather, the process would reinforce our national commitment to the rule of law. True Americans would pay close attention to the unfolding of this process. To see it as a potential coup rather than a majestic, Constitutionally legitimate righting of our listing ship of state, is nonsensical.
1
I see. The people who elected Trump are actually traitors. Good to know.
1
I'm reminded of "The Purloined Letter". Whether strategic or not, the Trump administration has chosen to hide in plain sight. Fortunately for us, extraordinary celebrity doesn't mesh well with routinely mundane. The gold laced envelope tends to stand out. The revelation provides insight into Mueller's investigation though. He appears to be working from the little man up. Knight to d4. Your move.
3
It's not clear, at least not yet, how Flynn's shenanigans are tied to Trump.
Flynn himself, like a fish, stinks from the head down. I would think if he was vetted properly for the NSA post, a lot of this would have come to light in that process. The only reason it wouldn't, assuming the process is ok, is that Flynn is a liar.
That's not much of a reach. And the timing of those payments going back, days after leading payments, truly stinks. If they really were for work not completed, the initial payments simply would have been reduced.
Flynn himself, like a fish, stinks from the head down. I would think if he was vetted properly for the NSA post, a lot of this would have come to light in that process. The only reason it wouldn't, assuming the process is ok, is that Flynn is a liar.
That's not much of a reach. And the timing of those payments going back, days after leading payments, truly stinks. If they really were for work not completed, the initial payments simply would have been reduced.
21
It couldn't happen to a nicer group of people than this administration. What we have going here is a new scandal every day. This is not what this country needs to run smoothly. We need a president who can govern and work with others. We need cabinet secretaries who are at least knowledgeable about the agencies and what topics the agencies concern themselves with. We need elected officials who are adults, not three year olds screaming over who touched whose toy. So far Trump, Pence, and the rest of the clown car have been abject failures. If they crash and burn we need to hope that someone with the right qualifications and temperament is willing to step up and run the country because this group of entitled, selfish, shallow aristocrats are not.
53
Did General Flynn, at any time in his career, have access to the status of Hillary Clinton’s email server, even if her server might have been President Clinton’s old private email server which was classified under an old classifying server system?
Could The New York Times anonymous source have had ties with Flynn, or even maybe, Russia?
Could The New York Times anonymous source have had ties with Flynn, or even maybe, Russia?
9
Get over your stupid obsession with Clinton's email server. That was investigated relentlessly by republican congressional committees and they found nothing. And she isn't the president, Trump is. Start getting obsessed with his numerous criminal actions.
11
If the Trump presidency and the American people were a marriage, I think it would be a valid action for the People to sue for divorce on the grounds of mental cruelty. The lies, the fear, the anxiety, the bashing of the very foundations of the "marriage contract," meaning the Constitution, the dragging this country through the disgrace of an international criminal investigation which, horrible as it is in its own right, is made all the more upsetting by Trump using it as a weapon to convince his other love interest (his base, Putin and/or himself--you choose) that he's the tortured spouse has made a mockery of the nuptials. Even if Mueller brings no indictments to Trump himself, we would still be justified in bringing a class action divorce proceeding against him for mental cruelty and abandonment.
28
“If we were trying to hide,” he said, “you’d think we’d be good at it.”
Ya think but you weren't.
Ya think but you weren't.
20
The thread that connects Donald Trump, the Trump Organization, Kushner Companies, the Trump administration and all of Trump's circle of friends like Anthony Scaramucci is a complete lack of integrity. With the exception of Generals Kelly and McMaster, of course, who have served their country with high integrity and are now being used as cover for the skullduggery of the Trumps, Bannon, Kushner, Manafort and a cabinet stocked with precisely the wrong people for their positions. I'm grateful to the leakers, the hardworking press and Robert Mueller for providing a glimmer of hope that this evil regime will be exposed and indicted or dismissed. Our country deserves better.
45
At what point do all these antics with foreign governments add up to treason?
82
As long as the GOP is in power, never. They have gone from being the party of Lincoln to being the party of sycophants who, like the lap dogs they are, drool over every opportunity they have to get money, to be wined and dined by the rich, and to destroy the lives of working Americans while they give themselves more and more power.
The swamp is beginning to reek but because they are the cause of it they don't smell it.
The swamp is beginning to reek but because they are the cause of it they don't smell it.
16
And the longer Trump goes unimpeached, the more likely a Democratic Congress by 2020 will be. As long as the people and the press keep Trump's agendas in paralysis, no lasting damage to our nation will occur, and he will be indicted and imprisoned in a few years.
8
swamp would be an upgrade - cesspool is more accurate
7
The GOP, the so-called party of law and order, apparently has no respect for law, since they can't manage to prosecute one of their own, nor have they demonstrated any ability to maintain order. The longer they keep ignoring the crimes committed by members of their party, the faster they surrender their old nickname and simply become the party of the Swamp Monsters.
22
The Second Civil War will break out soon after Mueller releases his report.
6
Not sure about that. The Trump Administration seems to try to start Civil War II several times a week and so far the union has held. Let's hope the so-called president and his accomplices will be fully disgraced and jailed before any major violence erupts.
10
What happens if the White House refuses to release the documents that are being requested?
What if they do release the documents but they have been edited or tampered with or falsified?
We know truth has absolutely no significance what so ever for the liar in chief and his cohorts.
What if they do release the documents but they have been edited or tampered with or falsified?
We know truth has absolutely no significance what so ever for the liar in chief and his cohorts.
22
Now that the investigation is officially in the White House, Trump has a whole lot more to worry about than leaks.
66
It is clear Flynn took money to help Turkey after he left the army and then Trump hired him. Which was clearly a mistake. I thought this investigations was about Russian interference, not Turkish politics or hiring errors.
12
Odds are you are too young to have been aware of Watergate, but surely you remember how Ken Starr connected his dots to the glee of the GOP.
6
@Ize: This investigation is about illegal activity in the White House. It might begin with Russia but there's no reason to stop there, or even to begin there.
Just as a traffic stop for speeding might lead to interrogation of the driver and inspection of the car, unlocking of the trunk, and discovery of a murder.
Our judicial authorities (Mueller, in this case) are not restricted in the process of their investigations. If they were, Watergate would have been no more than a burglary investigation.
Just as a traffic stop for speeding might lead to interrogation of the driver and inspection of the car, unlocking of the trunk, and discovery of a murder.
Our judicial authorities (Mueller, in this case) are not restricted in the process of their investigations. If they were, Watergate would have been no more than a burglary investigation.
6
So you ignore evidence of criminality because you deem it irrelevant?
wall street's criminal element has done a stellar job at staying out of jail, presumably because it has the resources to buy the finest legal talent; this augurs well for trump and associates. still, special prosecutor mueller and his team are reputed to be the best of the best. who will win, the irresistible force or the immovable (corrupt) object?
10
Slapdash research, comically inept incomplete video, bought-and-paid-for politically motivated disparagement in opinion piece, multiple revisions to "forgot" to register as foreign lobbyist, etcetera etcetera.
Flynn Fact: "Defense Intelligence" is a bigger oxymoron than "Military Intelligence".
Flynn Fact: "Defense Intelligence" is a bigger oxymoron than "Military Intelligence".
9
I see that some comments are saying the investigation is based on hatred of Trump and trying to subvert an election. May I ask, was it a fair election? I don't think so if Russia was influencing it. I believe the facts presented in this article are plenty enough evidence to warrant a rigorous investigation. Mueller and various journalists are bringing in the pieces of the puzzle and beginning to fit them together. Trump and Trump apologists are not liking the picture that is slowly emerging, but it is built of facts. They should focus on refuting the facts, if they can, but instead Trump has gone to great pains to feed his supporters' appetite for feeling victimized. He is capitalizing on it now as he speaks to crowds and portrays himself as the victim of a "witch hunt". The best investigators of very high integrity are now assailed as persecuting Trump for political reasons and trying to rob the electorate of their chosen president. An electorate that has had its feelings of victimization by the system whipped up into a frenzy is a dangerous thing. No decent president would ever go there, and might I say no innocent president need ever fear an investigation, or fire and smear the investigators. Thank goodness those supporting Trump are now a small minority.
19
Funny thing is, the electorate voted for Clinton.
7
I wonder who, in this band of Me Firsts, will be the first to cut a deal and talk. I wonder how (assuming collusion, money laundering and obstruction of justice for starters) Trump even sleeps knowing Mueller is out there, circling ever closer. Can an out-of-shape, overweight, double-scoops man his age even deal with that level of stress, that not only threatens him but his offspring? And I wonder if he would sacrifice his offspring for the "greater good" (i.e., himself). And I wonder if there's a "nuclear option" so far unthought of that Trump will come up with to stop the investigation before congress can protect it? I wonder at which point in the unraveling the GOP will finally find their so-called moral compass. And I wonder all this because innocent people with nothing to hide don't act like Trump, Kushner , Junior, etc.
18
Alptekin says:
“If we were trying to hide,” he said, “you’d think we’d be good at it.”
Pathetically, anybody who's associated with any aspect of the shenanigans carried on by Trump and his cohorts are not really good at anything!
“If we were trying to hide,” he said, “you’d think we’d be good at it.”
Pathetically, anybody who's associated with any aspect of the shenanigans carried on by Trump and his cohorts are not really good at anything!
13
Not the kind of brightly-coloured Turkish delight Donald had in mind.
He has been seen grabbing Turkish delights.
He has been seen grabbing Turkish delights.
6
It's apparent that it's easier for Trump supporters to double down on their vote than admit that they did something wrong. But at some point they're going to have to realize what they've done to this country. It's not the media's or liberals' fault that Trump is a disaster; rather these supporters need to take a good, long look at themselves and what their actions have brought about.
16
Wonder if this will all lead to no where like the Hillary email investigation did ? Probably not since the Trump Administration has been Target One of the disgruntled Democrats' Resistance / Indivisible Against Trump Movements ever since they lost the election last November .
8
You whiners don't seem to get it. This is a federal investigation, not by Democrats. Hillary, if you recall, was investigated over and over and nothing was found to be criminal. Lots of committees in congress led by fools trying to make a name for themselves and nothing. FBI and nothing criminal. All of this went on for about a year. Surely you must have noticed.
Live in your bubble, calm yourself with fake news and fact free living but be assured that Mueller's investigation has nothing to do with losing an election. The Russian hacking is a small part of a larger picture and investigation.
This is how democracy works.
Live in your bubble, calm yourself with fake news and fact free living but be assured that Mueller's investigation has nothing to do with losing an election. The Russian hacking is a small part of a larger picture and investigation.
This is how democracy works.
37
The hypocrisy of the right wing continues to be astounding. Eight years of wholly unsupported "investigations" of President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton failed to prove a darn thing.
There simply was no "there", there.
The current investigations into Drumpf World are a result of glaring red flags, in all directions.
Justice will be done, and watching so many trumpites doing perp walks will be delicious.
There simply was no "there", there.
The current investigations into Drumpf World are a result of glaring red flags, in all directions.
Justice will be done, and watching so many trumpites doing perp walks will be delicious.
12
There's a bit more at stake here.
2
Flynn refiled his registration form 3 times. Jared Kushner refiled forms several times. Does "Whoops, I forgot" mean that anyone in government with access to classified information can get away with not filing forms honestly and refiling again each time they get caught, and in Kushner's case continue to get access?
119
No! Not anyone. The average Joe or Jane federal worker who files financial or other disclosure forms and has clearances does not do this. People's clearances have been refused or pulled for less.
It's a case of rules that apply to the little guy not being applied to the big, slippery guys.
It's a case of rules that apply to the little guy not being applied to the big, slippery guys.
26
The little guy doesn't have to worry about going to prison if they "really did" forget something! In a witch hunt, you got to have a pristine application. So when I was investigated, if something seemed strange because I forgot the details, I could think back and explain it (e.g. when asked my salary, I gave my net because that was all I think about. I was different than the gross salary). I can explain it to the investigator and all is well. If an SP and Grand Jury is out to get you, they can prosecute you for perjury or misleading documents. An honest mistake can get you thrown in jail in this situation. So everybody is going through their history with a fine tooth comb. It doesn't mean there is guilt. They are just trying to stay out of jail on a technicality. Remember Scooter Libby?
Oh what a tangled web they weaved
When first they practiced to deceive
The president and CFO of my university had to resign when they failed to disclose on their ethics forms a source of income in this little kickback gig they had going together It wasn't the gig that forced them to resign, it was that they withheld information about the income and its source on the New York state form.
Out, gone, for withholding information, which is a form of lying. The reasoning being that if someone lies on their disclosure form, they are a real risk for an organization, because they likely won't be honest in their job either.
So who gets to do do-overs on their job disclosure forms? Why were Flynn, Kushner, and how many other Trump appointees allowed to add or re-do their their disclosure forms because they failed to mention important information initially? Who allowed this to happen? And how about those tax forms of yours, Mr. President?
This Mueller finding also makes more plausible obstruction of justice charges against Trump when he pressured Comey to drop the Flynn probe and repeatedly asked Comey to state publicly that Trump was not under investigation.
But never fear, Trump is smugly confident his base will support him no matter what Mueller finds. As Trump bragged during the presidential campaign:
“I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose any voters,” A statement that proved more prophetic than we knew at the time.
When first they practiced to deceive
The president and CFO of my university had to resign when they failed to disclose on their ethics forms a source of income in this little kickback gig they had going together It wasn't the gig that forced them to resign, it was that they withheld information about the income and its source on the New York state form.
Out, gone, for withholding information, which is a form of lying. The reasoning being that if someone lies on their disclosure form, they are a real risk for an organization, because they likely won't be honest in their job either.
So who gets to do do-overs on their job disclosure forms? Why were Flynn, Kushner, and how many other Trump appointees allowed to add or re-do their their disclosure forms because they failed to mention important information initially? Who allowed this to happen? And how about those tax forms of yours, Mr. President?
This Mueller finding also makes more plausible obstruction of justice charges against Trump when he pressured Comey to drop the Flynn probe and repeatedly asked Comey to state publicly that Trump was not under investigation.
But never fear, Trump is smugly confident his base will support him no matter what Mueller finds. As Trump bragged during the presidential campaign:
“I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose any voters,” A statement that proved more prophetic than we knew at the time.
37
What use is finding out the truth at a cost of 10's of millions of dollars when Trump can pardon anyone for wrongdoing including himself, it seems?
The truth is worth a lot, but it's all disheartening when no one is punished for wrongdoing.
The truth is worth a lot, but it's all disheartening when no one is punished for wrongdoing.
45
If there was an email showing a real
Connection between
Flynn and the Turks, Susan Rice would have already given it to The NY Times. Sorry, but it's a fun essay to vent on.
Connection between
Flynn and the Turks, Susan Rice would have already given it to The NY Times. Sorry, but it's a fun essay to vent on.
4
Time will tell what happens and if Comrade Trump will be in any position to pardon anyone...
Where in the Constitution or case law does it say the President can pardon himself? Here is a likely scenario: Trump pardons everyone around him. Trump will try to pardon himself, but be foiled by a Supreme Court which will rule against such unlimited powers for criminality. Mueller will present his damning findings to the Congress for impeachment. It will be so overwhelming and far reaching that the Congress will have no choice but to impeach Trump. His successor, Pence, may or may not pardon Trump, but at least this thug will be out of office.
I just finished my interview for Global Entry, to have the ability to re-enter the U.S. on an expedited basis. You have to provide information, they give you provisional acceptance and then you must interview. It is not lengthy or in-depth by any stretch, but there is one part that stood out to me as it relates to these issues of falsified disclosures. She said that as a "trusted traveler", we are given that right that will be taken away if abused. She gave an example of the questions on the form when you re-enter the U.S. about bringing in food. She said "if you have an apple, just report you have an apple, because if we find it and know you lied, we will assume you can lie on other areas as well, and it is unlikely you will be given a second chance and your status will be revoked". Tell me how we let these people get away with repeated erroneous filings and outright lies, but we let them stay in power. If I would lose my "trusted traveler" status over an undisclosed apple (which I agree with), they should lose their trusted official status, because we should be able to trust our government officials, particularly at the highest levels. It is what I tell my son - the problem is that once caught in a lie, it takes a long time to regain trust because once you cross that threshold, I have no idea how much and to what extreme he will be willing to go in his lies. Someone forgot to teach these people basic principles.
87
Americans are permitted to amend all sorts of documents after initial filings. It's routine. The issue is whether persons who filed omitted things to conceal illegal activity. As the article points out, "taking money from Turkey or any foreign government is not illegal."
4
in response to Jon Smith:
It's not fake news and it's not disgruntled Democrats crying about Hilary's loss. This is not about the Democrats.
It's about the US GOVERNMENT and all its power--getting to the truth.
The truth will prevail.
It's not fake news and it's not disgruntled Democrats crying about Hilary's loss. This is not about the Democrats.
It's about the US GOVERNMENT and all its power--getting to the truth.
The truth will prevail.
55
If the "GOVERNMENT" was interested in "getting to the truth", a number of folks in addition to, or other than, Donald Trump would be under investigation... Now, one thing this "Government" might possibly be interested in is subverting the will of the ELECTORATE... That's the direction in which I'm leaning.
5
@SirTennyson: The will of the electorate was already ignored when the majority of people in this country voted for Hillary Clinton and the Electoral College went ahead and installed Donald Trump in office, anyway. We could start by getting rid of the Electoral College and gerrymandering.
8
And who is the electorate? The 33% support Trump has does not constitute the whole electorate. Looks like the majority want him out. The will of the electorate, as to who can be president, was well documented when Hillary Clinton won the popular vote. So, yeah, I'd like to see the will of the electorate honored in that respect. But the will of the electorate cannot violate the Constitution or the laws. And given Trump's 33% support, it looks like the majority wouldn't want to.
6
The Democrats and liberals have been determined since day one of President Trump's election to push him out of office. They have left no stone unturned in their efforts to remove him and would investigate the Trumps pet if they had one.
They have been investigating President Trump and his family for eight months and have not come up with one iota of evidence that they are guilty of any criminal acts. Congresswoman Maxine Waters of California was laughing on The View that her mission is to impeach Mr. Trump. She is the one who should be impeached for her illegal actions which benefitted her husband's banking business.
They have found nothing so far that would indicate he had committed any wrongdoing but continue to dig for evidence to the contrary. Won't they be very disappointed when they come up empty handed and have wasted all the time and money.
The media and liberals hate President Trump and will continue these vicious attacks in newspapers and television his entire presidency. They will find fault with every single thing he does no matter how successful the country becomes and it is thriving. Those who like him continue to support him and are in his corner. That is unlikely to change.
They have been investigating President Trump and his family for eight months and have not come up with one iota of evidence that they are guilty of any criminal acts. Congresswoman Maxine Waters of California was laughing on The View that her mission is to impeach Mr. Trump. She is the one who should be impeached for her illegal actions which benefitted her husband's banking business.
They have found nothing so far that would indicate he had committed any wrongdoing but continue to dig for evidence to the contrary. Won't they be very disappointed when they come up empty handed and have wasted all the time and money.
The media and liberals hate President Trump and will continue these vicious attacks in newspapers and television his entire presidency. They will find fault with every single thing he does no matter how successful the country becomes and it is thriving. Those who like him continue to support him and are in his corner. That is unlikely to change.
11
Don't you think that Russian influence in our election deserves at least as much time and attention as Clinton's emails or her non involvement in Benghazi?
22
"They have found nothing so far that would indicate he had committed any wrongdoing but continue to dig for evidence to the contrary."
I disagree. Given his well-documented history of fraud as a real estate huckster, and his refusal to release his tax returns, it seems reasonable to investigate him forcefully until he and his cadre come clean on their actions. The evidence continues to pile up. Once evaluated, then a decision on indictments is called for.
Not to worry. We do not send ex-Presidents to jail for criminal behavior, but we do force them to resign.
I disagree. Given his well-documented history of fraud as a real estate huckster, and his refusal to release his tax returns, it seems reasonable to investigate him forcefully until he and his cadre come clean on their actions. The evidence continues to pile up. Once evaluated, then a decision on indictments is called for.
Not to worry. We do not send ex-Presidents to jail for criminal behavior, but we do force them to resign.
14
You say:
"They have been investigating President Trump and his family for eight months and have not come up with one iota of evidence that they are guilty of any criminal acts."
I guess you haven't really been paying attention to what's going on.
"They have been investigating President Trump and his family for eight months and have not come up with one iota of evidence that they are guilty of any criminal acts."
I guess you haven't really been paying attention to what's going on.
7
Why, with al of the very obvious evidence already available, has he, along with the rest of the Trump gang, not been arrested for these crimes already? I thought falsifying information on a security clearance is a felony offense? Why the continued "do-overs" for this crowd? Are they that special and above the law? And where's the GOP outrage over all of this? If these were Democrats, any and all who had done these very same things WOULD be in jail by now.
26
Where does this Russia investigation get Democrats? From an article in Politico today, it's beginning to hurt Democratic congressional races. While a majority agree it was inappropriate (not criminal) for Donald Trump, Jr. to meet in his office with the Russian lawyer, "...a plurality of voters in the POLITICO/Morning Consult poll said Congress should not seek to impeach Trump. An earlier Harvard-Harris Poll found nearly two-thirds of American voters say investigations into Trump and Russia are hurting the country."
Democrats are simply not going to beat Trump in 2020 with the "Russia" quasi-collusion theme. Posters here are living in a true bubble and at this point the constant drumbeat about Russia at the New York Times/Washington Post/CNN/MSNBC hydra over Russia is paradoxically hurting Democratic chances in 2018 congressional races, etc.
http://www.politico.com/story/2017/08/05/democrats-trump-russia-blowback...
Democrats are simply not going to beat Trump in 2020 with the "Russia" quasi-collusion theme. Posters here are living in a true bubble and at this point the constant drumbeat about Russia at the New York Times/Washington Post/CNN/MSNBC hydra over Russia is paradoxically hurting Democratic chances in 2018 congressional races, etc.
http://www.politico.com/story/2017/08/05/democrats-trump-russia-blowback...
9
As seen through the context of your chosen political vacuum. It's not about going after Trump, it's about protecting the sovereignty of this nation, which Trump clearly has no respect for.
32
The investigation is not about or for Democrats. It's to determine whether our country was sold out to a foreign adversary. Patriotic Americans are keen to learn to details and ensure wrongdoers are removed from positions that enable them to continue placing Putin's priorities over what is best for the US.
36
If there were any Republicans with backbone and spirit, they'd support a thorough investigation of foreign meddling in a US presidential election. But judging from the comments on this article, the great majority of Republicans have a herd mentality and would rather stick together defensively than demonstrate courage and concern for democracy.
10
Guess who's going to be the recipient of Trump's first pardon?
9
Shades of Kenneth Starr! With apologies to Bob Dylan, tell me, how does it feel???
4
Did you, or did you not, object to the Starr Witch Hunt? Why?
1
What makes any of us think that there are documents linking this White House, any of its advisers, etc, including the President, to anything Russia? We think this White House is incompetent, but I guarantee they do know better than to keep or even create documents that would show they've done anything wrong. Look back at Trumps 1000's of lawsuits where he didn't produce any documents, emails, letters, etc. Just didn't have any. Sure.
7
I love it. Especially later in the summer.
4
It's hard to say. Junior released an email chain that made it pretty clear he, Kushner, and Manafort wanted to make a deal with Russians to get dirt on a political opponent. The Russian interference in our election, via social media, has been described as an act of war, which makes that trio's eagerness for a sit-down appear treasonous. Who knows what other illegal acts they'll cop to?
8
According to the article, “Mueller is investigating whether Mr. Trump committed obstruction of justice in pressing for an end to the Flynn inquiry.” At the time Trump told Comey that Flynn was a “good guy” and he hoped Comey could see his way clear to letting Flynn go, Flynn was only suspected of violating the Logan Act during his pre-inaugural phone calls to the Russian ambassador. But shortly afterward, both the Washington Post and CNN reported the FBI had determine Flynn did not violate the Logan Act and did not intentionally mislead the FBI about his conversations with the ambassador. In short, Flynn was innocent. The FBI investigated Martin Luther King for years in hope of proving he was in collusion with the Communist Party and Soviet Union. Would President John F. Kennedy have been guilty of obstruction of justice if he had told H.J. Hoover he hoped Hoover would see his way clear to let up on Martin Luther King?
4
It's all about access to, from and through the Black Sea.
Trump has met with each and every leader of the Black Sea nations. Turkey, Romania, Ukraine (Crimea), Bulgaria....as has Putin. Why did Trump meet with each separately and independently at the White House. Putin annexed Crimea for the purpose of drilling/extracting gas/oil from ocean.
Problem is that much of the water is NATO.
Trump was tasked with lifting restrictions/sanctions in return for Rosneft shares.
Trump has met with each and every leader of the Black Sea nations. Turkey, Romania, Ukraine (Crimea), Bulgaria....as has Putin. Why did Trump meet with each separately and independently at the White House. Putin annexed Crimea for the purpose of drilling/extracting gas/oil from ocean.
Problem is that much of the water is NATO.
Trump was tasked with lifting restrictions/sanctions in return for Rosneft shares.
11
...and we are still waiting to see tax filings...
22
only now? overdue by months. Mueller was appointment as special counsel on May 17, 2017 - should have been May 18!
1
People should be left with no doubts that the Republicans like anyone else in the world better than Democrats.
8
Mr. Muller, Bravo! Godspeed on your investigation. In you the American people trust!
19
Question to be answered is whether an investigation of Russian involvement would have been undertaken if HRC had won the election. Negative.Thus far, there is not a scintilla of evidence that Russian hackers influenced the results, changed the decision of 1 voter. "Arrieres pensees" of Attorney Mueller and his cronies charged with the investigation are to undermine Trump presidency and his efforts to succeed on behalf of the American people, above all his constituency.
We always assume that those who have shown bravery on the battlefield, integrity, like Atty. Mueller, will continue to behave honorably in civilian life, but not necessarily. Recall that while James ROSEN, Fox reporter, was maligned and investigated by DOJ, under Obama, Mueller was FBI director, Why did he not object then to harassment of journo ROSEN? Another tarnished idol is Sen. McCain who, having shown heroic courage in VN as a Navy flier, returned home, became a US Senator and was involved in the Keating banking scandal along with Senators Deconcini, Reigel, Cranston and Glenn, another tarnished idol. So, Atty. Mueller will continue to attempt, along with other members of his team, many of whom are Clinton donors, and some of whom worked for the Foundation, to destroy Trump's presidency with ultimate goal of bringing down a President that over 60 million of us voted for in a fair and square election.
We always assume that those who have shown bravery on the battlefield, integrity, like Atty. Mueller, will continue to behave honorably in civilian life, but not necessarily. Recall that while James ROSEN, Fox reporter, was maligned and investigated by DOJ, under Obama, Mueller was FBI director, Why did he not object then to harassment of journo ROSEN? Another tarnished idol is Sen. McCain who, having shown heroic courage in VN as a Navy flier, returned home, became a US Senator and was involved in the Keating banking scandal along with Senators Deconcini, Reigel, Cranston and Glenn, another tarnished idol. So, Atty. Mueller will continue to attempt, along with other members of his team, many of whom are Clinton donors, and some of whom worked for the Foundation, to destroy Trump's presidency with ultimate goal of bringing down a President that over 60 million of us voted for in a fair and square election.
5
An investigation into treasonous behavior would not have been so necessary had Trump lost the election, as his ability to meet Putin's demands would've been severely curtailed. Now that he is president, it's critical we know what he has promised and already provided to his Russian mob handlers in exchange for assistance in winning the election. If you don't believe "one vote was changed" as a result of intensive social media campaigns, you must be very puzzled that advertisers spend so much money ensuring we see their messages. That alone is convincing evidence that repeated exposure to even false information is quite powerful in affecting people's behavior.
19
Overlay the news events with the polling data aggregate through the election.
If those were market events and share prices, you would bet the farm (heck, you'd buy a farm just to bet it as well) on the effects.
If those were market events and share prices, you would bet the farm (heck, you'd buy a farm just to bet it as well) on the effects.
1
Why are we looking at money exchanged between Turkey and Flynn? None of this has anything to do with the election. Maybe Mueller has nothing else to do because nothing else can be found.
7
Flynn altered at least one U.S. military mission, that would have involved Kurds, as a result of being on Turkey's payroll. Who knows what other non-U.S. priorities he was seeing to while in office? Who knows what foreign goals 45* continues to privilege over our own? One wonders if you're being paid to minimize the treachery this administration engages in.
11
It appears to me, that the only people who have truly been harmed by Flynn are the thousands of political prisoners who Erdogan's regime has confined to prison, essentially for failing to support the dictator.
1
The money trail in the Watergate scandal led from the burglars who broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters to the Nixon White House. The money Special Counsel Mueller is following appears to lead from Turkey to Flynn Intel Group. What possible connection does it have to Russian interference in the 2016 election, the Trump campaign or the Trump administration?
Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein appointed Robert Mueller to serve as special counsel to “oversee the previously-confirmed FBI investigation of Russian government efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election and related matters.” How does Flynn’s dealings with Ekim Alptekin relate to Russian interference in the 2016 election?
Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein appointed Robert Mueller to serve as special counsel to “oversee the previously-confirmed FBI investigation of Russian government efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election and related matters.” How does Flynn’s dealings with Ekim Alptekin relate to Russian interference in the 2016 election?
2
@William Case: That's what we're waiting to find out. The Clinton impeachment began with an investigation into real estate deal and wound up with a stain on a woman's dress. Didn't hear Republicans calling that a waste of time. They seemed to be very glad to spend millions of taxpayer dollars on getting a president to admit to having an affair with an intern. At least this Republican-controlled Congress is interested in tracking lies that have potential to cause real harm to both the American electoral process and foreign relations.
5
Quite often when someone is being investigated for one possible crime, evidence of other crimes turns up. For one thing, prosecutors are not supposed simply to ignore other crimes; for another, charging a suspect with a crime the prosecutor can prove can provide leverage to compel testimony about the original subject of the investigation. This is so obvious it shouldn't even need to be mentioned; in fact I'm sure you do know this and are just obfuscating here.
And that's assuming there is no larger pattern of misconduct by Flynn et al that actually does connect his alleged misconduct with Turkey and his dealings with Russia, that will in due course be revealed by Mueller's investigation (which would indeed be within its proper scope, in the narrowest sense). How could anyone simply assume such a thing in the first place?
Finally, by your argument Ken Starr should never have investigated much less prosecuted Bill Clinton for the Monica Lewinsky situation.
And that's assuming there is no larger pattern of misconduct by Flynn et al that actually does connect his alleged misconduct with Turkey and his dealings with Russia, that will in due course be revealed by Mueller's investigation (which would indeed be within its proper scope, in the narrowest sense). How could anyone simply assume such a thing in the first place?
Finally, by your argument Ken Starr should never have investigated much less prosecuted Bill Clinton for the Monica Lewinsky situation.
4
The source of the money was a Russian, linked to both Russian telecommunications and Russian energy interests. He didn't solely represent Turkish interests.
4
I don't think enough attention is being paid to Trump's taxes. People should be screaming to see them everyday. That's how Trump got Obama to release his birth certificate. At this point, it is possible Mueller already has them. Am I right in assuming a special counsel can force the IRS to give it up?
14
The Times has had Trump's tax returns for years.
2
@GLC: No, they don't. Someone sent them a few pages of a copy of a 1995 tax return last year, which showed that he uses major write-offs to avoid paying taxes. That was published. The Times has repeatedly stated that they have no other tax information. Are you telling us that you have privy to secret information about the Times that no one else does? Hmm.
7
.
Can anyone explain how Russia affected the election and why we are wasting this money and time besides the obvious undermining of the President of the United States??
??
Can anyone explain how Russia affected the election and why we are wasting this money and time besides the obvious undermining of the President of the United States??
??
4
No. The answer you get when you ask is that the Trump campaign "colluded," but no one has attempted to explain what the Trump campaign did that constitutes collusion. Collusion is only illegal if it is part of a conspiracy to commit an illegal act.
It appears you want an answer before the investigation is completed. We all just have to wait and see.
3
Anyone who bothers to read "The Art of the Deal" understands that DJT views everything he says as true or an "enhanced" truth. This is how he can consistently lie and not be bothered by it. Like another famous real estate person who said that only "small people pay taxes," for DT only small people have to deal in reality. Most of his earliest supporters in the party, like Sessions, quickly saw the potential for their own advancement in being sycophants to someone who dealt so much with made up or enhanced reality.
Supporters of Flynn and those who complain about McMaster getting rid of Flynn's appointees in the NSA are equally seeking to advance their own agendas under the umbrella of enhanced reality, aka lies.
The truly evil part of this is that democracy depends upon a certain level of truthfulness and reasonableness in its reflection of reality. If you move too far from that you undermine the trust in government that democracy requires. The split between the truth tellers and the tale tellers allows those with power to step in to "save the nation" and voila, end of democracy. Sometimes it happens overnight and violently, but often it is a slow moving wave of distrust in government that votes in an incompetent or a destructive head of state. We have both in DT, who presents in his scrambled egg logic a picture of someone the populace can't keep in focus and neither can the Congress, hence the danger all around. Up becomes down and vice versa, all is "made up."
Supporters of Flynn and those who complain about McMaster getting rid of Flynn's appointees in the NSA are equally seeking to advance their own agendas under the umbrella of enhanced reality, aka lies.
The truly evil part of this is that democracy depends upon a certain level of truthfulness and reasonableness in its reflection of reality. If you move too far from that you undermine the trust in government that democracy requires. The split between the truth tellers and the tale tellers allows those with power to step in to "save the nation" and voila, end of democracy. Sometimes it happens overnight and violently, but often it is a slow moving wave of distrust in government that votes in an incompetent or a destructive head of state. We have both in DT, who presents in his scrambled egg logic a picture of someone the populace can't keep in focus and neither can the Congress, hence the danger all around. Up becomes down and vice versa, all is "made up."
14
“If we were trying to hide,” he said, “you’d think we’d be good at it.”
You'd think.
You'd think.
5
they always “just forget“ some payments. but -by chance- always those which are suspicious..
8
Anyone think this request for WH documents re Flynn's compromising business dealings is seeking evidence of what did VP Pence know and when did he know it?
6
Don't forget the law of unintended or forgotten consequences, here.
It is quite preferable, to endure the full, four year term of Trump, than to have Mike Pence pick up the reigns. His grip will be much different, and is the end that the GOP seek as they distance themselves from the disaster we call "Trump", more and more each day.
It is quite preferable, to endure the full, four year term of Trump, than to have Mike Pence pick up the reigns. His grip will be much different, and is the end that the GOP seek as they distance themselves from the disaster we call "Trump", more and more each day.
4
Where is Trump supporters' outrage that a highly decorated three star Lt. General with a long and distinguished career in the US Army attempted to enrich himself by representing the interests of foreign and hostile governments while simultaneously supporting and advising the Republican candidate for President? Michael Flynn's behavior is beyond bizarre and troubling; he may well be the key to any Russian connection with the Trump campaign. Protecting Mr. Mueller's investigation wherever it may lead is in the best interest of every American; this is not a political witch hunt: the national security of the United States hangs in the balance.
14
Innocent until proven guilty is usually the way we are here in the U.S.
2
Meanwhile people in the CIA were attempting to overthrow the Turkish government. The coup was centered on the American airbase, and specifically with officers who were the American contacts. Those were the very people in internal disputes with Flynn.
There is danger for the national security state in this pursuit of Flynn over his Turkish contacts. Whether they get him or not, they may well be caught for their illegal attempt at a coup against a democratic ally helping in an ongoing war.
This would be icing on the cake. It would be great. It is all the more reason to go after Flynn, and let it all hang out.
There is danger for the national security state in this pursuit of Flynn over his Turkish contacts. Whether they get him or not, they may well be caught for their illegal attempt at a coup against a democratic ally helping in an ongoing war.
This would be icing on the cake. It would be great. It is all the more reason to go after Flynn, and let it all hang out.
35
I suppose it would be too much too ask to source some of your questionable insights.
5
Turkey is not democratic , we all witnessed their behavior here in DC when a bunch of the Turkish president's security detail (aka Bodyguards thugs) attacked Americans of Turkish descent protesting peacefully against his repressive policies. Don't know where you get your questionable news , RT perhaps? They have also done the same thing in Germany , and the Germans kicked them out. As far as the so called CIA plot , prove it. One last thing , Turkey has helped only because it behooves them monetary wise to do so and he sees an advantage for expansion .
2
To say that Turkey is a 'democratic' ally is stretching things a bit, these days.
3
The heat is on. Ramp it up, Mr. Mueller and other investigators and, please true patriots of The United States of America, keep those leaks coming.
The Con Don and his International Mafia Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical religion Good Old Boys Cabal thinks they have "won" total control of OUR governments at all levels but WE THE PEOPLE inside and outside the government and the media have REAL NEWS for them.
This Will Not Stand in America. Not now. Not ever.
The Con Don and his International Mafia Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical religion Good Old Boys Cabal thinks they have "won" total control of OUR governments at all levels but WE THE PEOPLE inside and outside the government and the media have REAL NEWS for them.
This Will Not Stand in America. Not now. Not ever.
98
The "follow the money" trail begins with Flynn. Frankly, I'm surprised that the Special Counsel isn't further along given how early the Flynn investigation started. Former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates clearly was correct when she repeatedly warned the White House that the then national Security adviser was "compromised." But, it seems that the most important question remains to be answered: Why did the Trump administration keep him on for almost another three weeks until it leaked to the press? And, even then, why did they use the bogus argument that Flynn was fired because he had lied to Vice President Pence when it was, of course, Pence himself who vetted him as the head of the transition team? These are just two important questions that I hope Mr. Mueller's investigation will answer at the end of the Flynn phase of his investigation. The answers will also address the much larger question whether or not others in the Trump inner circle, including the President and Vice President, were also "compromised"?
142
Yes, let's hope this is a RICO investigation. WE THE PEOPLE can demand that the whole lot of them be thrown out and the supposed "election" be invalidated. It was not an election - it was a hostile financial takeover of OUR governments at all levels.
Treason.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racketeer_Influenced_and_Corrupt_Organizat...
Treason.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racketeer_Influenced_and_Corrupt_Organizat...
33
Mr. Wortmans statement: Former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates clearly was correct when she repeatedly warned the White House that the then national Security adviser was "compromised."
Seems that statement by Ms. Yates is interpreted the way you want to believe. Could it be possible that Mr. Flynn was not in favor of the Foreign Policy Establishments agenda and therefore was not held in good favor by the powers that be? That statement about being compromised is definitely ambiguous.
Seems that statement by Ms. Yates is interpreted the way you want to believe. Could it be possible that Mr. Flynn was not in favor of the Foreign Policy Establishments agenda and therefore was not held in good favor by the powers that be? That statement about being compromised is definitely ambiguous.
The Flynn money trail appears to lead to a Turkish-American business man and, perhaps , beyond him to the Turkish government, not to Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Sally Yates was wrong when she warned the White House that Michael Flynn was "compromised" by his pre-inaugural communications with the Russian ambassador. The FBI has known since December exactly what Flynn said during his telephone conversations with Russian ambassador, and it didn’t constitute a violation of the Logan Act. According to the Washington Post, “The FBI in late December reviewed intercepts of communications between the Russian ambassador to the United States and retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn — national security adviser to then-President-elect Trump — but has not found any evidence of wrongdoing or illicit ties to the Russian government, U.S. officials said.” CBS News reported in February that “investigators say that despite misleading the vice president, there is not enough evidence to charge [Flynn] with lying to the FBI.”
Sally Yates was wrong when she warned the White House that Michael Flynn was "compromised" by his pre-inaugural communications with the Russian ambassador. The FBI has known since December exactly what Flynn said during his telephone conversations with Russian ambassador, and it didn’t constitute a violation of the Logan Act. According to the Washington Post, “The FBI in late December reviewed intercepts of communications between the Russian ambassador to the United States and retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn — national security adviser to then-President-elect Trump — but has not found any evidence of wrongdoing or illicit ties to the Russian government, U.S. officials said.” CBS News reported in February that “investigators say that despite misleading the vice president, there is not enough evidence to charge [Flynn] with lying to the FBI.”
3
You know Putin is thinking this Trump thing may circle back on him. None of these non American thugs really understand how America's Constitution actually works at the ground level, and they'll never get it, because they have no experience with a free press and an independent Justice Department. "Civics 101 this."
88
Trump does not want an independent Justice department, or an independent press, for that matter. All of these independent people get in the way of autocrats and dictators.
4
This is a win-win-win deal for Putin. Either he has Trump in his pocket, or he has the USA is disarray. Or both. If Putin interfered in the election to tilt it toward Trump (as the evidence suggests), he is already reaping the benefits. If Trump's impeached, so much the better. It all goes toward discrediting the USA as a nation, which elevates all the rest including Russia.
1
When they when they come for Trump. Pence has to be taken as well. They knew about Flynn and did nothing!
119
Great, so then we get Paul Ryan as President!
Yeah, but then we end up with President Ryan. How is that an improvement over Pence?
President Paul Ryan. Not sure if that sounds much better.
This White House will not release documents.
18
@zula Klein: That is what subpoenas are for. Ask nicely for the documents at first, and if they are not delivered, play hardball, issue an order, and threaten contempt or obstruction if they aren't handed over.
Donald Trump is most certainly no better than Richard Nixon. In fact, he's no better than the rest of us when it comes to the rule of law.
Donald Trump is most certainly no better than Richard Nixon. In fact, he's no better than the rest of us when it comes to the rule of law.
4
Russia, China, Ukraine - and now Turkey? What's next? Saudi Arabia? There's no more mystery left. Just waiting for all this treason to hit bottom but the pit seems to be bottomless!
61
This is the formal discovery that will show that Flynn had been compromised by Turkish interests- and this is the key- and that this administration knew it.
Sally Yates personally visited the WH detailing as much, none of which is in dispute any longer.
I also do not think it a coincidence that the Mueller investigation is ramping up just as DJT's vacation starts. This just gives the impending doom longer to marinate for DJT and his allies.
Sally Yates personally visited the WH detailing as much, none of which is in dispute any longer.
I also do not think it a coincidence that the Mueller investigation is ramping up just as DJT's vacation starts. This just gives the impending doom longer to marinate for DJT and his allies.
68
What is scaring Trump, and what I predict will get Mueller fired, is knowledge that his real estate holdings across the globe are giant laundromats for dirty money. That is why Trump's tax returns have been put into the proverbial lock box---with declared and lost monies not even matching his assets. The employment by Mueller of several forensic accountants resulted in Trump's red line comment. All along Trump was not concerned about collusion --- he is using this as a smokescreen for criminal acts that result in jail time.
216
Except prosecution for crime committed out of office have to wait until he's out of office and are not Impeachable.
1
Fortunately, even this Congress seems prepared to protect the investigation and Mueller.
1
Mueller's team is empowered to access Trump's tax returns (probably without him even knowing I might add) if Mueller suspects they contain evidence of a crime.
The fact that his team of forensic lawyers and accountants has considerable experienced in such investigations and prosecutions (see the Enron case) might explain why the President has the look of a rabbit caught in the headlights about him these days.
The fact that his team of forensic lawyers and accountants has considerable experienced in such investigations and prosecutions (see the Enron case) might explain why the President has the look of a rabbit caught in the headlights about him these days.
7
Turkey and Russia two countries in which an autocrat has created democracy in name only. And, another facet in Trump administration connections between these two particular autocratic presidents and governments. Add to this, Trump wants to increase military spending, even though there is no need to do so. Throw in who Trump appointed to chief of staff, who plans to run the White House with "military vigor", the pieces are starting to come together.
I am waiting fro Trump to close down the various investigations on him, his family, and staff. Something like arresting Mueller and his staff. And clamping down on news coverage, by executive decree.
Setting off some kind of crisis that will give him powers to rule by decree. He is learning from other presidents who did the very same thing. Can't happen in the US, you say? Well, up until last year, people in Turkey said the same thing.
The fun will start when Trump sends the armed forces to "protect the homeland" and limits consumer access to ammunition. Trump is paranoid enough to do just about anything.
I am waiting fro Trump to close down the various investigations on him, his family, and staff. Something like arresting Mueller and his staff. And clamping down on news coverage, by executive decree.
Setting off some kind of crisis that will give him powers to rule by decree. He is learning from other presidents who did the very same thing. Can't happen in the US, you say? Well, up until last year, people in Turkey said the same thing.
The fun will start when Trump sends the armed forces to "protect the homeland" and limits consumer access to ammunition. Trump is paranoid enough to do just about anything.
53
An autocrat is too often the title given to one who wins an election when we don't like him. Then we get a real autocrat to replace him. For example Egypt.
7
Turkey, under Erdoğan , is a questionable ally. Erdoğan will ally himself with whoever helps keep him in power. The fact that Turkey is a NATO ally was reassuring until Erdogan became a quasi dictator.
Flynn is that, thankfullly, rare military officer who would do anything for a buck. I do wish, however, that all this could be kept quiet until Mr. Mueller is ready to release what his has, have the Grand Jury indict those who may have violated the law and more.
Face it, the kleptocracy of Trump continues to roll on unabated. It will stop when he is out of the White House.
Flynn is that, thankfullly, rare military officer who would do anything for a buck. I do wish, however, that all this could be kept quiet until Mr. Mueller is ready to release what his has, have the Grand Jury indict those who may have violated the law and more.
Face it, the kleptocracy of Trump continues to roll on unabated. It will stop when he is out of the White House.
55
All US allies have been "questionable" in the neocon wars they don't want to join. All of NATO has been reluctant.
They were right. Our neocons were loons leading us to destruction, and the biggest regret of those reluctant allies must be that they were not more reluctant sooner. Turkey in particular followed us down the path to disaster in Syria. We led that, not Turkey. Turkey changed its policy toward Syria to cooperate. Big mistake.
They were right. Our neocons were loons leading us to destruction, and the biggest regret of those reluctant allies must be that they were not more reluctant sooner. Turkey in particular followed us down the path to disaster in Syria. We led that, not Turkey. Turkey changed its policy toward Syria to cooperate. Big mistake.
8
A questionable ally? They are our mortal enemy and must be removed from NATO. Perpetrators of the Armenian genocide haven't changed their spots.
2
As the Russia investigations enter this new phase, the central questions one has to ask is this: how likely is it that all these people (Flynn, Sessions, Page, Stone, Trump Jr, Kushner, Manafort, etc.) from one political campaign ended up consorting with Russians, if not for nefarious purposes. And how likely is it, given Trump's obvious -- and professed -- admiration for Putin, that these meetings took place without candidate Trump's tacit -- if not expressed -- approval?
As Mr Mueller and his team begin collecting evidence via the grand jury process, including compelling witnesses to testify under penalty of perjury, it is likely that the revelations coming out of that process will make what was previously exposed about the Trump Team's (including Trump Sr) seem like child's play.
We already have rumors about the existence of a sealed indictment against Donald Trump (https://patribotics.blog/2017/05/14/exclusive-sealed-indictment-granted-.... When all is said and done, Russia-gate could make Watergate look like a church picnic.
As Mr Mueller and his team begin collecting evidence via the grand jury process, including compelling witnesses to testify under penalty of perjury, it is likely that the revelations coming out of that process will make what was previously exposed about the Trump Team's (including Trump Sr) seem like child's play.
We already have rumors about the existence of a sealed indictment against Donald Trump (https://patribotics.blog/2017/05/14/exclusive-sealed-indictment-granted-.... When all is said and done, Russia-gate could make Watergate look like a church picnic.
49
Also, there is a record of Trump financial ties to Russians long before he ran for president. And Donnie Jr said a large part of their revenue came from Russia.
6
This investigation, just barely starting, will reclaim the significance of FACTS in American life.
Whether the lies come from the advertising business, or a corporate public relations office, or from President Smirk, we stand firm against the fatuous insults from the clowns who believe they make the rules.
The TRUTH, as revealed in Vietnam, Watergate. Iran-Contra, Exxon pollution, Wall Street stealing or the phony Iraq war, will prevail.
Whether the lies come from the advertising business, or a corporate public relations office, or from President Smirk, we stand firm against the fatuous insults from the clowns who believe they make the rules.
The TRUTH, as revealed in Vietnam, Watergate. Iran-Contra, Exxon pollution, Wall Street stealing or the phony Iraq war, will prevail.
63
I hope so. There is a lot more truth to come out than just Flynn. And a lot more than just Trump's Administration. It goes all the way back to Bush, at least, and includes those insiders who hung on under Obama that he called The Blob and was unable to stymie. Obama himself was a good man, but he was unable to stop them, and now I'd love for that whole truth to come out. Flynn is the tip of the spear.
20
Hopefully. I remain a skeptic.
1
The thick plottens. Mueller is closing in.
It's always about the money.
green cards? throw money in the wicker basket
and the beat goes on.
It's always about the money.
green cards? throw money in the wicker basket
and the beat goes on.
24
The detaile leaks are raising questions for me about the integrity of the investigation. One thing newspapers cannot investigate are the source of leaks since they are the primary benefickaries. stop the leaks.
6
Let me get this straight. Flynn is hired by a company registered in The Netherlands and owned by a Turkish American to undermine public support for a secretive Turkish cleric living in PA who has been accused of staging an attempted coup against Erdogan.
Apparently, that translates into "possibly" failing to register as a foreign agent and maybe committing fraud (if the prosecutors can actually show Flynn intentionally arranged to have payments structured to avoid having to register).
I wonder how many other D.C. politicians could be prosecuted for similar dealings with front companies for barely concealed foreign governments?
Apparently, that translates into "possibly" failing to register as a foreign agent and maybe committing fraud (if the prosecutors can actually show Flynn intentionally arranged to have payments structured to avoid having to register).
I wonder how many other D.C. politicians could be prosecuted for similar dealings with front companies for barely concealed foreign governments?
18
Flynn is not a politician.
But this escapade shows the corrupting influence of money and power on good men and women.
But this escapade shows the corrupting influence of money and power on good men and women.
17
Start with AIPAC, which only barely dodged that bullet.
9
As I read articles like this, I keep thinking, "no wonder Trump won't release his tax returns".
93
The allusion I get is Flynn having his bootlace caught under the Redwood weight of the Justice Department. And Trump proved to be no Moses.
13
So you are telling us that someone on Mueller's team is leaking. Isn't that illegal?
7
Still could be the White House leaking as subpoenas are issued to
White House for documents. I think all trails on leaks end up in White House.
White House for documents. I think all trails on leaks end up in White House.
45
Or Putin is. Trump has very little value to Putin now, he may well want him gone.
1
Karl -- The grand jurors and the prosecutor (and his "team") must keep the proceedings secret. Witnesses, people whose documents have been subpoenaed, etc., can say whatever they want to anyone including the press. There's no reason to believe this information came from anywhere else but the White House itself. And in that case it's not a "leak" and not illegal.
3
Michael Flynn was a 3 star general which in my opinion is a very distinguished position. It is hard for me to imagine such a man dancing around like a fool at campaign rallies and leading chants of "lock her up". What would compel him to behave in such a manner? Strange behavior indeed.
It might be a long shot, but my prediction is that Lt General Flynn will be indicted for criminal behavior and in return for reduced sentencing will sing like a canary.
It might be a long shot, but my prediction is that Lt General Flynn will be indicted for criminal behavior and in return for reduced sentencing will sing like a canary.
102
Yes! Back to Flynn. I was wondering what was up on his front. There is something there with him. Something integral.
My god this is the most corrupt administration ever.
My god this is the most corrupt administration ever.
68
I'm no genius but right from the get-go I was saying that this would be a "messy" presidency. Just half-a-year in, it would appear that my non-genius prediction was correct. (Then again, it didn't take a genius to predict this mess.)
A president should not be in headline news each and every day, let alone in the news for all the reasons this one is. I do hope, party affiliation aside, we collectively learn a lesson from this yuge mistake we made. And I include the Democrats' choice in their candidate as part of the mistake. We definitely took choosing from the lesser of two evils to new lows with this election.
A president should not be in headline news each and every day, let alone in the news for all the reasons this one is. I do hope, party affiliation aside, we collectively learn a lesson from this yuge mistake we made. And I include the Democrats' choice in their candidate as part of the mistake. We definitely took choosing from the lesser of two evils to new lows with this election.
31
It isn't for you to say the Democrats erred in their choice of candidate. The Candidate who won the primaries become the candidate. Hillary Clinton is not perfect, but no less so than every other candidate in politics. She has been investigated for 30 years and nothing has been found. She had all of the experience, intellect, temperament, and handle on policy issues to be a good President. It was misogyny and the racism of the right that kept her from being elected by the electoral college. Remember, she did win the popular vote.
5
Our mistake was that only one one of the candidates was truly evil. The other was smeared for 30 years for just this election. Now we find out that there really was a "vast right-wing conspiracy" and it has brought us to this moment in time.
5
Hundreds of districts swung from Obama (2012) to Trump (2016) including many female voters. So, it was neither racism nor misogyny. Clinton knew how our electoral college works and that the popular vote does not make you president. It was designed to include a broad cross section of the county instead of just population centers.
3
Just what is the definition of a "good guy"?
9
As I suspected, this entire story will turn out to be one of sordid and tawdry quest for riches. The only difference is that all of them, Flynn, Manafort, Kushner and the nepotist sequel were willing to endanger the security of the US because of a craving for money.
120
If guilty, Flynn should be busted down in rank to no more than colonel.
13
Yes, and since he led the " lock her up" chant at the Republican Convention, it seems only fair that he will be the first of that hate-filled self-promoting crew to hear the metal clink shut behind him.
126
Busted to private
26
I am assuming (hoping) this comment is ironic. His rank (smell?) will do him little good in jail.
16
In fake's world lying, stealing, and cheating are so ingrained that they can't conceive how one would survive on truth only. Truth is like oxygen deprivation for this crowd. Flynn found himself in their orbit his natural childhood inclination for lying resurfaced. Remember last year when he led chants of "lock her up." He thought it right to call for the jailing (with out a trial of course) of a former FLOTUS and Secretary of State. Well I hope he is locked up and I will allow for a proper investigation and trial.
82
All praise for Matthew Rosenberg, Matt Apuzzo and Michael S. Schmidt (NYT Trio). Just the link to Flynn's "Our ally Turkey is in crisis and needs our support" and the Trio's review of Flynn's efforts to discredit Fethullah Gulen are worth my on-line fee.
Flynn’s article in The Hill, an all out attack on Gulen, is followed by this Editor’s note: "On March 8, 2017, four months after this article was published, General Flynn filed documents with the Federal government indicating that HE EARNED $530,000 last fall for consulting work that might have aided the government of Turkey…" Neither General Flynn nor his representatives disclosed this information when the essay was submitted.”
Flynn’s $530 per word essay ends with this line: “The forces of radical Islam derive their ideology from radical clerics like Gülen…” conveniently forgetting the radical clerics who really matter, those safe inside Trump’s Saudi Arabia.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
Flynn’s article in The Hill, an all out attack on Gulen, is followed by this Editor’s note: "On March 8, 2017, four months after this article was published, General Flynn filed documents with the Federal government indicating that HE EARNED $530,000 last fall for consulting work that might have aided the government of Turkey…" Neither General Flynn nor his representatives disclosed this information when the essay was submitted.”
Flynn’s $530 per word essay ends with this line: “The forces of radical Islam derive their ideology from radical clerics like Gülen…” conveniently forgetting the radical clerics who really matter, those safe inside Trump’s Saudi Arabia.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
43
July 15, 2016: Flynn supports coup attempt against Turkey's president, Erdogan. (For video of speech, search: Flynn Says Turkey's Coup Worth Applauding)
Sept. 13, 2016: Flynn starts receiving secret payments totaling $530,000 from Ekim Alptekin, a pro-Erdogan Turkish businessman. (Documented in this article.)
Jan. 4, 2017: Flynn discloses to Trump's Transition Team, headed by Pence, that he is under investigation for receiving secret payments from Turkey. Despite this knowledge, Trump and Pence proceed with Flynn's appointment as National Security Advisor. (Search: Trump Team Knew Flynn Was Under Investigation Before He Came to White House, NYT)
Jan., 2017: After receiving the secret pro-Erdogan payments, Flynn flips his position from anti-Erdogan (in July) to pro-Erdogan (in Jan.). As incoming NSA, Flynn blocks a plan to arm anti-ISIS forces that Erdogan objects to. (Search: Flynn Delayed Anti-ISIS Plan That Turkey Opposed, NBC)
Bottom Line: Flynn committed treason. He received bribes from Turkey. He then acted on those bribes by doing Turkey's bidding and endangering our national security for his own financial gain.
And Remember: Trump and Pence knew about Turkey's secret payments to Flynn. They could have prevented Flynn from acting on those bribes, but instead they enabled him by appointing him as NSA. Although they did not benefit financially, they are both complicit.
Sept. 13, 2016: Flynn starts receiving secret payments totaling $530,000 from Ekim Alptekin, a pro-Erdogan Turkish businessman. (Documented in this article.)
Jan. 4, 2017: Flynn discloses to Trump's Transition Team, headed by Pence, that he is under investigation for receiving secret payments from Turkey. Despite this knowledge, Trump and Pence proceed with Flynn's appointment as National Security Advisor. (Search: Trump Team Knew Flynn Was Under Investigation Before He Came to White House, NYT)
Jan., 2017: After receiving the secret pro-Erdogan payments, Flynn flips his position from anti-Erdogan (in July) to pro-Erdogan (in Jan.). As incoming NSA, Flynn blocks a plan to arm anti-ISIS forces that Erdogan objects to. (Search: Flynn Delayed Anti-ISIS Plan That Turkey Opposed, NBC)
Bottom Line: Flynn committed treason. He received bribes from Turkey. He then acted on those bribes by doing Turkey's bidding and endangering our national security for his own financial gain.
And Remember: Trump and Pence knew about Turkey's secret payments to Flynn. They could have prevented Flynn from acting on those bribes, but instead they enabled him by appointing him as NSA. Although they did not benefit financially, they are both complicit.
96
Follow the money trail...follow the money. Tick Tock, Tick Tock....Donny Trump-Putin.
34
After a long, hard day of treason, it's Mueller time.
112
Hilarious. Thanks.
6
If you get the time, we've got the beer. Mueller beer.
5
Very good! And long may it be so
Your journalism is clear and does all the heavy lifting. How can Flynn not be a liar when he doesn't reveal nearly 1/4 of his income?
"The new forms list at least $1.8 million in income, up from roughly the $1.4 million he had previously reported. It is unclear how much of that money was related to work Mr. Flynn did on Turkey issues.
Mr. Flynn’s campaign to discredit the opponent of the Turkish government, Fethullah Gulen, began on Aug. 9 when his firm signed a $600,000 deal with Inovo BV, a Dutch company owned by Mr. Alptekin, the Turkish-American businessman."
"The new forms list at least $1.8 million in income, up from roughly the $1.4 million he had previously reported. It is unclear how much of that money was related to work Mr. Flynn did on Turkey issues.
Mr. Flynn’s campaign to discredit the opponent of the Turkish government, Fethullah Gulen, began on Aug. 9 when his firm signed a $600,000 deal with Inovo BV, a Dutch company owned by Mr. Alptekin, the Turkish-American businessman."
18
"Inovo ultimately paid the Flynn Intel Group only $530,000 and received little more than slapdash research and a comically inept attempt to make an anti-Gulen video, which was never completed."
"Slapdash," "comically inept" - yep, that sort of sums up the circus sideshow otherwise known as the "Trump administration."
And "never completed" -- that will be its so-called legislative agenda.
"Slapdash," "comically inept" - yep, that sort of sums up the circus sideshow otherwise known as the "Trump administration."
And "never completed" -- that will be its so-called legislative agenda.
29
Has anyone posted it yet? It's gotta be said: LOCK HIM UP!!!!!!!
36
Hopefully the first leakers Sessions prosecutes are those associated with Hillary-hack Meuller's team
3
Perhaps. But what does that have to do with this? Surely you are thankful this information is coming to the fore. Treason is treason. If someone's on your team is the traitor, Joe, they're not really on your team.
11
Sessions really needs to start at the White House to find the leakers - if he is serious about the problem.
9
Is this the so called swamp ?
12
Where did Donald Trump get the money to continue his gambling after his bankruptcies cut off the supply from almost every financial institution?
54
This is dribble. Eight months of the Democrats upset they lost.
5
I'm guessing you mean "drivel," but just for the record, the argument that Democrats are just engaging in some kind of mega-pout over Hillary losing is laughable. Yeah, I'm sorry she lost--but I am profoundly, deeply horrified that this guy won. That is the real issue here. He has none of the qualities we need in a president.
43
Trump is not acting as though it is dribble. Why all the lies?
9
Do you read real news, or are you convinced that most news is fake? This issue has nothing to do with who won or who lost. This investigation is paramount to the reputation of the United States and the safety of all American citizens. It has nothing to do with revenge for a Democratic loss. Your comment reflects the same tired excuse most supports of Trump use to explain the situation.
39
It's all Obama's fault! He warned Trump not to hire Flynn, knowing full well that Trump would do just the opposite of any advice Obama gave him. Pretty clever,
that Obama! {insert sarcasm emoji here}
that Obama! {insert sarcasm emoji here}
25
O.K.
I get it. T
Trump's brilliant wealth of "self knowledge" enabled him to take the bait acting on his "intuition" and hire Michael Flynn.
It sounds just like Donald Trump.
I get it. T
Trump's brilliant wealth of "self knowledge" enabled him to take the bait acting on his "intuition" and hire Michael Flynn.
It sounds just like Donald Trump.
5
1 million jobs in 6 months and 22000 stock market. Makes the Russian fake story completely mute. MAGA
7
Due to the long climb out of the Great Recession led by Obama. What exactly would you say Trump has contributed so far? The sense of well-being we're all feeling?
5
@Mike Powers: Oh, man -- not this nonsense again.
Trump is riding on Obama's success; what's more, Trump criticized these very economic gains during the election. So, no, he can't take credit for this, since it all predates his taking office.
And we'll see how great America is again after this scam artist leaves office. THAT will tell the tale.
Trump is riding on Obama's success; what's more, Trump criticized these very economic gains during the election. So, no, he can't take credit for this, since it all predates his taking office.
And we'll see how great America is again after this scam artist leaves office. THAT will tell the tale.
2
Growth patterns almost as good as under Obama.
1
"Ah gentle maiden be not mistaken few married folk peck dunmaugh bacon,".......Flynn never appeared to be at home within his skin and that for the Intel crowd is a ,"deal breaker.,"..if I may quote an amazing american actor Keannu Reeves........As it may pertain to our beloved POTUS It is far better to hear about bad news from afar on a seventeen day hiatus than to be cornered by it within the beltway....law enforcement experts are quick to remind those that flee,"You will not eat you will not sleep,"....something here must therefore apply to someone there @ 1600 penn. Ave......good night to you
2
How on earth did this mam qualify as National Security Advisor in the first place? Did they not vet him at all?
33
My nightmare:
As soon as Mueller gets 'too close' to the truth, a Reichstag fire will take place and blamed on unnamed terrorists.
Martial Law will be declared, Mueller's investigation and others will be history, and a brand new Patriot Act II will become law. There will be a crackdown on 'subversive news media', such as NY Times, Washington Post, and MSNBC.
Trumps armed brown-shirts will roam the streets seeking out traitors to the cause of freedom.
As soon as Mueller gets 'too close' to the truth, a Reichstag fire will take place and blamed on unnamed terrorists.
Martial Law will be declared, Mueller's investigation and others will be history, and a brand new Patriot Act II will become law. There will be a crackdown on 'subversive news media', such as NY Times, Washington Post, and MSNBC.
Trumps armed brown-shirts will roam the streets seeking out traitors to the cause of freedom.
37
President Trump is innocent and Mueller will find nothing burgers. Period!
3
Dream on.
The real news, in the end will be what Mueller uncovers about ties to Russia that involve money and lots of it. Money pre election, illegal interactions. The hacking is the tip of the iceberg.
The Truth will come out. Always does.
If you are right why so much push back from your man?
The real news, in the end will be what Mueller uncovers about ties to Russia that involve money and lots of it. Money pre election, illegal interactions. The hacking is the tip of the iceberg.
The Truth will come out. Always does.
If you are right why so much push back from your man?
4
Leave to Mr.Mueller the decision about whether to prosecute General Flynn; given what is on the public record a Grand Jury should have less difficulty indicting Flynn than it would the proverbial ham sandwich.
Legalities aside, the slime for hire mission against Fattullah Gulen is smelly (see Jim Woolsey's recounting of a purported discussion about illegally snaching Gulen back to Turkey. Maybe Gulen is as bad as President Erdogan makes him out to be, but the Turkish government, to this point, has not made a case for extradition, the only way Gulen can be sent back to Turkey.
Question: Shouldn't the U.S. Army be questioning a promotion system that gave this loose cannon ("lock her up") three stars?
Legalities aside, the slime for hire mission against Fattullah Gulen is smelly (see Jim Woolsey's recounting of a purported discussion about illegally snaching Gulen back to Turkey. Maybe Gulen is as bad as President Erdogan makes him out to be, but the Turkish government, to this point, has not made a case for extradition, the only way Gulen can be sent back to Turkey.
Question: Shouldn't the U.S. Army be questioning a promotion system that gave this loose cannon ("lock her up") three stars?
33
Based on the relatively small amounts paid and then reimbursed along with changing stories and revising government documents all this reminds me of The Gang Who Couldn't Shoot Straight.
Alptekin's shell company paid money, returned money, or whatever and he justifies this carnival by saying, “Like many Americans rolling up their sleeves in 9/11 to do something, I decided to do something." What 9/11 has to do with a hermit living in Pennsylvania is beyond me. Is the reclusive Mr. Gulen running a terrorist operation using cans and a string to reach his fellow conspirators? Erdogan has shot and locked up all of the coup conspirators in Turkey, so I guess the last guy whose on crutches who talks to birds must also go.
The biggest offenses Flynn and the others committed were being dimwits. With that qualification they fit right in with the West Wing.
Alptekin's shell company paid money, returned money, or whatever and he justifies this carnival by saying, “Like many Americans rolling up their sleeves in 9/11 to do something, I decided to do something." What 9/11 has to do with a hermit living in Pennsylvania is beyond me. Is the reclusive Mr. Gulen running a terrorist operation using cans and a string to reach his fellow conspirators? Erdogan has shot and locked up all of the coup conspirators in Turkey, so I guess the last guy whose on crutches who talks to birds must also go.
The biggest offenses Flynn and the others committed were being dimwits. With that qualification they fit right in with the West Wing.
10
Mueller for President in 2020!
21
Impeach. Convict. Return to Queens.
24
Rikers Island, Queens.
21
The one place that the White House has directly caused a surge in employment is at team Mueller.. A disorganized crime specialist will be key..
13
Mueller is a stone cold pro, and tough enough to give lessons to generals. Here's hoping he peels Flynn like an onion.
31
If South Korea can do that, if Israel can do that, then why can't USA?
3
Take that hook one more time...are your lips getting sore yet?
2
And there are still "news" outlets which dare to evoke a "deep state." It would be more appropriate to talk about the "deep fraud" on each level of this so called administration and each of its deceiving, lying participants.
"Unspecified" payments totalling hundreds of thousands of dollars? And all leading up to just before the election?
Yeah, right, just "forgot" about it, happens in this administration ALL the time, from Mnuchins "forgotten" millions to report, to Jr. who forgot Daddy's input to "adoptions."
Please Mueller, if we do not clean house properly, this infestation of sycophants and public thieves will enc"roach" every crevice of public life, then we'are done for with this republic....
"Unspecified" payments totalling hundreds of thousands of dollars? And all leading up to just before the election?
Yeah, right, just "forgot" about it, happens in this administration ALL the time, from Mnuchins "forgotten" millions to report, to Jr. who forgot Daddy's input to "adoptions."
Please Mueller, if we do not clean house properly, this infestation of sycophants and public thieves will enc"roach" every crevice of public life, then we'are done for with this republic....
24
Recall: late in the summer of 2016 Flynn meets with Turkish officials (one of which is Erdogan's nephew). Flynn asked then trump advisor, former CIA Director Woolsey to join the meeting: he arrived late but heard enough that he was very concerned that they were plotting to kidnap Gulen and wisk him off to Turkey in violation of US law.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVnOR6cQff8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVnOR6cQff8
5
Thanks for yet another nothing-but-assumptions article NYT. The comments that follow are a few steps beyond laughable.
If SC Mueller actually brings evidence to the Grand Jury, that results in charges: I will apologize. I really do not see that coming.
The Sheeple here that blindly, without questions, follow their personal hatred and ButtHurt agendas, have made so many predictions of Democrat Victories the past 18 months, you'd think they'd try to figure out their errors. But, not these egotistical stalwarts of the NYT! Stay the Course Democrats!
Now, you have even more to excite you: Clinton is restaffing!!! Too funny, but she has explained it was everyone-but-her fault that she lost, so maybe a run for New York's Governorship is in the offing...
If SC Mueller actually brings evidence to the Grand Jury, that results in charges: I will apologize. I really do not see that coming.
The Sheeple here that blindly, without questions, follow their personal hatred and ButtHurt agendas, have made so many predictions of Democrat Victories the past 18 months, you'd think they'd try to figure out their errors. But, not these egotistical stalwarts of the NYT! Stay the Course Democrats!
Now, you have even more to excite you: Clinton is restaffing!!! Too funny, but she has explained it was everyone-but-her fault that she lost, so maybe a run for New York's Governorship is in the offing...
5
A patriotic American would want a full investigation of whether the President or his associates committed felonies by failing to register as agents of foreign governments, Some people (unlike Trump) believe in the rule of law.
6
Turkey isn't Russia, by the way.
Why isn't The Times concerned about Hilliary getting $145 million in donations to her foundation for giving our uranium to Russia? And Mueller delivered it!
Hillary can use an unsecured server for pay to play at the State Dept. and Comey does nothing to her. Why doesn't Mueller stick to the phony Russian story, since you're all so scared of Russia?
Where did The Times get this info, is Mueller leaking now too?
Why isn't The Times concerned about Hilliary getting $145 million in donations to her foundation for giving our uranium to Russia? And Mueller delivered it!
Hillary can use an unsecured server for pay to play at the State Dept. and Comey does nothing to her. Why doesn't Mueller stick to the phony Russian story, since you're all so scared of Russia?
Where did The Times get this info, is Mueller leaking now too?
2
Reading all the comments. Seems disproportionate anti-Mueller, Obama and Clinton and pro-Trump than usual for a NYT comments section. Solid chance Trump or one of his team orchestrated new "readers" to register and comment.
28
Absolutely some (deluded) supporters of the so-called president are commenting on the Times articles. Any tactic possible to further his wanna-be regime. Impeach soon. I think the goods are there. The champagne is chilling.
3
You might be right.
The truth will prevail.
The truth will prevail.
3
@Melissa: Oh, absolutely. The oppo is really ramping up here of late, which means Mueller & Co. are on to something.
The trouble with this is, the majority of the NYT readership is well-informed and paying attention, so whoever is paying these trolls isn't getting his money's worth. We're on to things as well.
The trouble with this is, the majority of the NYT readership is well-informed and paying attention, so whoever is paying these trolls isn't getting his money's worth. We're on to things as well.
1
Americans are getting distracted!!. Sessions or Mueller etc are members of the Drumpf Mafia gang to start with. Expecting different results as usual just like sheep & slaves expect from their masters & slaughtered all in the name of Jesus!! " American Exceptionalism"
1
There is little doubt that Flynn is guilty of not registering as a foreign agent and quite possibly other crimes within his business. The BIG question, of course, is whether Mueller can "flip" Flynn to procesute the Trump campaign.
10
Mr. Flynn seems to have made good on previous connections and sought big money where he could and that seemed to come from foreign governments.
Og greater interest is his work for SCL Group, the parent company of Cambridge Analytica, a data mining firm that worked for the Trump campaign.
This is Robert Mueller's firm, Trump's biggest financial backer. The firm was very active in the Brexit campaign as well working for Nigel Farage. The British suspect that this firm was the gateway for Russian trolling during Brexit and Nigel Farage was famously seen leaving the Ecuadorean Embassy, home of Julian Assange owner of Wikileaks.
Move forward to the Trump campaign and Russian trolling of our social media in aid of Trump. And Russian hacking of very precise voter information. And Nigil being such a big pal of Trump's and Trump's Love of Wikileaks (the only kind).
Two yachts were spotted next to each other in the Caribbean and low and behold they belonged to Robert Mercer and a Russian oligarch. Did those two say hello don't you just love big boats or were they discussing something more important. The real collusion of the Trump campaign might have been the sharing of data-mining and specific cyber targets between Cambridge Analytica and the Russian trolls. And Robert Mercer would be in a perfect position to help direct that.
Dark waters to dive into for sure. Mueller will get to the bottom of all this.
Meanwhile, show us your taxes Trump.
Og greater interest is his work for SCL Group, the parent company of Cambridge Analytica, a data mining firm that worked for the Trump campaign.
This is Robert Mueller's firm, Trump's biggest financial backer. The firm was very active in the Brexit campaign as well working for Nigel Farage. The British suspect that this firm was the gateway for Russian trolling during Brexit and Nigel Farage was famously seen leaving the Ecuadorean Embassy, home of Julian Assange owner of Wikileaks.
Move forward to the Trump campaign and Russian trolling of our social media in aid of Trump. And Russian hacking of very precise voter information. And Nigil being such a big pal of Trump's and Trump's Love of Wikileaks (the only kind).
Two yachts were spotted next to each other in the Caribbean and low and behold they belonged to Robert Mercer and a Russian oligarch. Did those two say hello don't you just love big boats or were they discussing something more important. The real collusion of the Trump campaign might have been the sharing of data-mining and specific cyber targets between Cambridge Analytica and the Russian trolls. And Robert Mercer would be in a perfect position to help direct that.
Dark waters to dive into for sure. Mueller will get to the bottom of all this.
Meanwhile, show us your taxes Trump.
31
I meant Cambridge Analytica is owned by Robert MERCER for heaven's sake not Mueller.
11
Our greatest danger is Trump and his associates. The GOP are not patriots. They put party above country. They never should have allowed their party to be over run by the far right.
19
As in Watergate, this story gets more interesting by the day. It is like a history lesson in corruption. Initially this can seem very confusing. However when one "follows the money," this whole thing starts to make sense.
The press and investigators need to continue to keep working to get to the bottom of this.
It is only a matter of time before, Flynn cops a plea or the president grants him a pardon.
The press and investigators need to continue to keep working to get to the bottom of this.
It is only a matter of time before, Flynn cops a plea or the president grants him a pardon.
10
It is a matter of corporate culture. For his entire adult life Trump has considered himself above the law. He had an edge when others played by one rule book and he another and got away with it. He had an army of lawyers to defend and y attack and if things got to hot he would settle.
It is not so much contempt for the rule of law, although that is a factor as the belief that he and those who serve him are above the law. He does not understand treason but he understands disloyalty to himself.
This is the mentality of racketeers and gangsters. You obey the law only if you really must and bad things will happen if you don’t but only to the extent that is absolutely necessary. When you must make a disclosure the ability to amend that form without immediate negative consequences is an open invitation to hide the information that the disclosure device is intended to illicit. An incomplete form under oath withholding information that you knew when you signed it is perjury. Providing the information after it is discovered by others and calling it an amendment is an insult to the rule of law especially when we are dealing with corruption and treasonable acts. There is one driving force in the
White House -- what's good for Donald J. Trump. Gen. Flynn is a weak link and he the country needs to see him indicted. My question is how long it will take Trump to pardon him.
It is not so much contempt for the rule of law, although that is a factor as the belief that he and those who serve him are above the law. He does not understand treason but he understands disloyalty to himself.
This is the mentality of racketeers and gangsters. You obey the law only if you really must and bad things will happen if you don’t but only to the extent that is absolutely necessary. When you must make a disclosure the ability to amend that form without immediate negative consequences is an open invitation to hide the information that the disclosure device is intended to illicit. An incomplete form under oath withholding information that you knew when you signed it is perjury. Providing the information after it is discovered by others and calling it an amendment is an insult to the rule of law especially when we are dealing with corruption and treasonable acts. There is one driving force in the
White House -- what's good for Donald J. Trump. Gen. Flynn is a weak link and he the country needs to see him indicted. My question is how long it will take Trump to pardon him.
14
Flynn got paid $530,000 to make a bad video? How can I get this gig? I am sure I can produce a bad video.
Oh, I just need to be connected to a Presidential candidate, and might just serve in a capacity to to influence government decisions? Like National Security Advisor, a minor and non-influential government position..... oh, never mind.
I can't figure out what bothers me more. How inept everyone in the Administration is, or how corrupt they are, or how venal they are. But in each category they seem to win the prize, surpassing even Harding and Grant.
At last, something they are good at.
Oh, I just need to be connected to a Presidential candidate, and might just serve in a capacity to to influence government decisions? Like National Security Advisor, a minor and non-influential government position..... oh, never mind.
I can't figure out what bothers me more. How inept everyone in the Administration is, or how corrupt they are, or how venal they are. But in each category they seem to win the prize, surpassing even Harding and Grant.
At last, something they are good at.
18
The next thing we are going to hear is that the Trump campaign and administration have had the shredders running nonstop. Trump's performance in WV the other day was pure desperation. You can almost see the drool. So Flynn, who of course, thinks he's above the law, thought he could run some sort of foreign slush fund business and be Natiinal Security Advisor at the same time. And let's not forget that his limited son was the one inciting people to violence over the pizza parlor.
10
The pardon's will start flying any day now. It may be that Trump, or someone in Trump's inner circle, campaign staff or family made some effort of collusion with Russia. It may also be that there's no collusion, which begs the question, why is Trump being so defensive. My guess is that some other (money related?) crime has occurred between Trump and , and his greatest fear is that the collusion investigation will stumble upon said crime. Thus far someone close to him has convinced him not to engage in preemptive machine-gun style pardons. But Donald Trump is Donald Trump and as this investigation marches onward with more and more public activities (grand jurys, subpoenas, etc) his blowing point will be met. I would expect to see up to ten pardons in the first salvo, including a self-pardon. An attempt at firing Mueller will surely be made. Sarah Huckabee Sanders will proclaim that these actions were required to protect the President, his administration and family from a politically motivated witch hunt meant to derail the aforementioned's agenda (increasing Trump's wealth and stroking his ego). Furthermore, she will proffer that a continuation of the investigation is without merit, as there is no one to convict. Trumpian logic 101.
15
Legal experts are divided on whether a president can pardon himself. I suspect Trump will pardon Flynn, Manafort, and others, but only if he perceives no risk to himself. If Trump senses the trap closing around him, I would not be surprised if he betrays his own family members to try to save himself. Nixon lied to and exploited his family, why wouldn't Trump do the same?
1
Omit, obfuscate; when caught amend. Team Trump; whoops, I did it again.
6
The article says “Mueller is investigating whether Mr. Trump committed obstruction of justice in pressing for an end to the Flynn inquiry.” However, at the time President Trump told FBI Director James Comey that he hoped Comey would see his way clear to letting Michael Flynn go, Flynn was only suspected of violating the Logan Act during his pre-inaugural telephone conversations with the Russian ambassador. By the time the Comey and Trump discussed the matter over a private dinner at the White House, Trump knew Flynn was innocent because the White House had listened to the tapes of the conversation. The FBI had probably had already come to the same conclusion. According to the Washington Post, “The FBI in late December reviewed intercepts of communications between the Russian ambassador to the United States and retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn — national security adviser to then-President-elect Trump — but has not found any evidence of wrongdoing or illicit ties to the Russian government, U.S. officials said.” CBS News reported in February that “investigators say that despite misleading the vice president, there is not enough evidence to charge [Flynn] with lying to the FBI.”
1
Really? Then why did Flynn offer testimony in exchange for immunity?
9
Flynn fears he might be "selectively" prosecuted for failing to register promptly under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Normally, people who fail to register just get a notice informing them they have to register. It is usually handled by the Justice Department's FARA Registration Unit as a administrative matter. It's almost never prosecuted.
2
The comments page today seems to have a lot of pro-Trump talking point trolls. The ones saying Mueller's "mandate" is solely to look at collusion with Russians is especially cute. No criminal ever wakes up one day and decides today is a good day to conspire with some other bad guy. There's always a history and almost always that history is about money. Mr Mueller seems to be doing what other special prosecutors have done. He's following the money!
15
Trump has clearly demonstrated he has no loyalty to anyone, he will throw anyone under the bus to save himself. Why would he stick his neck out so far to save Flynn? Because he's a "good guy"? Please. As Deep Throat said, "Follow the money".
Mr Mueller is the best hope there is to save this country. God speed, sir.
Mr Mueller is the best hope there is to save this country. God speed, sir.
17
You Go Robert Mueller. Examine everything done by everyone before, during and after November 08, 2016 and then some. I'd also include Fox News people in your inquiries. These people who are staining democracy with their presence in the White House are a danger to the entire country. They operate like organized crime figures and have lied, distorted, and mislead the nation for long enough. The entire crew is a national disgrace.
Please return integrity to the United States of America.
Thank you sir.
Please return integrity to the United States of America.
Thank you sir.
20
So Mr Flynn is the reason why Hillary didn't campaign in Wisconsin and Michigan? And I see from the sycophants posting here it just doesn't seem to matter one single bit that this HAS NOTHING to do with Trump defeating at four more years of the disastrous Obama polices.. It's a certified witch hunt by a partisan hack.
3
A federal grand jury in Washington DC controlled by prosecutors who are avid Democrats is about as fair as a federal grand jury would be in Alabama if President Obama had been investigated by Jeff Sessions. .
1
Where do you think it should be? I guess you ought to study a bit about grand juries before making assumptions.
1
Now, now, Hank, prosecutors don't "control" grand juries. Five of 13 of Mueller's attorneys have donated to Democrats -- but an even greater percentage of Trump's senior staff contributed to Democrats.
Curious as to how you process that fact.
Curious as to how you process that fact.
3
Mueller is a Republican.
in an unexpected and indirect way, Trump is draining the swamp, with the help of Robert Mueller.
211
Whatever works.
2
Millions of Americans voted for Trump, me included. The establishment, liberal media, and Obama's crime family, are trying to undo the election . Keep pushing .. my prediction, at some point the millions of voters who voted for Trump will push back, and it won't be pretty .
5
You may not have noticed, that most of the “pushing back” being done right now is being done by Republican senators. You say millions of Americans voted for Trump. Yes, but even more Americans voted for Hillary. Trump’s election was a fluke. He will not be re-elected and there is a good chance that he will be impeached. Thousands of loyal Americans in the nation’s intelligence agencies know more about Trump and his associates than they can say publicly. The nexus of the Trump campaign with Russia is far too close for the security of the country. Russia has been – and remains – the biggest threat to American security.
13
You can’t un-do an election.
Justice should be served and these investigations are advancing that.
If it’s a witch hunt / hoax / fake news, then honest men have nothing to fear.
Trump’s supporters couldn’t even muster enough votes for a plurality much less a majority and even that is down to a third of the country and falling.
I agree if his base pushes back it won’t be pretty, mostly because they have never been able to organize or articulate durable support.
I doubt you are willing or able to fully voice your unstated implication.
Justice should be served and these investigations are advancing that.
If it’s a witch hunt / hoax / fake news, then honest men have nothing to fear.
Trump’s supporters couldn’t even muster enough votes for a plurality much less a majority and even that is down to a third of the country and falling.
I agree if his base pushes back it won’t be pretty, mostly because they have never been able to organize or articulate durable support.
I doubt you are willing or able to fully voice your unstated implication.
11
Nonsense.
No one is trying to undo the election. Trump won.
But winning doesn't give anyone affiliated with him a free pass to avoid laws.
Many more millions in this country want this country to be governed by laws applicable to all.
Stop with the double standards.
No one is trying to undo the election. Trump won.
But winning doesn't give anyone affiliated with him a free pass to avoid laws.
Many more millions in this country want this country to be governed by laws applicable to all.
Stop with the double standards.
14
They keep playing the silly game of Flynn doing business with some sort of alien. The guy wasn't a Turkish American. He is an American business man, period.
2
"He is an American business man, period."
No matter how you describe him, he is not above the law. HOW profit is attained matters: ask Bernard Madoff or even Al Capone, period.
No matter how you describe him, he is not above the law. HOW profit is attained matters: ask Bernard Madoff or even Al Capone, period.
9
The four-star general must want to set up court martial in the West wing.
4
The "digging" keeps going deeper......Hooray for Mueller! I certainly hope he does not get "The Axe".......
11
This comment section reads like the Conservative response to the Benghazi hearings.
Sorry folks, but it will end the same way.
Sorry folks, but it will end the same way.
5
Actually it sounds more like the responses to the work of Starr and Cox - you know - actual special prosecutors.
Both of those ended with articles of impeachment presented to Congress.
Both of those ended with articles of impeachment presented to Congress.
3
So we should abandon all investigations because the GOP abused the process?
2
Looks like Mr. Mueller is the man who will be "draining the swamp."
29
Tip of the iceberg. The only issue will be how many will fall on their swords for President Nasty in exchange for pardons.
23
What does it mean when newspapers report news "according to people close to the investigation."? Are these leaks? Are these sources paid for their contributions to these stories? Someone should do an expose on how journalists report these stories.
6
Somebody should take Journalism 101 and learn the Fisher-Price rudiments of crediting sources.
5
This is an accredited professional news organization with peer oversight staffed by editors and reporters who have been trained as professionals journalists via accredited collegiate programs. As such, unlike so-called 'citizen journalists' (the Facebook and online alt-news 'reporters' who can just make stuff up without consequence to paycheck or professional career) they are bound by the ethics of professional news gathering. There is no mystery about how how these stories are reported--reporters are not allowed to pay confidential sources, nor are they allowed to fictionalize source names or info gathered--here's a primer outlining the ethics behind the use of confidential sources: http://www.spj.org/ethics-papers-anonymity.asp
8
@Steve: If you think you need an "exposé" on how journalists work, try going to journalism school. There are many reputable schools of journalism in this country that teach students how to conduct themselves as reputable journalists.
One of the things you will learn is that journalists have an ethical obligation to protect their sources if the sources would be harmed by being exposed. Journalists operate on the same level as physicians and clergy when it comes to protecting the privacy and safety of the people who entrust information to them. You don't go demanding that priests blab about what people say to them in confession. Nor do you go around insisting that doctors reveal information about their patients.
Journalists have the same obligation to protect their sources, and some have even gone to jail rather than break their promise of protection to their sources. That is called integrity.
I know it's difficult to imagine integrity these days, when you've got Trump in the WH and self-proclaimed "performance artists" like Alex Jones pretending to play journalists on the radio, making up stories off the top of their heads to keep people entertained -- but there are real journalists who take the rules of their profession seriously. They are not going to reveal their sources; it would be unethical journalism for them to do so.
One of the things you will learn is that journalists have an ethical obligation to protect their sources if the sources would be harmed by being exposed. Journalists operate on the same level as physicians and clergy when it comes to protecting the privacy and safety of the people who entrust information to them. You don't go demanding that priests blab about what people say to them in confession. Nor do you go around insisting that doctors reveal information about their patients.
Journalists have the same obligation to protect their sources, and some have even gone to jail rather than break their promise of protection to their sources. That is called integrity.
I know it's difficult to imagine integrity these days, when you've got Trump in the WH and self-proclaimed "performance artists" like Alex Jones pretending to play journalists on the radio, making up stories off the top of their heads to keep people entertained -- but there are real journalists who take the rules of their profession seriously. They are not going to reveal their sources; it would be unethical journalism for them to do so.
4
Dear Mr. Mueller:
Of course you had to call for a grand jury.
We don't want another Comey "while outrageous, sloppy, and irresponsible Secretary Clinton's handling of email was we did not find intent to conceal evidence", (or whatever words he used to induce nausea to most of America), do we?
When your "investigation" is over and the grand jury exonerates President Trump, may we THEN get some respite from the MSM's obsessive rantings over a candidate who knew how the Electoral College worked, campaigned strategically, and won fair and square?
Your dream team made up of donors to democrats gives one pause.
Please conduct your "investigation" in a responsible manner and don't waste time measuring how many tablespoons of Russian salad dressing the Pentagon uses on a daily vs weekly vs monthly vs yearly basis.
Then get to work on Hillary's 30,000 BLEACHED emails.
I'd hope the MSM realizes that rational Americans don't care whatsoever about the endless MSM hate speech against a person who legitimately beat 16 other candidates and won the election, over a corrupt opponent who the DNC had to jar off her only elderly and crusty opponent from.
Mr. Mueller, please put this whole entire charade to bed. You're tired, we're tired, everybody's tired (well, not the MSM) but come now, we're tired.
Please do your part to Make America Great Again.
Which you won't if you are one of those Swamp Dwellers.
In that case, you rather enjoy a corrupt political system.
Of course you had to call for a grand jury.
We don't want another Comey "while outrageous, sloppy, and irresponsible Secretary Clinton's handling of email was we did not find intent to conceal evidence", (or whatever words he used to induce nausea to most of America), do we?
When your "investigation" is over and the grand jury exonerates President Trump, may we THEN get some respite from the MSM's obsessive rantings over a candidate who knew how the Electoral College worked, campaigned strategically, and won fair and square?
Your dream team made up of donors to democrats gives one pause.
Please conduct your "investigation" in a responsible manner and don't waste time measuring how many tablespoons of Russian salad dressing the Pentagon uses on a daily vs weekly vs monthly vs yearly basis.
Then get to work on Hillary's 30,000 BLEACHED emails.
I'd hope the MSM realizes that rational Americans don't care whatsoever about the endless MSM hate speech against a person who legitimately beat 16 other candidates and won the election, over a corrupt opponent who the DNC had to jar off her only elderly and crusty opponent from.
Mr. Mueller, please put this whole entire charade to bed. You're tired, we're tired, everybody's tired (well, not the MSM) but come now, we're tired.
Please do your part to Make America Great Again.
Which you won't if you are one of those Swamp Dwellers.
In that case, you rather enjoy a corrupt political system.
5
Let's hear it for our correspondent in Russia, MC312!
11
Bravo!
Captain Queeg has nothing on you.
Captain Queeg has nothing on you.
5
Mueller should also be looking into the starter loan he received from his father 40 years ago. Mayby it was a USSR conspircy to get Trump into the Manhattan real estate business so that he could become very rich, become President one day and destroy America. The KGB are known for their long game.
5
About Cambridge Analytica, the data mining firm mentioned in this article:
As in owned by Robert Mercer? As in major donor to Faux president Trump campaign? As in buddy buddy-buddy with Alt president Bannon? PLEASE, PLEASE tell us more about this. Or shall we wait for Shrill O'Biley's history of Trump et al so we'll really have the facts!
As in owned by Robert Mercer? As in major donor to Faux president Trump campaign? As in buddy buddy-buddy with Alt president Bannon? PLEASE, PLEASE tell us more about this. Or shall we wait for Shrill O'Biley's history of Trump et al so we'll really have the facts!
16
Placing bets: Excellent odds on Flynn being the patsy and everyone else escaping without charge nor criticism. "It was all Flynn! Everything."
6
Persistent leaks from Mullers office to the liberal press have destroyed all semblance of impartiality and credibility of the investigation. This is a large waste of government funds by the Democrats for strictly political purposes.
4
Maybe you missed the news. The Republicans won the election last November. White House, Senate and House of Representatives. The investigation is being run by the Justice Department which is part of the Administration (the White House).
This may be a waste of money but it is run by the Republicans not the Democrats. Many supporters of the President can't seem to get their minds around the fact that the Republicans are now in charge of governing. The Democrats are just bystanders.
This may be a waste of money but it is run by the Republicans not the Democrats. Many supporters of the President can't seem to get their minds around the fact that the Republicans are now in charge of governing. The Democrats are just bystanders.
10
You mean like, for example, the Benghazi "investigation"; a bunch of grandstanding politicians getting their 15 minutes, wasting millions of dollars of taxpayer's money and finding nada?
How many press conferences and interviews has Mueller had so far?
How many press conferences and interviews has Mueller had so far?
10
This is supposed to be seceret. Or so I thought!
2
The only verifiable crimes committed within the scope of the Russia investigation thus far are the leaks emanating from the Mueller investigation team.
4
You need to look up what is and what is not a crime.
7
Grand jury information usually is made public by witnesses or people whose documents have been subpoenaed, or people they have spoken to, none of whom have no obligation to keep the information secret. In other words, there is no reason at all to think the reporting in this or any other article about Mueller's investigation is a "leak" at all, much less a "verifiable crime." You made that up out of your imagination; if not, please tell us how you know this.
1
Lol, the Trump White House will probably just pull an Obama and cite executive privilege. You do remember that Obama repeatedly did that when pressed for documents, right?
4
@Marc: Lol, Obama did not cite executive privilege in a criminal investigation. He cited it for a congressional hearing into a botched arms deal. Big difference.
Nixon tried to cite executive privilege during Watergate, but wasn't allowed to get away with it, because he was involved in a criminal investigation.
To quote the Lincoln Star Journal, which reported on Obama's citing of executive privilege at the time:
"The concept of executive privilege dates at least to 1792, when Congress was probing a disastrous battle against American Indians that cost the lives of hundreds of U.S. soldiers. President George Washington and his Cabinet decided the president had the right to refuse to turn over some documents if disclosing them would harm the public. In the end, Washington gave lawmakers what they sought. But the idea of executive privilege took root."
All presidents, including Republicans, cite executive privilege when they deem that national security would be compromised by revealing certain information. Do you think that President Obama should not have been accorded the same privilege as his predecessor, George Washington? Or even his predecessor, George Bush, who invoked executive privilege six times during his presidency? If so, why not? What makes President Obama different from President Bush, or President Washington, or President Nixon, or President Clinton? They all invoked executive privilege, some more successfully than others.
Nixon tried to cite executive privilege during Watergate, but wasn't allowed to get away with it, because he was involved in a criminal investigation.
To quote the Lincoln Star Journal, which reported on Obama's citing of executive privilege at the time:
"The concept of executive privilege dates at least to 1792, when Congress was probing a disastrous battle against American Indians that cost the lives of hundreds of U.S. soldiers. President George Washington and his Cabinet decided the president had the right to refuse to turn over some documents if disclosing them would harm the public. In the end, Washington gave lawmakers what they sought. But the idea of executive privilege took root."
All presidents, including Republicans, cite executive privilege when they deem that national security would be compromised by revealing certain information. Do you think that President Obama should not have been accorded the same privilege as his predecessor, George Washington? Or even his predecessor, George Bush, who invoked executive privilege six times during his presidency? If so, why not? What makes President Obama different from President Bush, or President Washington, or President Nixon, or President Clinton? They all invoked executive privilege, some more successfully than others.
4
So you guys going after Flynn who worked under obama for many years and under Trump for 24 days. True Flynn did stuff he shouldn't have done likev possibly taking money from Turkey, but what does this have to do with Trimp colluding w Russia?
Flynn was career military, a general. He did stuff unethical to make money but collusion w Russia? Did I miss anything in the article?
Flynn was career military, a general. He did stuff unethical to make money but collusion w Russia? Did I miss anything in the article?
4
Follow the Ruble trail.
12
What US should do is publish a list of Putin's assets outside Russia. Most of his money is stashed away abroad. He does not trust his own people. To undermine his regime it is necessary to show how much money he stole, accumulated. I believe Russian people, if they see how much money he accumulated abroad while in power, will revolt. Do to him what he tried to do the US, using the same tools. Kompromat is a two way street.
11
AND how does this apply to the Special Prosecutor's mandate for RUSSIAN COLLUSION or interference in OUR elections?
4
Mueller has the authority. Would you rather he look the other way on crimes like congress or should he defend our country from all threats?
9
Why does any criminal ever conspire? You think they wake up one day and decide: Today is a good day to collude with a bad guy I know nothing about? No. There's always a history and it's always about money? Follow the money Mr Mueller!
9
Following the money.
3
Time after time, Mr. Trump indirectly tells us that he is most vulnerable on Russiagate. So, shouldn't we take him up on his veiled confession? Contact your two senators by calling the Congressional switchboard: (202) 224-3121 where a pleasant robo voice will ask for your ZIP code, and you'll then be routed to your senators. A congressional aide will probably answer and record your concerns and pass them on. It takes 5 minutes. Politely request their complete support for a full, OPEN, and bi-partisan hearing into alleged Russian influences and subsequent cover-ups. AND be sure to urge that Mr. Trump's tax returns be subpoenaed. You can also ask Dem senators to post and update strong position statements on their web pages and GOP senators why they are waiting to aggressively address a malignancy at the heart of our government. State your case clearly. You are an American and are concerned about our democracy. We have a right to know what has happened, and an open Senate hearing is the only reliable venue we have. They listen and do keep count. You can rightly call yourself a citizen patriot. If you've got time to spend on comment boards you've got time to speak your mind to your elected officials where it counts far more. Democracy is our history's great gift to us all, but it doesn't defend itself. That defense takes work. Answer your call to duty, and pay your debt forward.
48
What I find interesting is that a White House which complains moment after moment about the leaks at the White House — even beleaguered Jeff Sessions took time to grovel at the The Donald's feet about the tripling of leaks compared to the Obama administration — has to be envious of the lack of 'leaks' at the Mueller investigation. About the only thing that has popped up is the new Grand Jury.
I imagine Deluded Donny is covetous of the loyalty of the Mueller team. Maybe The Donald knows 'the best people' but apparently they are the most talkative ones as well . . .
I imagine Deluded Donny is covetous of the loyalty of the Mueller team. Maybe The Donald knows 'the best people' but apparently they are the most talkative ones as well . . .
10
Some in-depth journalism needs to be done on financial disclosure forms. Flynn, Kusher, Bannon all neglected to fill these out completely and kept coming back with additions and modifications. We are repeatedly told that this is not legally compliant. Yet nothing happens to them. Why not? Has anyone ever been punished, charged, even so much as fired for breaking the law by failing to file these forms correctly? Why is this apparent "law" not enforced?
16
Ordinarily, a cadre of name-callers leaps to defend the Administration and its henchman. Not for Flynn. The silence is ominous.
4
Let us hope that Mueller is well-protected during these times of trouble in America. Nothing would surprise me in terms of the possible 'dirty tricks' the Trumpites will use to defend their Great Leader.
4
Wow. You guys must have a board at the office with index cards, thumbtacks, photos, and string connecting all the players, a la "The Wire".
2
If the Flynn Intel Group made kickbacks to a Turkish businessman for helping conceal the source of money used to discredit a Turkish political opponent, it means Flynn has the skill set required to do the same for Trump. Mueller can't go wrong if he follows the money... as much money trail as he can uncover.
5
This is the definition of, "The cover-up is worse then the crime".
The seething underbelly of this Administration is about to be laid bare.
And, now that Congress has Mueller's back, the end is not only assured, it's nigh.
The seething underbelly of this Administration is about to be laid bare.
And, now that Congress has Mueller's back, the end is not only assured, it's nigh.
6
The beginning of the end perhpas?
5
Good lord, what hypocrisy. I have never witnessed such corruption, incompetence and criminal stupidity on such a scale. I would normally want to dial 911 at such a time, but I already know that the top cop of the country (the A.G.), the one that wants to crack down on crime, is in fact a criminal himself, having perjured himself during the confirmation hearings. We need a TRUE leader it seems, one we haven't had since January 20th.
7
...one slow step at a time, the inevitable approaches. Though which inevitability continues to be discussed through argument, finger-pointing and name-calling.
2
“If we were trying to hide,” he said, “you’d think we’d be good at it”, says the guy who hired the Flynn Intel Group to discredit an opponent of the Turkish strong man, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Really? You might also think that incompetence at hiding perfidy is not exactly an affirmative, or acceptable, defense to alleged criminal activity.
There's a pattern here of people very close to Mr. Trump (Kushner, Manafort, Flynn - and others) who failed to disclose legally required information - and not just once.
Are the American people to believe that all of these highly sophisticated Trump associates/proxies were just incompetent or forgetful? Donald Trump on 9/2016: "I'll choose the best people for my administration."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Really? You might also think that incompetence at hiding perfidy is not exactly an affirmative, or acceptable, defense to alleged criminal activity.
There's a pattern here of people very close to Mr. Trump (Kushner, Manafort, Flynn - and others) who failed to disclose legally required information - and not just once.
Are the American people to believe that all of these highly sophisticated Trump associates/proxies were just incompetent or forgetful? Donald Trump on 9/2016: "I'll choose the best people for my administration."
6
Mueller has the support of every American who cares about this country, it's democracy, and legitimacy!
11
Why is it that trump and his administration think they are exempt when it comes to intergrity, honesty and basic ethics. These are the people that want to lead us?
Who knew the movie Idocracy fortold our very near future not the distant except their president spoke better.
Who knew the movie Idocracy fortold our very near future not the distant except their president spoke better.
2
“If we were trying to hide, you’d think we’d be good at it.”
I think every criminal can make this statement. It's actually one of the funniest I've heard in a while.
I think every criminal can make this statement. It's actually one of the funniest I've heard in a while.
6
Flynn a general in the USA armed forces worked for obama for 7 years. He worked for trump for 24 days and might have taken money from turkey. What does this have to do w collusion w Russia and how is it you can blame trump for this?
3
Following the money trail.
2
People tend to forget that General Flynn was part of the Obama Administration, so the trail may just lead back to unsavory activity of this administration to keep him in office for a second term.....
2
Obama also fired Flynn and warned Trump to stay away from him. Why would he do that?
5
Why didn't the Flynn investigation begin long before Trump took over? The fact that an American general was working for a foreign power while serving the nation amounts to treason in my mind.
4
Why didn't the Trump investigation begin long before Trump took over?
Why weren't voters told about Russian meetings long before the election? They knew about all this in July 2016.
Why weren't voters told about Russian meetings long before the election? They knew about all this in July 2016.
1
Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein appointed Robert S. Mueller III to serve as Special Counsel to “oversee the previously-confirmed FBI investigation of Russian government efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election and related matters.” How does payments Michael Flynn’s firm may or may not have received from the Turkish government relate to Russian interference in the 2016 election? What does it have to do with the Trump campaign or the Trump administration?
2
Flynn is a link, and so his other activities matter.
1
The New York Times points out that failing to register as a foreign agent is a felony, but fails to mention that Michael Flynn registered as a foreign agent. The Foreign Agent Registration Act is administered by the FARA Registration Unit of the Counterespionage Section in the National Security Division of the United States Department of Justice. after consultation with the FARA Registration Unit. Flynn registered after consultation with the FARA Registration Unit, even though there is still some debate over whether he should have been required to register. When people fail to registered as foreign agents, they usually receive a letter from the FARA Registration Unit informing them they are required to register.
But why is the special counsel involve in a case that has been handled by the FARA Registration Unit? What does it have to do with Russian interference in the 2016 election, or for that matter, what does it have to do with the Trump campaign or Trump administration?
But why is the special counsel involve in a case that has been handled by the FARA Registration Unit? What does it have to do with Russian interference in the 2016 election, or for that matter, what does it have to do with the Trump campaign or Trump administration?
2
Let's see whether Trump Dares pardon Flynn, a "good man" in his words. If he does, it means he's taking loyalty seriously as a 2-way street. If he fails, it means loyalty for him stops at Numero Uno.
I have been saying ever since he resigned that he was going to be the weak link in all of this. ( especially since apparently he asked for immunity )
Also, there has been almost a black out of press about him, or comments from him, since that immunity thing leaked. ( usually an obvious tip off that negotiations with authorities are going on behind the scenes )
We shall see, but If I was a betting man ( I am ), I would bet the house ( the White House ) on him being from and center to devastating testimony.
Also, there has been almost a black out of press about him, or comments from him, since that immunity thing leaked. ( usually an obvious tip off that negotiations with authorities are going on behind the scenes )
We shall see, but If I was a betting man ( I am ), I would bet the house ( the White House ) on him being from and center to devastating testimony.
8
Nail Flynn first, as the easy target, and then get him to flip. Makes perfect sense.
6
In Mueller, Trump has met his match. Once Mueller breaks Flynn, which won't be hard to do given Flynn's history, the inching up the food chain begins, and ends with the indictment of Fish #1. That is why Trump is sweating bullets and that is why he will do anything it takes to abort this thing by canning Mueller. Ain't happening, Mr. President, because you have lost the backing of your own party. Keep on holding your lame rallies and keep on blustering about fake news and Hillary's corruption. You just love to hear yourself talk.
6
Mueller should hire James Comey to work as an investigator for the special counsel's office.
How will we know whether the Trump White House actually hands over all the requested documents?
1
Looks like the head of the "Lock her up" crowd is well on his way to being locked up, unless of course he flips on his boss and tells what he knows.
5
I'm confused. What documents would the White House have or the trump campaign if this was all related to Flynn's business? Or was the trump campaign laundering money for him?
1
Flynn being paid by foreign governments while working for the Trump campaign PLUS the Obama Administration warned Trump against hiring Flynn. Manafort also received payments from foreign governments while working for the Trump Administration.
Add that Donald Jr. excited took a meeting with Russians that was attended by Kushner and Manafort.
The gene test information is back - it's a duck.
Add that Donald Jr. excited took a meeting with Russians that was attended by Kushner and Manafort.
The gene test information is back - it's a duck.
8
I like the methodical way Mueller is doing this. Much as I would love for Trump to have been kicked out of the White House yesterday, it is worth the wait for Mueller to turn over every stone, yea, every pebble.
He won't release that report until it's airtight. That will be some news day that day.
He won't release that report until it's airtight. That will be some news day that day.
10
The Flynn affair has many tentacles in all the areas Mueller is looking into , this ego manic was a busy man . Crooked as can be , I'm sure there's more that hasn't been made public , and trump is still fuming because he was forced to let him go ; we all know that old saying , birds of a feather. Wonder if he's worked out some sort of deal to spill the beans?
3
I believe that the Russians tried to influence our election.
I also believe whatever they did had probably zero effect on Americans and how they voted.
Our President keeps whining about how his opponents want to delegitimize his victory.
No, President small hands, that's your own insecurities speaking.
I feel that the tampering and the result are separate issues, as I believe most Americans do as well.
The fact that Mr. Triump only sees this issue as about him, and not our country, is selfish, stupid, and another reason I personally find him to be an incompetent leader of America.
I also believe whatever they did had probably zero effect on Americans and how they voted.
Our President keeps whining about how his opponents want to delegitimize his victory.
No, President small hands, that's your own insecurities speaking.
I feel that the tampering and the result are separate issues, as I believe most Americans do as well.
The fact that Mr. Triump only sees this issue as about him, and not our country, is selfish, stupid, and another reason I personally find him to be an incompetent leader of America.
7
Does anyone think he is not already cooperating? He has made several adjustments to his interface with foreign agents. Seems that I did read in this newspaper that you would have to declare all contacts before being accepted as a witness.
Flynn will go down for his dealings with Turkey and Trump might go down for obstruction by trying to hide his money laundering for Russians. I hope this investigation can withstand it's critics until the bitter end.
6
"The company was paid $530,000 to run a campaign to discredit an opponent of the Turkish government who has been accused of orchestrating last year’s failed coup in the country."
So--according to this--Flynn's skill set includes running an orchestrated campaign to discredit an opponent. Hmmm...
So--according to this--Flynn's skill set includes running an orchestrated campaign to discredit an opponent. Hmmm...
11
Just follow the money. That is, has been, and will continue to be the source for all motives associated with Trump and his 'allies'. Mueller knows this and Trump knows that Mueller knows. They will do anything they believe they can get away with. A serious miscalculation since Mueller has the resources and skill to unravel the labyrinth of arrangements. For Trump, winning will prove to be the biggest loss ever.
4
LOCK HIM UP, repeat, LOCK HIM UP. In the world of what is plausible, even credible, it is well nigh impossible to believe that Team Trump at the time of the RNC convention had no idea whatsoever of Flynn's shady financial dealings - or of what those shenanigans might provide. And, if they didn't, then their blatant ineptitude, or worse, and more likely, willful "ignorance" - in order to reap benefit - is thrown into starker relief. Nothing disgusts more than those who claim the moral high ground who later are shown to be craven and without integrity.
6
Of course Turkey has been a front for Russian money. The more interesting connections are those of Cambridge Analytica and SCL and White Canvas. That, and the fact that Mr. Flynn never complete any serious work for his Turkish patrons, suggest that a network of entities worked as conduits of money to Mr. Flynn, and not for his Turkish patrons. But for something else... like... kompromat and a seat at the Table of Mr. Trump.
6
As soon as the Flynn indictment became public, Russia's Kislyak comes to his defense - Reuters reports him as saying that talks with Trump's ex-security aide 'absolutely transparent' - what a great team Trump assembled!
1
I suspect Turkey's government of staging the coup to create an excuse for its authoritarianism. Is Flynn involved in the staging?
5
Interesting symmetry of Flynn with his US intel contacts covertly finding dirt on a regime opponent of a foreign government, and Rusian intel helping Flynn & Trump's campaign with dirt on their opponent.
As the Donald Sr said defending his son and campaign, clearly quite standard practice (in his circle).
As the Donald Sr said defending his son and campaign, clearly quite standard practice (in his circle).
5
Before Trump aspired to living in the White House he was a New York realtor. Anyone knows to do business in New York real estate you have to deal many people you wouldn’t take home to meet your family. Trump is no exception and maybe somewhere down the line we may find out that he has a made a pack with a devil who goes by the name of Putin. Trump is like a fish on a hook the more he struggles the more the hook sinks in. Trump was raised in an industry where a wink a nod and an envelope filled with cash resolved most problems. Not that politics is more honorable than New York real estate but the problem is Trump can’t understand why it is much ado about what he thinks is nothing. Trump thought getting the FBI director is a room by himself and telling him to take the heat off Flynn as normal operating procedures. Trump knows he has probably in a pinch taken money from unsavory sources for that’s how he has been doing business all his life. Does anyone really believe a guy like Trump who loves to see his name in lights really want people to see his taxes? Trumps taxes would show he is not as rich as he says he is and it would show he pays next to nothing in taxes. Trump must stay up at night wondering why he didn’t stay in his tower in New York playing the role of Real Estate Tycoon instead of playing ruler of the world in Washington.
8
Let's see how much Pence and his transition committee knew about this and ignored. Maybe Paul Ryan will be President after all.
8
That's not an improvement.
1
August 2, 2016 Trump made the following statement during a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina:
"If she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is. I don't know."
This comment criticized and condemned as instigating violence against the Democratic nominee or against future judicial appointees was dismissed by the Trump campaign as merely referring to the "power of unification" of voters turning out in support of Trump.
We have experienced over eight months of #45's presidency. Mueller will vary carefully build an absolutely air tight case against #45 because as a Nation we face perhaps the greatest threat to our Freedom. The threat of an Insurrection. This fear is the elephant in the room.
"If she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is. I don't know."
This comment criticized and condemned as instigating violence against the Democratic nominee or against future judicial appointees was dismissed by the Trump campaign as merely referring to the "power of unification" of voters turning out in support of Trump.
We have experienced over eight months of #45's presidency. Mueller will vary carefully build an absolutely air tight case against #45 because as a Nation we face perhaps the greatest threat to our Freedom. The threat of an Insurrection. This fear is the elephant in the room.
9
Another democrat driven fishing party. They should also ask about Bill Clinton's 500k speech. Nothing will come if this other than more innuendo.
3
I think two things are clear. One, Flynn used everybody, including Trump, to promote his side businesses. And two, Flynn has always been the focus of the investigation that now encompasses such a wide field. Whether he and perhaps Manafort filled out incomplete or false financial disclosures is likely the big "catch" out of all this.
Be reminded that Flynn was let go by Obama, security clearance intact, full honors and benefits untouched, glowing profile on government website intact even today
http://www.dia.mil/News/Articles/Article-View/Article/567011/lt-gen-flyn...
His ONLY real firing and clearance yank came under Trump. Not Obama, who should and could have brought all this to grinding halt years ago.
So the question Muller really ought to be asking is why? Why was Flynn let go without collar or leash by Obama? Was there any wink-nod quid-pro-quo for future international consulting?
And to answer that, Muller needs records under Obama, not Trump. If Muller's not pursuing those records, as he surely isn't, he's doing a hack job of the investigation. Not heckuva job, a HACK job. In addition to nursing grievance for not clinching the FBI job.
Making Muller tip the banana ripe scale at a soggy brown 12. Meaning he's spoilt goods. Rotten, actually.
Mr. President, you're absolutely correct, Muller's a grumpy old man up to no good. He needs a real life, meaning shopping his book, being a talking head, and having a drinking buddy. I know one who has plenty in common AND with valuable leads on getting a good book deal. Yes, Comey.
But a paid life fishing for dirt under guise of investigation, all funded by taxpayers, definitely not. Just fire Muller, Mr. President. Just do it.
http://www.dia.mil/News/Articles/Article-View/Article/567011/lt-gen-flyn...
His ONLY real firing and clearance yank came under Trump. Not Obama, who should and could have brought all this to grinding halt years ago.
So the question Muller really ought to be asking is why? Why was Flynn let go without collar or leash by Obama? Was there any wink-nod quid-pro-quo for future international consulting?
And to answer that, Muller needs records under Obama, not Trump. If Muller's not pursuing those records, as he surely isn't, he's doing a hack job of the investigation. Not heckuva job, a HACK job. In addition to nursing grievance for not clinching the FBI job.
Making Muller tip the banana ripe scale at a soggy brown 12. Meaning he's spoilt goods. Rotten, actually.
Mr. President, you're absolutely correct, Muller's a grumpy old man up to no good. He needs a real life, meaning shopping his book, being a talking head, and having a drinking buddy. I know one who has plenty in common AND with valuable leads on getting a good book deal. Yes, Comey.
But a paid life fishing for dirt under guise of investigation, all funded by taxpayers, definitely not. Just fire Muller, Mr. President. Just do it.
2
Yes, Trump should follow Nixon's playbook and fire a special prosecutor. Then the whole nation will know for sure that he is a crook. Congress will re-hire Mueller and the investigation will continue. Trump will be convicted, not just impeached.
The whole election needs a do-over.
The whole election needs a do-over.
2
Flynn = treason against the US for hire.
It is pretty clear Flynn is part of the Trump international crime family and team as are so many of the cabinet with Russian/shady international connections.
The hope is that Mueller and company keeps going beyond Flynn and not just let him be Trump's scapegoat.
Mueller needs to thoroughly investigate anyone in government connected to Trump and prosecute, prosecute, prosecute.
There is certainly enough evidence to declare a treasonous 2016 election result for president/vice president.
The United States needs a do-over to save our democracy and it cannot happen quickly enough.
It is pretty clear Flynn is part of the Trump international crime family and team as are so many of the cabinet with Russian/shady international connections.
The hope is that Mueller and company keeps going beyond Flynn and not just let him be Trump's scapegoat.
Mueller needs to thoroughly investigate anyone in government connected to Trump and prosecute, prosecute, prosecute.
There is certainly enough evidence to declare a treasonous 2016 election result for president/vice president.
The United States needs a do-over to save our democracy and it cannot happen quickly enough.
9
When did Serving One's Country become a launching pad to making oodles of money? Seems like Military Service isn't as noble as it once was.
5
Let us all hope that Flynn continues to practice opportunism and spills his guts about DT when faced with the prospect of a prison sentence.
4
Remember when Flynn was offering to tell all for immunity before people even were aware how deep this all went? Trump was letting this guy into security briefings- seems like that alone would disqualify Trump.
Team Trump seems to have a lot of people who have either worked for or enabled dictators. And a misinformation system like Fox to excuse their behavior. I hope they get the book thrown at them.
Team Trump seems to have a lot of people who have either worked for or enabled dictators. And a misinformation system like Fox to excuse their behavior. I hope they get the book thrown at them.
5
I'm sure I'm not the only American who feels hopeful and comforted on the one hand that a credible investigation is pursuing Flynn's possible crimes, as well as those of others in the Trump circle.
On the other hand, it is hard not to be cynical and expect little truth, culpability and consequence from these investigations.
That is because of the lack of anyone significant being prosecuted let alone convicted in so many public scams....from the 2008 financial banking crisis, to the Iraq war lies and Cheney's shady deals, to the Wells Fargo fraud, and on and on.
And tell me again why Chris Christie didn't have to answer for "Bridgegate"?
On the other hand, it is hard not to be cynical and expect little truth, culpability and consequence from these investigations.
That is because of the lack of anyone significant being prosecuted let alone convicted in so many public scams....from the 2008 financial banking crisis, to the Iraq war lies and Cheney's shady deals, to the Wells Fargo fraud, and on and on.
And tell me again why Chris Christie didn't have to answer for "Bridgegate"?
15
@Baba:. Chris Christie did not have to answer for Bridgegate because he had one Christopher Wray (notably from NYC, not NJ) representing him, the same Wray who was just unanimously approved as the new FBI director. Expect him to win same outcome for Trump, just as happened to Nixon.
1
Flynn was present at the Kushner meeting to try to set up a secret communications channel inside a Russian embassy or consulate. That was a clearly illegal enterprise. There is no innocent reason to want to communicate with Russia in a way that would evade oversight like that.
Trump is still out there shouting about Hillary's 35,000 emails despite a year and a half investigation by the FBI that found no wrong doing. So Trump's son-in-law with Flynn tries to set up something a thousand times more hidden.
All of the lies, all of the Russian contacts. I hope that Mueller and his team can find out how much corruption and treason were brought into the White House itself by this crowd. I am increasingly nauseated by it, particularly when I see that Trump is as insane as ever, hate mongering among his devoted followers as much as ever, but now weaponizing the Justice Department and "his generals" to obstruct justice and attack his political enemies. I don't know how long the United States and its democracy can survive this toxic, greedy and treasonous cabal.
Trump is still out there shouting about Hillary's 35,000 emails despite a year and a half investigation by the FBI that found no wrong doing. So Trump's son-in-law with Flynn tries to set up something a thousand times more hidden.
All of the lies, all of the Russian contacts. I hope that Mueller and his team can find out how much corruption and treason were brought into the White House itself by this crowd. I am increasingly nauseated by it, particularly when I see that Trump is as insane as ever, hate mongering among his devoted followers as much as ever, but now weaponizing the Justice Department and "his generals" to obstruct justice and attack his political enemies. I don't know how long the United States and its democracy can survive this toxic, greedy and treasonous cabal.
8
This is why Kelly will not last. Trump expects him to get rid of Mueller and Kelly can't or won't. Mueller in the meantime is playing cat and mouse with 45 and winning thus far.
So far they have found nothing implicating President Trump in the Russian collusion of our election. The Trump administration has been very forthcoming in handing over any documents that Robert Mueller has requested. They have hidden nothing and will prove they have committed no wrongdoing.
They have found nothing so far but keep up with the investigations. It certainly appears like a witch hunt and wild goose chase.
They have found nothing so far but keep up with the investigations. It certainly appears like a witch hunt and wild goose chase.
2
When all the proverbial dust settles--- how many of the dozens and dozens of clearly legally-compromised pawns and players WON'T be going to jail?
2
Another leak out of Muellers investigation.
If anyone can explain to me how Mueller is competent to run this investigation when it continues to leak like a sieve I am all ears.
If anyone can explain to me how Mueller is competent to run this investigation when it continues to leak like a sieve I am all ears.
3
This is how democracy keeps the powerful in check. Without leaks to a FREE press we would be a fascist state only hearing propaganda from those in charge just like in Russia, China and North Korea. So please stop criticizing the leaks and focus on what info is being leaked.
8
There is no good reason to think this (or any other) information came from Mueller's office. The article is about White House records, so that's presumably the source of the report. People asked to provide records are allowed to talk about it publicly. Usually they don't want to, obviously, and they might be violating some other set of rules if they do (like the White House's), but it's not a violation of grand jury proceedings, and not a "leak" from the investigation.
1
Trump has been excessively protective of Michael Flynn. He went to great lengths - firing James Comey and pleading Dan Coats - to have investigations into his former aide closed.
Trump was eager to take Flynn on board even after Sally Yates warned him of Flynn's dealings. Even after firing Flynn he continued to sing his praises and send him messages to boost his morale. Why did he do that?
No wonder the investigators are curious about the real relationship between Trump and Flynn, who might be the key to Russian meddling.
Trump was eager to take Flynn on board even after Sally Yates warned him of Flynn's dealings. Even after firing Flynn he continued to sing his praises and send him messages to boost his morale. Why did he do that?
No wonder the investigators are curious about the real relationship between Trump and Flynn, who might be the key to Russian meddling.
25
Trump pleaded? He asked Comey if he could see fit to let this thing go. Thats pleading. You are aware Trump could have ordered the investigation to end.
Flynn a general, worked for Obama, worked for Bush, Worked for Clinton. He worked for Trump for 24 days.
Did you read the article? They want to know about Flynns relationship with Turkey and whether there were kickbacks to some guy. What does this have to do with Russia?
Flynn a general, worked for Obama, worked for Bush, Worked for Clinton. He worked for Trump for 24 days.
Did you read the article? They want to know about Flynns relationship with Turkey and whether there were kickbacks to some guy. What does this have to do with Russia?
1
Ok - must be the reason Flynn updated his financial and other obligatory disclosures.
Am also interested in all those foreign payments he got from various countries on the blacklist of US allies, as other countries than just the US may be interested what he was up to and how he and others used them as part of a scam to evade tax, launder money, whatever.
Am also interested in all those foreign payments he got from various countries on the blacklist of US allies, as other countries than just the US may be interested what he was up to and how he and others used them as part of a scam to evade tax, launder money, whatever.
14
Turkey is a U.S. ally. It is a member of NATO.
So much for the russian investigation. Do not get me Wrong, Flynn did not file proper paperwork and may have kicked back money to some guy but what does this have to do with Russia? Nothing.
1
asdasdasd -- just because the article doesn't say what Flynn's alleged misconduct has to do with Russia doesn't mean it has "nothing" to do with Russia -- this is just a newspaper article, please wait for the criminal indictment to lay out the actual connections
1
"Mr. Mueller is investigating whether Mr. Trump committed obstruction of justice in pressing for an end to the Flynn inquiry."
There it is. The beginning of the end of this abomination of an administration.
There it is. The beginning of the end of this abomination of an administration.
38
You keep thinking that....will not happen and you snowflakes need to get over your loss.
1
We should not be surprised about the Turkish angle to Trump and Russia. Erdogan is operating out of the classic Putin Dictator playbook. They are kindred spirits.
I wouldn't be surprised if Turkey was also involved with Russia in interfering in our democracy. Turkey has also been trying to undermine the stability of the EU for years and has been an aggressive neighbor to Greece. It finally seized the opportunity to overwhelm the continent by actively sending refugees to Greece an already struggling nation. Undermining the EU and western democracies is part of Russia's and Turkey's strategy and has been for many years now. Turkey has been resentful about not being permitted into the EU and Russia wants the spoils of an Eastern Europe that has been prosperous under Western European leadership. The Eastern block European countries were starving and faltering under the old Soviet empire and now that billions of EU funds have help them modernize and prosper, Putin wants them back under his control. No way!!
I wouldn't trust either of those leaders.
I wouldn't be surprised if Turkey was also involved with Russia in interfering in our democracy. Turkey has also been trying to undermine the stability of the EU for years and has been an aggressive neighbor to Greece. It finally seized the opportunity to overwhelm the continent by actively sending refugees to Greece an already struggling nation. Undermining the EU and western democracies is part of Russia's and Turkey's strategy and has been for many years now. Turkey has been resentful about not being permitted into the EU and Russia wants the spoils of an Eastern Europe that has been prosperous under Western European leadership. The Eastern block European countries were starving and faltering under the old Soviet empire and now that billions of EU funds have help them modernize and prosper, Putin wants them back under his control. No way!!
I wouldn't trust either of those leaders.
15
Turkey is a U.S. ally. It is a member of NATO. The United States' 10th Air Wing is stationed art Incirlik Air Base in Turkey.
1
Look how quickly the Special Counsel looking into Russia collusion moved onto another shiny object. It didn't take but a couple weeks to go from "Russia hacked our election!!!" to "Trump sold a house to a Russian 20 years ago, let's look into THAT!"
2
@ Casey in Nebraska. How did the Russians get their hooks into Trump? How do they know their mark? The Russian Oligarchs are a sophisticated version of the Mafia. Although you are from the Cornhusker State, even you can figure that out. Once the Russians knew that Trump would join with them to launder money, they had him. The Russians knew how corrupt Trump was. Even more troubling, Trump knows what the Kremlin has on him. Has Trump ever criticized Putin or the Kremlin? Not only did Trump launder money for his Russian allies, he sought to collude with Russians and Putin assiciates to a build hotel in Azerbaijan, even linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards of all organizations. The Christopher Steele dossier was originally started by Fusion for anti-Trump Republicans, something Republicans refuse to admit. Even more problematic, it was a Republican, Senator John McCain, who brought it to the attention of the FBI. Despite the best efforts of Chuck Grassley, most of the findings in the dossier have been verified. Now as the late Paul Harvey would like to say, Casey from Nebraska, now you know the rest of the story.
5
Think of all the money these investigations are costing us.
And Donald Trump had the audacity to incite his rally audiences to yell "lock her up!" Trump has been used to many court proceedings through his years. But these are at our expense. Why couldn't he have just dealt with the straight and narrow instead of Flynn and others?
Why? We will find out. Others will be held accountable too. It's just a matter of time.
And Donald Trump had the audacity to incite his rally audiences to yell "lock her up!" Trump has been used to many court proceedings through his years. But these are at our expense. Why couldn't he have just dealt with the straight and narrow instead of Flynn and others?
Why? We will find out. Others will be held accountable too. It's just a matter of time.
15
You right....hopefully they will find Hillary, Obama, Holder and Lynch accountable for their actions against the United States and put them all in prison!
2
LOL, so, Russia collusion was never leaked, and a Special Counsel is appointed after Comey looked for months and found nothing. And about 2 minutes after Mueller gets appointed, he hires a dozen top Democrat lawyer donors that instantly veered into real estate deals from over a decade ago. Because, you know, the Trump-Russia conspiracy is decades in the making. Putin knew he'd install Trump as the President back in 2004, dontcha know??
1
Michael T. Flynn's fiasco is just another case study of Trump's naivete approach to international relations. At this juncture, foreign observers have the following view of the Trump administration.
Domestically, his election has revived the 'animal spirit' of the American entrepreneurs; even lost manufacturing jobs shipped overseas are slowly returning to the homeland.
Despite fierce domestic political opposition, the economy is Trump's strongest point, so far.
Trump's administration weakest point is international relations.
First, Donald Trump decided to end established American post-WWII foreign policy. His daughter Ivanka/Jared Kushner and late-night tweeters are, de facto, replacing functions carried out traditionally by the State Department;
Second, Trump's bullying style is alienating traditional allies like Mexico and Australia while not intimidating a bit adversaries like Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran;
Third, Trump's business transactional style cannot work in the complex world of a superpower's diplomacy. His proposed deal to China to curb/stop North Korea's nuclear program in exchange for trade concessions became a joke among diplomatic circles.
In sum, Trump's foreign policy approach can only be defined as truly moronic.
Michael T. Flynn's affair was a harbinger, only the begining, of things to come.
Domestically, his election has revived the 'animal spirit' of the American entrepreneurs; even lost manufacturing jobs shipped overseas are slowly returning to the homeland.
Despite fierce domestic political opposition, the economy is Trump's strongest point, so far.
Trump's administration weakest point is international relations.
First, Donald Trump decided to end established American post-WWII foreign policy. His daughter Ivanka/Jared Kushner and late-night tweeters are, de facto, replacing functions carried out traditionally by the State Department;
Second, Trump's bullying style is alienating traditional allies like Mexico and Australia while not intimidating a bit adversaries like Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran;
Third, Trump's business transactional style cannot work in the complex world of a superpower's diplomacy. His proposed deal to China to curb/stop North Korea's nuclear program in exchange for trade concessions became a joke among diplomatic circles.
In sum, Trump's foreign policy approach can only be defined as truly moronic.
Michael T. Flynn's affair was a harbinger, only the begining, of things to come.
21
Just curious, maybe someone with some knowledge can enlighten me...how does Mueller know if the White House is turning over ALL relevant documents, or if the documents they do turn over are legitimate? I wouldn't put it past this White House to both hold back AND forge documents. Unless they confiscate computers, on which sophisticated programs can detect deeply hidden, destroyed or erased files, it seems to me that requests for paperwork are going to end with nothing worthwhile.
28
Nobody said it was just paperwork. Documents can be digital as well. Mueller's team isn't stupid.
4
It is possible to forge and/or lose documents. But it is highly risky because the likelihood of discovery is high and penalties are severe for anyone in the chain.
4
I never realized how these past months have increased my angst until I read this article and also learned of Mr. Mueller's recent establishing of a Grand Jury in DC. I felt something close to relief, of late unfamiliar to me, that someone is truly going to bring justice to us and this country. Put another way, Mr. Mueller is giving me hope that the blatant lies, manipulation, and downright corruption emanating from the White House may just be avenged through moral, ethical, and lawful channels, three attributes that are both foreign to and rejected by Trump and company. This is a difficult time in our history, and the truth will take a while to manifest itself. But with Mr. Mueller at the helm, I believe that a good day for us will indeed come, hopefully with this POTUS but a bad dream.
42
You are not alone. Millions with you! Just remember that. Strength in numbers.
5
So sad, that an American General is potentially involved in these type of crimes, the next shoe to drop will be the Republican President's involvement. If and when this occurs, they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This will be an effective message and deterrent against future illegal activities of this nature.
This Republican Administration is rife with miscreants and criminals, and soon, many will be prosecuted and convicted. This will be the first step in "draining the swamp".
This Republican Administration is rife with miscreants and criminals, and soon, many will be prosecuted and convicted. This will be the first step in "draining the swamp".
24
I wish Mr. Mueller well. Flynn is only the surface, I hope Mr. Mueller and his team will dig down to the basement.
19
Oh, you can trust he will. If he can last, that is.
3
General Flynn and such individuals as Jared Kushner or Don Trump. Jr, have been simply President Trump's subordinates. I believe that Special Counsel Robert Mueller won't spend too much time on the subordinates. The majority of the Americans would like to solve this Infamy as soon as possible. The USA should take care of many different things.
1
That's how you get to the top, you flip the subordinates. That's how they got the Mob for the most part.
5
SOP for these kinds of investigations is to go after the low hanging fruit and then make a deal with them to turn states evidence against the big guy or spend a life behind bars. Its no surprise Trump wanted to end the investigation of Flynn because it almost certainly leads directly back to Trump.
24
Regardless of what you think of Trump, grand jury proceedings are not supposed to take place in public via a constant stream of leaks. This is what happens when you send a prosecutor to search for a crime as opposed to prosecuting one. Congress totally dropped the ball on this one.
2
No. It's a high profile case. Witnesses and people who see subpoenas and requests for documents are talking about it. They have no obligation to keep grand jury information secret and they are not "leaking" when they make it public. There's no credible report of even a single leak from Mueller. And Congress has had nothing to do with it either way; the deputy AG appointed him.
1
That Michael Flynn is being investigated for possibly committing multiple felonies is no surprise.
Mr Mueller's request, however, shines a bright light on the fact that President Trump has consistently, staunchly defended Mr. Flynn - even within hours of firing him.
Why? ... Maybe loyalty?
Not likely. In return for his loyalty, Jeff Sessions was rewarded with the most condescending public humiliation - day after day - that any President in memory has ever showered on a subordinate.
Self-Preservation? (As in: "please, Mike, don't turn on me...")
This possibility seems to be a bit more likely...
Fortunately for us, Robert Mueller is on the case, and those who know him assure us that HIS loyalty is to the rule of law, and to democratic experiment that is our union.
Mr Mueller's request, however, shines a bright light on the fact that President Trump has consistently, staunchly defended Mr. Flynn - even within hours of firing him.
Why? ... Maybe loyalty?
Not likely. In return for his loyalty, Jeff Sessions was rewarded with the most condescending public humiliation - day after day - that any President in memory has ever showered on a subordinate.
Self-Preservation? (As in: "please, Mike, don't turn on me...")
This possibility seems to be a bit more likely...
Fortunately for us, Robert Mueller is on the case, and those who know him assure us that HIS loyalty is to the rule of law, and to democratic experiment that is our union.
27
It's shocking to discover through the excellent investigative reporting of journalists from the NYT and the WaPo what our elected and appointed politicians are doing behind our backs. Skimming monies from countries with whom we have adversarial relationships; helping to overthrow elected governments; helping to defame leaders and so-called opponents with fake news and trumped-up charges; writing, and disseminating false news in order to win elections. Its high time these "untouchable" officials were thoroughly investigated, along with the people who appointed them to their exalted roles in government. TRUMP and his mob are next.
21
I feel for President Trump. His transition team obviously did not perform the proper degree of due diligence vetting on Flynn and Flynn was sneaky and not forthcoming. Remember the transition staff does no possess subpoena powers or have investigative authority like the investigators assigned to the Special Counsel. Somehow I do not see Trump involved to the extent he is implicated by most. Let the investigation play out.
2
Witnesses must assume that by the time a Special Counsel/Prosecutor asks a question, they likely have a pretty good idea of the answer. Rigorous honesty is the only tactic for a grand jury interrogation. The raft of individuals associated with Team Trump lie frequently; their default is to lie. I cannot see them making the transition towards the straight up facts.
17
If Team Trump hired good attorneys they know by now there would be serious consequences to lying to a GJ...their only hope is to not to be called before a GJ, but that now seems less and less likely.
2
I am not being fallacious, do you suppose "the family" even knows how to discern between truth and falsehood? They have been lying their whole lives, am not sure they even have a concept of "truth".
4
The document request was served on the White House, not Mr. Flynn or his company. Evidence of Flynn's suspicious dealings would mostly be in his own possession or that of his company. The matter that the request would directly cover is whether Mr. Trump committed obstruction of justice in pressing for an end to the Flynn inquiry. It would appear, therefore, that Mr. Mueller isn't venturing afar into tangential matters. The possibility of obstruction by Trump is at the very core of this investigation.
12
A question to the attorneys out there: if Mueller comes back with multiple criminal indictments, let's say the worst of the worst for Trump and his team, what happens next? The GOP congress has already shown a willingness to ignore Trump's lies and march to his requests, such as the Kobach's voter suppression efforts. What happens if the GOP and Trump and his lawyers all refuse to accept Mueller's findings? They already are calling it all fake and saying the Mueller and his team are biased. Even if Mueller comes back with criminal findings, what happens if the GOP and Trump reject the report or refuse to acknowledge its legitimacy? I think this is a possible scenario. Please any lawyers out there: where would happen next?
10
Interesting question. I'd like to think the court of public opinion would out-weigh any attempt by the GOP congress to stonewall action, but Team Trump may be holding a card that could prevent the GOP congress from going along with anything William Mueller presents - several GOP pols also benefit from foreign money, see THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS column: TANGLED WEB CONNECTS RUSSIAN OLIGARCH MONEY TO GOP CAMPAIGNS, August 4, 2017.
1
Ann,
I'll preface this by stating this is not an answer from an attorney, but you raise important questions that don't require a JD degree to address. Federal prosecutors use Grand Juries to investigate and either hand up indictments or issue a "no true bill." Those indictments require that the person(s) at issue be arraigned by a Federal Magistrate Judge/Federal District Court Judge. Typically, a plea of "Not Guilty" is entered, bail is set and the system begins the long grind toward some resolution.
Most of us with a pulse know that Trump will seek to discredit any indictments, or negative conclusions absent formal indictments, that don't meet Trump's (multiple) version(s) of "the truth." BUT, post-indictment, Justice Department lawyers then have to prosecute, or plea-bargain, with the defendant and those prosecutors, importantly, would be from Bob Mueller's team.
Bottom line opinion: IF indictments are issued, Trump may go so far as to disrupt the prosecutions by firing Mueller, Sessions or.. who knows, maybe the whole Mueller team? But he cannot stop the prosecutions as those firings would only obstruct justice and not stop it ---- and no federal judge would countenance active measures by Trump to impede judicial proceedings arising from an indictment.
I'll preface this by stating this is not an answer from an attorney, but you raise important questions that don't require a JD degree to address. Federal prosecutors use Grand Juries to investigate and either hand up indictments or issue a "no true bill." Those indictments require that the person(s) at issue be arraigned by a Federal Magistrate Judge/Federal District Court Judge. Typically, a plea of "Not Guilty" is entered, bail is set and the system begins the long grind toward some resolution.
Most of us with a pulse know that Trump will seek to discredit any indictments, or negative conclusions absent formal indictments, that don't meet Trump's (multiple) version(s) of "the truth." BUT, post-indictment, Justice Department lawyers then have to prosecute, or plea-bargain, with the defendant and those prosecutors, importantly, would be from Bob Mueller's team.
Bottom line opinion: IF indictments are issued, Trump may go so far as to disrupt the prosecutions by firing Mueller, Sessions or.. who knows, maybe the whole Mueller team? But he cannot stop the prosecutions as those firings would only obstruct justice and not stop it ---- and no federal judge would countenance active measures by Trump to impede judicial proceedings arising from an indictment.
4
@Ann Porter: We citizens must also keep up the pressure on our representatives to further investigate these issues. You can contact your representatives daily, as many people do. When a critical mass of citizens complain, these reps will finally get off their duffs and follow the law.
2
Flynn is not the only one caught up in this investigation, of course, but he is
one of the earliest. So those behind him, as well as readers, might be interested in how this is impacting Flynn's life. Do his 24 days disqualify him from working as a lobbyist? Does he have any current sources of income? What would estimates be of his lawyer fees? Such information might be weighed by others
considering whether to come forward or co-operate.
one of the earliest. So those behind him, as well as readers, might be interested in how this is impacting Flynn's life. Do his 24 days disqualify him from working as a lobbyist? Does he have any current sources of income? What would estimates be of his lawyer fees? Such information might be weighed by others
considering whether to come forward or co-operate.
1
This will not be a quick resolve. It looks like Flynn may be the easiest to get to roll over and share information that the Trump Administration would like kept quiet. If Trump did fire Mr. Comey to interfere with an investigation and Flynn can offer evidence to that fact, then the obstruction of justice becomes a possible charge against Mr. Trump. Flynn will fold, as will Jared Kushner, they do not want to go to jail.
If Trump wants people to believe he is innocent, he could start by being more open, and release his past decade of taxes. That could clear up some of the suspicion.
If Trump wants people to believe he is innocent, he could start by being more open, and release his past decade of taxes. That could clear up some of the suspicion.
7
How about Manafort?
3
Yes, Manafort is another guy who will want to save his own skin.
3
Not only is the white house being investigated, but the military has been keeping a check on this president, through General Kelly. This isn't normal. It's unheard of.
We've learned the general even listens in on the president's telephone conversations. And decides who comes in to the office. And who stays out.
This implies something major is wrong. That's an awful lot of guidance and direction through the day for a so called "commander in chief."
As others have said, what's happening is this enables Donald Trump to stay in office despite obviously deemed unfit on his own to even *run* the white house.
If there's a need for him to be looked after-- as in his dealings need supervised day to day by the military-- then this presents something else:
Quite simply, aren't we enabling an enabler to enable a seemingly incapable president to remain in office? (Yes, that's a lot of enabling)
It's time for Republicans to acknowledge there's a major problem, and discussion of resignation would certainly be in order. And invoking Article 25.
The president requires his days monitored---and the military is doing it!!!
This doesn't even make sense as a continuing state of affairs.
Yet everyone went on vacation???? House, Senate and President.
This is Bizarro World on Steroids.
We've learned the general even listens in on the president's telephone conversations. And decides who comes in to the office. And who stays out.
This implies something major is wrong. That's an awful lot of guidance and direction through the day for a so called "commander in chief."
As others have said, what's happening is this enables Donald Trump to stay in office despite obviously deemed unfit on his own to even *run* the white house.
If there's a need for him to be looked after-- as in his dealings need supervised day to day by the military-- then this presents something else:
Quite simply, aren't we enabling an enabler to enable a seemingly incapable president to remain in office? (Yes, that's a lot of enabling)
It's time for Republicans to acknowledge there's a major problem, and discussion of resignation would certainly be in order. And invoking Article 25.
The president requires his days monitored---and the military is doing it!!!
This doesn't even make sense as a continuing state of affairs.
Yet everyone went on vacation???? House, Senate and President.
This is Bizarro World on Steroids.
15
It's been reported that Gen Kelly and Gen Mattis made a pact that one of them should stay in the United States at all times to monitor the president...Nice, huh? not even the military trusts the president!
4
History has shown us this is how a military government gets its footing.. Add in The Dept of Energy, which manages nuclear weapons programs, is run by Rick Perry--a ridiculous appointment who could probably be talked into anything. Obama's guy was an actual nuclear expert. Rick Perry's clueless!
Then the VP's a rubber stamp for Trump with fawning Orwellian praise. Trump has all these political appointees everywhere that carry Bannon's message of "blowing it all up Lenin style." Not one of these scenarios inspires confidence.
Now the military monitors Trump closely in an unprecedented maneuver right in the white house because he is too inept to function on his own. And Republicans go on recess for an entire month. The AG office wants to attack college admissions programs, voting rolls, journalists and the free press. And the president has given just one major press conference since inauguration and that was back in February. Unheard of evasiveness and creeping authoritarianism.
Then the VP's a rubber stamp for Trump with fawning Orwellian praise. Trump has all these political appointees everywhere that carry Bannon's message of "blowing it all up Lenin style." Not one of these scenarios inspires confidence.
Now the military monitors Trump closely in an unprecedented maneuver right in the white house because he is too inept to function on his own. And Republicans go on recess for an entire month. The AG office wants to attack college admissions programs, voting rolls, journalists and the free press. And the president has given just one major press conference since inauguration and that was back in February. Unheard of evasiveness and creeping authoritarianism.
1
The president clearly is concerned--perhaps obsessed--with the investigation. If the smoke leads to fire, Mr. Trump may lead us to war. One of his enduring techniques is to create distraction, and what better distraction could he conjure than war?
12
Mr. Trump's counsel claims, "It's full cooperation mode as far as we are concerned." That sure looks like a lie. His client the president has attacked Mr. Mueller with falsehoods, tried to limit the scope of his work, and threatened to have him fired.
Mr. Alptekin said, "If we were trying to hide, you'd think we'd be good at it." Do you recognize that? It's the Trump defense. "How could we have colluded?" they say. "We weren't any good at it." The Constitution doesn't care whether or not you are "good at it."
Trump resisted firing Mr. Flynn, and has defended him vigorously in the meantime. But we all now know Trump cares only about Trump. He would throw even the most loyal subordinate to the wolves. Why has Trump made an exception for Flynn?
Mr. Alptekin said, "If we were trying to hide, you'd think we'd be good at it." Do you recognize that? It's the Trump defense. "How could we have colluded?" they say. "We weren't any good at it." The Constitution doesn't care whether or not you are "good at it."
Trump resisted firing Mr. Flynn, and has defended him vigorously in the meantime. But we all now know Trump cares only about Trump. He would throw even the most loyal subordinate to the wolves. Why has Trump made an exception for Flynn?
13
Flynn sandbagged during his hearings for the job. I'm just incredulous that Trump appointed this guy when his list of conflicts of interest are astounding. Muehler will be under increasing pressure to indict somebody. Right now, Flynn may be the one. Everybody else? I don't see Kushner on Muehler's menu because there's not enough there. Jared has separate legal problems in New York for selling green cards to foreign investors. I'm not partial to ex-generals taking big money from foreign governments. If Flynn goes down it will sound a warning.
9
I wish I could have the luxury of being able to earn $530,000 in a year and to then have that negligible sum oddly omit itself from my public financial disclosures.
9
Michael Flynn is like the loose thread in a cheap Christmas sweater. A good pull and the whole thing stands to fall apart.
And yet, despite this (or because of this?), the man with the self-proclaimed ability to hire the best talent stuck by Flynn--the man trained in high level intelligence and surveillance who was evidently unaware that basic counter intelligence dictates that we monitor the communications of foreign operatives--well past the sell by date.
Here is guessing that Flynn has yet to update his forms for the final time . . .
And yet, despite this (or because of this?), the man with the self-proclaimed ability to hire the best talent stuck by Flynn--the man trained in high level intelligence and surveillance who was evidently unaware that basic counter intelligence dictates that we monitor the communications of foreign operatives--well past the sell by date.
Here is guessing that Flynn has yet to update his forms for the final time . . .
9
I'm glad Mueller is casting a wide net, because I am not convinced there was "collusion." As I understand that term, there has to have been some degree of active cooperation in pursuit of a common goal. My take on it is that Team Trump were just stupid and got played by the Russians.
Trump is not concerned about a narrow investigation, but is terrified of a deeper look into his finances. If he gets cooked it will be by what happened before, and by his frantic attempts to cover it up.
Trump has no immunity from crimes committed before he became president. It will be most interesting when he is called to testify before the grand jury, as he will be (same as Clinton). He is a pathological liar. It will be virtually impossible for him not to commit perjury. The best his lawyers will be able to do will be to have him invoke the fifth amendment.
Trump is not concerned about a narrow investigation, but is terrified of a deeper look into his finances. If he gets cooked it will be by what happened before, and by his frantic attempts to cover it up.
Trump has no immunity from crimes committed before he became president. It will be most interesting when he is called to testify before the grand jury, as he will be (same as Clinton). He is a pathological liar. It will be virtually impossible for him not to commit perjury. The best his lawyers will be able to do will be to have him invoke the fifth amendment.
7
There was collusion.
1
ALL foreign agents must be exposed as public information listed by country. If I want to check how many individuals and companies work for a foreign country/entity/public or private, I should be able to search rather easily similar to what the CIA puts out a world fact book that I can review country wide on line.
This information should also be readily available for junkets sponsored by foreign countries and local sponsors of foreign countries. These sponsors should also be required to be registered as foreign agents. Anytime any individual/organization or entity is pushing for any legislation in the US Congress which has an impact on their client State, they must be registered as a foreign agent. So if Flynn Intel Groups Owner is penning an Op-Ed the readers must be made aware that it is a paid advert on behalf of a foreign country.
Flynn probably has some information on Trump’s Russia/Putin connection and maybe that was the reason for asking about the Presidential powers to pardon anyone. Most of us are waiting with bated breath, for the conclusion of this investigation.
This information should also be readily available for junkets sponsored by foreign countries and local sponsors of foreign countries. These sponsors should also be required to be registered as foreign agents. Anytime any individual/organization or entity is pushing for any legislation in the US Congress which has an impact on their client State, they must be registered as a foreign agent. So if Flynn Intel Groups Owner is penning an Op-Ed the readers must be made aware that it is a paid advert on behalf of a foreign country.
Flynn probably has some information on Trump’s Russia/Putin connection and maybe that was the reason for asking about the Presidential powers to pardon anyone. Most of us are waiting with bated breath, for the conclusion of this investigation.
4
I, and many Americans, fervently hope Mueller can move swiftly and diligently in his work for the people of the United States of America—
Who wait patiently, with a sense of profound anxiety and embarrassment for our country.
Who wait patiently, with a sense of profound anxiety and embarrassment for our country.
11
My concern in watching Trump at the rally in W Virginia is that he is subtly inciting violence against the Special Counsel. W Virginia, where guns are more important than people. Trump knows where to go to get his cultish soldiers
I wonder what sort of threats the W Virginia Governor has received to make him jump back to the Republican party.
Trump is a dangerous man, especially now.
I wonder what sort of threats the W Virginia Governor has received to make him jump back to the Republican party.
Trump is a dangerous man, especially now.
16
I thought Mueller and his prosecutors were not supposed to"leak" info on what, who and why they were looking into! Is this any way to run an investigation?
3
Echoing Alice, "curiouser and curiouser."
4
It is astonishing and dismaying that not all Americans recognize that our president is a pawn of Putin...
175
Even sadder is that so many GOP voters understand how corrupt and authoritarian Trump is and simply don't care. One endemic weakness of democracy is that it goes away if enough people stop valuing it.
4
Everyone in congress does but they still won't impeach and remove trump! Sanctions passed almost unanimously. Congress is going to have to lead the people!
3
And you say that based on this article? This is a fishing expedition that will prove nothing. There has been no direct evidence that Trump or anyone on the campaign worked with the Russians. And this "inquiry" has been going on since July 2016. This inquiry and all of these dangerous leaks are nothing more than efforts by the left to destroy the president, who was fairly elected by the people. Doesn't that concern you?
2
Trump will definitely fire Mueller. Then we'll see where we go.
18
I don't think so. Even Trump would not be prepared for the firestorm that would erupt. I could see Republicans in the Senate open to impeachment hearings.
4
. . .then any or all of the congressional committees will hire him. He won't need a grand jury to subpoena.
The irony is if either or both of the pending bills preventing his dismissal get veto proof votes, then Trump will have to sign them.
Ha!
The irony is if either or both of the pending bills preventing his dismissal get veto proof votes, then Trump will have to sign them.
Ha!
5
We'll see how far off the reservation Mueller tries to go before he is fired.
1
Trump and his cronies just can't help them selves. They think they deserve to get there share of Eastern European cash flow.
We deliver you the markets, we get a cut (in a Swiss account like the Urkranians for natural gas from Russia).
Flynn got too careless. He will roast. Others...we shall see. Trump wont be able to distance himself from Flynn quick enough.
We deliver you the markets, we get a cut (in a Swiss account like the Urkranians for natural gas from Russia).
Flynn got too careless. He will roast. Others...we shall see. Trump wont be able to distance himself from Flynn quick enough.
42
Flynn is but the tip of the iceberg.
3
This is a test. Mueller has what he's looking for. Checking to see whether the White House will play ball. If not, another check mark in the obstruction of justice column.
93
The Trump campaign is a big part of the reason why we are losing are Democracy. If our election was compromised we must go after the criminals. These criminals must serve hard labor at Guatonomo Bay, Cuba for high treason.
34
Our democracy was being compromised long before Trump, starting with private donors and the SCOTUS. The only way to cure the corruption is a constitutional amendment for publicly financed elections. No money, of any kind, should be given to candidates. Free airtime. Otherwise, we're doomed. Our system is so corrupt, potential for corruption is so great, there's no future.
5
The prospects of directing them to the Guantanamo Bay Prison may explain why they are not afraid; it's a tropical paradise, prison-wise. Chicago and New York are too cold, and we don't want to turn them loose in a Disney-like spot.
Still missing what this has to do with alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia,
7
Norman, Mr. Mueller is going where the evidence leads. It's not only about collusion between Trump campaign and Russia.
5
It doesn't matter. The key argument is Flynn lied to the American people, to Congress. For that he needs deep exposure and the appropriate penalties.
2
This is only the beginning. Stick around for the final chapter.
2
The fact that Mr. Flynn has now filed three new versions of his financial-disclosure forms to include material omissions is why he tried to cop a plea deal early on. But it's likely that Mueller has only scratched the surface of Flynn's transgressions. What ever happened to the "three strikes and you're out" rule that the GOP has relentlessly pursued for decades? Their silence is deafening...
73
GOP may be silent, on social media disgusting groups like the NAR and Trump supporters have stepped up threats to NYPost and non-Trump-supporters. Some Trump supporters are even "talking" civil war.
2
Yep, Flynn has legal issues. What does this have to do w Russian collusion and how does trump get blamed for this? Flynn worked for obama, bush, Clinton also
2
Weird how people who want to break up millions of families because of the law don't care about this White House might be violating some of the most serious laws there is.
I'm sure it has nothing to do with race. /s
I'm sure it has nothing to do with race. /s
78
The truth will. as it aways does, out.
26
The truth rarely comes out all the way. But if we are lucky here, enough well do the job.
Dominos.
Dominos.
2
Yes. Hillary lost, all on her own.
3
Mr. Flynn is innocent until proven guilty. Having said that, Mr. Trump despite all the red flags and warnings from Mr. Obama, decided to make Flynn is National Security adviser, one of the most important positions in the U.S government. For Mr. Trump, loyalty to him comes above anything else, even the United States of America.
Is anyone out there still doubting that Mr. Trump asked for Comey's loyalty?
Is anyone out there still doubting that Mr. Trump asked for Comey's loyalty?
112
Mr. Flynn has already committed a felony by willfully failing to register as an agent of a Foreign nation. That he was allowed to acknowledge and register well after the fact, does not erase the felony act. Why he hasn't be charged and prosecuted on that matter- is anyone's guess. I am hoping it won't be dismissed in exchange for his *cooperation*.
3
I'm not so sure Trump is loyal to Flynn or anyone else. More scared of what Flynn might say.
3
National Security Advisor does not need Senate confirmation.
1
Documents? What documents?
Didn't keep any document because we are new to politics.
Dog ate the documents.
Shredded the documents by mistake.
No documents was sick that day.
We only tweet and don't keep documents.
No documents since we keep a paperless office.
Gave our copy to Putin and he never gave it back.
Broken hand so couldn't keep documents.
Computer crashed and destroyed documents.
Flynn. Who he?
Didn't keep any document because we are new to politics.
Dog ate the documents.
Shredded the documents by mistake.
No documents was sick that day.
We only tweet and don't keep documents.
No documents since we keep a paperless office.
Gave our copy to Putin and he never gave it back.
Broken hand so couldn't keep documents.
Computer crashed and destroyed documents.
Flynn. Who he?
259
Hillary deleted 33,000 emails and some were beyond top secret - why isn't she being held accountable? Because Comey gave the dems a pass.
1
They should have used the Clinton way...destroy all evidence by "hammering" everything away.
3
What a sleazy bunch of creeps. Invoking 911 to explain his sleazyness is nothing but disgusting.
85
Reminds me of Watergate. It took a long time for stalwarts to look at the facts and accept the reality. But now, with our polarized media and polarized populace, we really do have "alternate facts". In light of all that we have seen and read, a segment of the population will believe that this is just a vindictive witch hunt, having sealed themselves off from just a few news sources.
56
And yet, here I am, a Fox NEWS(Brett Baier, etc)fan, reading and digesting the reporting of The Old Grey Lady, and considering the views of her other readers. Lets wait and see how much of this "witch hunt" produces prosecutions that center on any meaningful interference in our election by Russia.
2
So we're back to Flynn and....Turkey? I thought this was about Trump colluding with RUSSIA...this is getting comical.
8
No, it's not comical.
Flynn got paid for "consulting" on building nuclear power plants in Middle East (Iran?), by Russia, possibly Ukraine, Turkey and who knows how many other countries.
The money-trail to Turkey is fairly new and related to theversion III of Flynn's financial disclosure-updates. Mueller's team may have already had the paperwork on all the other dodgy deals.
Flynn got paid for "consulting" on building nuclear power plants in Middle East (Iran?), by Russia, possibly Ukraine, Turkey and who knows how many other countries.
The money-trail to Turkey is fairly new and related to theversion III of Flynn's financial disclosure-updates. Mueller's team may have already had the paperwork on all the other dodgy deals.
3
It's similar to the Rubik's cube. Eventually, all sides will align.
3
Dave, Mueller is following the evidence where it leads. Investigating Flynn's improper conduct in no way precludes also looking at Trump campaign colluding with Russia.
3
No idea whether it's warranted, but I get the feeling Mueller is doing a thorough job; that if there's anything there beyond what we already know, he and his people will find it.
36
Flynn took payments from turkey. What does this have to do w trump Russian collusion?
2
Mueller is going to twist Flynn like a pretzel until he gives up Trump and the entire story behind the Russian escapade.
109
Aaron,
I wonder if Flynn knows the entire story of the Russian excapade?
I personally believe the story is more complicated than Flynn could comprehend and involves a lot of money flowing to The Donald when the western banks cut him off. I'm sure there was, is?, a healthy interest rate on those funds, but I have a feeling when you're dealing with Putin there are many forms of interest . . .
Maybe, cutting off CIA support of anti-Bashar al-Assad forces demanded during a dinner meeting when Donny didn't have a translater. Remember Putin is reportedly fluent in English, and his 'need' for a translater may be for other reasons. Regardless, based on the Mexican transcript begging, The Donald is out of his league.
I wonder if Flynn knows the entire story of the Russian excapade?
I personally believe the story is more complicated than Flynn could comprehend and involves a lot of money flowing to The Donald when the western banks cut him off. I'm sure there was, is?, a healthy interest rate on those funds, but I have a feeling when you're dealing with Putin there are many forms of interest . . .
Maybe, cutting off CIA support of anti-Bashar al-Assad forces demanded during a dinner meeting when Donny didn't have a translater. Remember Putin is reportedly fluent in English, and his 'need' for a translater may be for other reasons. Regardless, based on the Mexican transcript begging, The Donald is out of his league.
5
Flynn is already feeling the heat and will flip and make a deal with the feds to lower his criminal liability - prison time.
Also his legal fees to defend these criminal allegations are going to go through the roof.
Flynn is going to implicate Trump, his family, and others in a number of white-collar crimes, including money laundering.
Robert "Mauler" Mueller has a lawyer who is an expert on flipping defendants. Flynn, via his lawyers, has already said he wants to immunity for telling his "story," according to published reports.
Also his legal fees to defend these criminal allegations are going to go through the roof.
Flynn is going to implicate Trump, his family, and others in a number of white-collar crimes, including money laundering.
Robert "Mauler" Mueller has a lawyer who is an expert on flipping defendants. Flynn, via his lawyers, has already said he wants to immunity for telling his "story," according to published reports.
68
The sooner the better.
1
I have to admit, the idea of more revelations and the prospect of them turning on each does bring a smile to my face.
75
As the coil tightens it will become ever clearer whence Trump's animus against Mueller and the 'witch hunt'. Trump's problem is that he is, in fact, a witch (metaphorically; calm down, please). His entire life has been based on shadiness and unscrupulous double-dealing. No reason particularly to expect that to change because he was elected to the presidency.
37
Don't forget...Trump knows how to stir a good pot, too. So witchy!
1
Why would Trump risk everything in supporting a tainted former General that was linked to the Russians? Other than that he was working on behalf of Trump with his full knowledge in order to placate Putin and fulfill his end of the bargain with the Kremlin during the 2016 election. Has Trump ever criticized Putin? If there is, it has never been reported by any news outlet. Likewise, Mueller is opening up the books on Flynn's dealings with the Turks, and in the process, examining Flynn's relation with his money source, who has Russian ties as well. This is not the beginning of the end, but to quote Winston Churchill, the end of the beginning.
41
Flynn was not just working for and with Trump. Kushner and Flynn went off to Russia, where Kushner had private meetings - contents unknown.
3
What really gets me is that if the people in the Trump administration hadn't wanted to put a totally inappropriate person in the presidency for all of their own personal profit, most of them wouldn't be in the criminal spotlight. If so many innocent people (i.e., the citizenry, American and everywhere else) weren't at risk, it would almost be delicious.
23
Like any good organized crime or racketeering case you start with a little fish. If Flynn is loyal to President Trump he's a slow learner.
53
Remember in March, Flynn wanted immunity as he had "a story to tell"? Day later, Trump tweeted Flynn should be granted immunity?
Don't think Flynn got that immunity & as for Trump backing and praising folks: it's usually a sign he'll soon drop them, will attack them, will boot them out.
Don't think Flynn got that immunity & as for Trump backing and praising folks: it's usually a sign he'll soon drop them, will attack them, will boot them out.
2
One of the densest articles I have read, but certainly one of the most important. My life seems totally boring when compared to the escapades of Michael Flynn .
Of course Flynn is but the tip of the iceberg. I look forward to seeing justice served on the man who dares to call himself president.
It's about time that the real intent and agenda of this man and all who surround him are exposed for what they truly are: greedy, conniving liars.
Of course Flynn is but the tip of the iceberg. I look forward to seeing justice served on the man who dares to call himself president.
It's about time that the real intent and agenda of this man and all who surround him are exposed for what they truly are: greedy, conniving liars.
356
Christine, I love your comment...it is clear that Flynn is but one of many in this hapless administration who flouts the law for financial gain...make no mistake about it, if Trump isn't nailed for being more or less a Russian mole, get him for money laundering...
2
Instead of objecting to a protracted McCarthyism-style campaign, you accept this as a legitimate process. American foreign policies have sown death and distraction all over the world going back to Eisenhower and continuing all the way to the current Administration, yet all you can think of is a Stalinist type propaganda disseminated by a newspaper that lies more effectively than Izvestia and Pravda used to.
nicely said
spot on
spot on
2
At what point does this get flipped over? I mean it is already toast, is it not?
44
** fingers crossed **
for justice.
for justice.
18
Not sure what you're what your asking but the Watergate investigation lasted for over 900 days and the scope of that scandal and investigation was a great deal smaller. The tentacles on this one reach half way around the World with a cast of characters and scale never before seen.
With Mueller still adding staff just this week and a grand jury just now being formed, you may have to wait another 2 years before your "toast" is ready.
I would assume the final slice will have an image of Comrade Trump burned into its surface.
With Mueller still adding staff just this week and a grand jury just now being formed, you may have to wait another 2 years before your "toast" is ready.
I would assume the final slice will have an image of Comrade Trump burned into its surface.
3
I would volunteer to work for free to further this investigation.
1
So relieved to see this. Sane, honest Americans need to take our country back
184
Texas Progressive,
Tom Brokaw was speaking on Morning Joe a couple of days ago. He had been in Powell, Wyo a small town which was 70% Trump voters in the election. Asked what they were today, Brokaw estimated 69.9%
I understand your point, but I worry "sane, honest Americans" in Wyoming (and Texas and Colorado and, even, NJ) believe that Trump is taking the country back from 'crooked Hillary' and the FakeNews is causing problems for their man, Donald Trump.
Tom Brokaw was speaking on Morning Joe a couple of days ago. He had been in Powell, Wyo a small town which was 70% Trump voters in the election. Asked what they were today, Brokaw estimated 69.9%
I understand your point, but I worry "sane, honest Americans" in Wyoming (and Texas and Colorado and, even, NJ) believe that Trump is taking the country back from 'crooked Hillary' and the FakeNews is causing problems for their man, Donald Trump.
4
Let's not forget that in late March, Flynn was touting for immunity from prosecution in return for testifying to federal and congressional investigators. Looks like he might be the "weakest link".
Strange how DJT - not one known for conspicuous loyalty - has always jumped to his defense ...
Strange how DJT - not one known for conspicuous loyalty - has always jumped to his defense ...
216
They're all liars, the whole lot of them. I don't think you need a whole hand to count the ones who haven't yet been caught lying through their teeth...not "spinning" or "cherry picking" but just straight out lying through their teeth.
195
I really don't understand why they feel the need to constantly lie, other than to cover up nefarious activities...is it because Donald doesn't want to appear to be a "dope", as he told the Australian PM, or is it because he simply has no moral compass, as apparently do those around him and those foolishly supporting him.
1
So, in what seems like a very round-about way, Mr Mueller is investigating all aspects of financial dealings with foreign entities.
so glad to to read this!
It might very well take years to reach and absolute conclusion, but it warms my heart to know someone is an actual patriot and is prepared to expose dirty little secrets DJT & Co are working so hard to hide.
2018 and 2020 elections are looking better and better to me.
so glad to to read this!
It might very well take years to reach and absolute conclusion, but it warms my heart to know someone is an actual patriot and is prepared to expose dirty little secrets DJT & Co are working so hard to hide.
2018 and 2020 elections are looking better and better to me.
78
Mueller is not going to be bullied by Trump, that's for sure...I am glad it is making Trump crazy that his finance may finally face the scrutiny we long have been seeking.
5
Not really. If he were, he would be also calling in the Clintons and their campaign personnel and the employees of the Foundation.
1
Should hillarys uranium deal and 145m dollars from Russia also be investigated?
1
I wonder if Mr. Trump will enjoy his seventeen days of golf? I believe that has a major handicap to play through!
39
In between the golf, he'll probably be prepped by his expensive legal eagles.
2
Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when we are entangled with Trump.
Period.
Period.
76
Boy it's quiet here. I guess if the article doesn't include a line like, " the special counsel is considering impaneling a Nuremberg tribunal for the Trump - Pence administration and their family members. and installing Linds Sarsour to finish out the remaining years of Trump's term", then it's just not worth commenting about. SAD ;-)
8
Hard to imagine the Mueller investigation ending without thorough analysis of those "audited" tax returns - the karma completing its full circle.
68
The data mining connections to Flynn could be very bad news for Trump, as this investigation proceeds.
57
data mining is not against the law.
1
Cambridge Analitics director was Bannon, GOP & Trump mega donor linked to parent company of CA.
Flynn and others in Trump admin linked to Russian and Ukraine (pro Putin) oligarchs. Flynn and other GOP backers linked to various shell-companies used to evade taxes, used for money laundering etc.
Trump may claim again and again, he has no business in Russia? He's shown up again and again as a liar.
Flynn and others in Trump admin linked to Russian and Ukraine (pro Putin) oligarchs. Flynn and other GOP backers linked to various shell-companies used to evade taxes, used for money laundering etc.
Trump may claim again and again, he has no business in Russia? He's shown up again and again as a liar.
5
But what about his E-Mails????
54
It looks like filling out background checks is completely optional and can be adjusted anytime if you get caught. You would think people at this level looking for the highest security clearance would be required to be more responsible and qualified. Something sure smells fishy.
214
As the Mooch said, the rot starts at the top.
11
@Sonya: Yes, and a funny thing is, Mooch put it (inadvertently) even better for this bunch: "the fish stinks from the head down". Most of us would say the fish rots from the head down. But the Trump fish stink at the head while they're still swimming around.
5
and the true daily process of getting the truth about our last election will come. Patience to all concerned which i hope is each one of us. Mr. Mueller will not be swayed by anything other than termination for CAUSE or a substantially obvious blatant obstruction. Clear sailing sir and thank you.
45
As a physician, I am aware of a colleague who failed to mention a DWI conviction on a medical licensure renewal application, and that omission was sufficient to result in the loss of his medical license. With that in mind, I find it fascinating how Flynn and other members of Team Trump have repeatedly omitted meetings and other connections with unsavoury entities with relative impunity -- and amended those applications only when forced to do so. The obfuscation of truth displayed by these individuals should be enough to render them ineligible for employment at McDonald's, let alone the White House.
1792
"As a physician, I am aware of a colleague who failed to mention a DWI conviction on a medical licensure renewal application, and that omission was sufficient to result in the loss of his medical license."
Permanent loss? Where? When? Is this the full story? Fantasy? How does this apply to Flynn anyway?
Permanent loss? Where? When? Is this the full story? Fantasy? How does this apply to Flynn anyway?
1
Ben -
FYI Flynn WAS dismissed from the White House team. Did your you miss that? What this and other personnel issues does highlight is Trump's poor judgement and vetting process no question.
FYI Flynn WAS dismissed from the White House team. Did your you miss that? What this and other personnel issues does highlight is Trump's poor judgement and vetting process no question.
4
Perhaps they can apply at McDonald's after they are released from prison.
7
More leaks?
But Jeff Sessions said...........................
But Jeff Sessions said...........................
90
This is just incredible. Flynn profited by supporting Erdogan's purge of judges, journalists, teachers, while hiding the profits made from Russian dealings, and the president would have us think this is nothing.
What Trump asked of Comey is pure obstruction, and it speaks plainly to his utter non-relationship with the truth.
The importance of the work Bob Mueller is doing is of tremendous consequence. That he is protected and supported in his quest for the truth is crucial.
What Trump asked of Comey is pure obstruction, and it speaks plainly to his utter non-relationship with the truth.
The importance of the work Bob Mueller is doing is of tremendous consequence. That he is protected and supported in his quest for the truth is crucial.
920
Too bad the Constitution gives the President the power to tell the FBI and DOJ to stop any investigation he wants!
What trump asked of comey is not obstruction. Go back to law school
2
Tell your best bud: Just try it. See what happens.
In what universe do you get to resubmit your financial disclosure forms repeatedly? If you were a normal person seeking a mortgage and your played this game, you'd be out of luck. So why is it that high-level White House people are able to get away with this? This should be "one and done." If you lie or obfuscate or even if you simply forget, that's it. No second chances, because you and I sure as hell wouldn't get a second and third chance!
This is what drives the average American nuts. The fact that the rich and connected seem to operate on a plai high above them. They are rarely punished, while simple crimes of normal people are prosecuted "to the fullest extent of the law."
And I lay this on both parties. Obama's DOJ was weak and ineffectual. None of robber baron banksters ever served a day. Indeed, none were even indicted. And now Trump's band is doing the very same thing. Here's hoping the Mueller is the kind of guy who will take this where it leads and will issues indictments, when and if he feels he has the evidence.
This is what drives the average American nuts. The fact that the rich and connected seem to operate on a plai high above them. They are rarely punished, while simple crimes of normal people are prosecuted "to the fullest extent of the law."
And I lay this on both parties. Obama's DOJ was weak and ineffectual. None of robber baron banksters ever served a day. Indeed, none were even indicted. And now Trump's band is doing the very same thing. Here's hoping the Mueller is the kind of guy who will take this where it leads and will issues indictments, when and if he feels he has the evidence.
1272
How often do we read that the government is negotiating a fine with a company accused of breaking the law? How often does the average citizen get to negotiate a fine?
20
"And I lay this on both parties."
Of course you do. That way all critical thinking skills can be abandoned completely.
Of course you do. That way all critical thinking skills can be abandoned completely.
22
Clyde, I don't think the average American is being driven nuts. How could they? They don't know the meaning of a kleptocracy, fascism, oligarchy, a dictatorship, or any history. Millions keep the GOP afloat and Donald Trump has been foisted on us via its machinations.
Thank goodness our laws are holding up - so far. Six months from now, I sincerely hope we do not wake up from the sleep of denial to the real nightmare that may transpire.
Thank goodness our laws are holding up - so far. Six months from now, I sincerely hope we do not wake up from the sleep of denial to the real nightmare that may transpire.
4
If the White House has the documents that are being requested, it would show that the White House staff knew or should have known of Flynn's criminal conduct. If various people claim that others did not know of the documents, then someone will be culpable for concealing what should have been fully disclosed up the chain of command.
If there was concealment, then someone was conspiring to permit Flynn to violate the law or assist in avoiding detection.
Mueller will seek to learn who had access to these documents, when they accessed the documents, when the documents were forwarded or discussed with others. Ultimately, Mueller will make a deal with someone lower in the food chain to make his way up the chain of command.
In the end, the question will be can anyone believe that Trump was ignorant of the full facts surrounding Flynn. The answer to that question will not be pretty.
If there was concealment, then someone was conspiring to permit Flynn to violate the law or assist in avoiding detection.
Mueller will seek to learn who had access to these documents, when they accessed the documents, when the documents were forwarded or discussed with others. Ultimately, Mueller will make a deal with someone lower in the food chain to make his way up the chain of command.
In the end, the question will be can anyone believe that Trump was ignorant of the full facts surrounding Flynn. The answer to that question will not be pretty.
309
Pence, that's what I am wondering about. The story was that Flynn lied to Pence and so Trump fired Flynn, right? That has always struck me as funny. It made me wonder about Pence's competence and judgement at a sort of Human Resources Department level. I would think that Pence's responsibility during the transition would give him access to more about Flynn than just Flynn's own word. Will analysis of documents and timing show this to be the case? Suppose Pence was being "loyal" to Trump by going along with the story about Flynn lying to Pence? Was there a benefit for Pence beyond whatever giving evidence of loyalty would give him?
62
@Peg, Rep. Elijah Cumings sent a letter to VP Pence surgically about reports that Flynn was a lobbyist for the Turkish government, in NOVEMBER. That letter was never responded to. Pence knew at the earliest then and did nothing. When I saw him in February denying any calls and defending Flynn, it seemed to me he was lying. He knew likely all along.
9
What criminal conduct are you talking about?
1
“If we were trying to hide,” he said, “you’d think we’d be good at it.”
Not, it seems, if you are connected to the current presidential administration.
Not, it seems, if you are connected to the current presidential administration.
625
Wouldn't one investigating begin with the premise that anything tangible, palpable, material, physical, real, substantial, corporeal, solid, concrete; visible, noticeable; actual, definite, clear, clear-cut, distinct, manifest, evident, unmistakable, perceptible, discernible and/or relative has already long been destroyed?
We need to be patient and allow Mueller to investigate and pursue the many leads in this case, unhindered.
Trump had a lot more help than any other candidate. Was it forced on him through kompromat? What about Flynn, Manafort, and Kushner? Did they owe money to Russian entities? The Turkish angle is one we need far more information than we've so far gotten.
So many questions...
---
www.rimaregas.com
Trump had a lot more help than any other candidate. Was it forced on him through kompromat? What about Flynn, Manafort, and Kushner? Did they owe money to Russian entities? The Turkish angle is one we need far more information than we've so far gotten.
So many questions...
---
www.rimaregas.com
138
Rima, I look forward to your always enlightening and using succulent comments, that strip away an articles to its essence. Thank you for taking the time. Kat
1
Wilbur Ross, the Bank of Cyprus, and Russian thugs laundering big money.
2
Mr. Mueller, please leave no stone unturned and pay no mind to Trump's antics in this investigation. Trump gave Flynn power despite both the warnings of President Obama and Trump's own knowledge that Flynn was a liar. No responsible leader could do so. Trump is into something sordid, like Flynn.
Mr. Mueller, the nation needs you to ensure that justice does not elude even the White House.
Mr. Mueller, the nation needs you to ensure that justice does not elude even the White House.
661
Dear NM, "If you like your plan, you can keep your plan."
Hypocrisy is for everyone, everywhere, and that's not to equivocate or excuse. It's easy to jump to conclusions, especially about someone you're allergic to.
Every General is sought after as an analyst, expert advisor, consultant... the people warning the admin were seeking the same work in January 2017. Whether it's Judas & Brutus, LLC or you or me. Everybody betrays. It's not cynical. It's true. Every person is addicted to themselves. Try and think of something without it benefitting you. It's not in and of itself wrong or selfish, it just means that when you believe someone is a villain, a case can be made that blame is guilt. It could just be your opinion.
Ask yourself this: Can you have an opinion about what an opinion is?
Hypocrisy is for everyone, everywhere, and that's not to equivocate or excuse. It's easy to jump to conclusions, especially about someone you're allergic to.
Every General is sought after as an analyst, expert advisor, consultant... the people warning the admin were seeking the same work in January 2017. Whether it's Judas & Brutus, LLC or you or me. Everybody betrays. It's not cynical. It's true. Every person is addicted to themselves. Try and think of something without it benefitting you. It's not in and of itself wrong or selfish, it just means that when you believe someone is a villain, a case can be made that blame is guilt. It could just be your opinion.
Ask yourself this: Can you have an opinion about what an opinion is?
1
Amen Mr. Mueller,Amen NYT and WP.
6
flynn does seem to be the most obvious and vulnerable target but trump and his family should be very worried that some kind of financial crime will be discovered as mueller seeks to justify his investigation and expands his inquisition into unrelated trump business dealings.
alan dershowitz and jonathan turley would be a good place to start for legal defense.
alan dershowitz and jonathan turley would be a good place to start for legal defense.
15
Reads like a troll post - Mueller has nothing to justify, the entire USIC has concluded that Russia interfered, the question is what did they get in return. As the Trumps themselves have said, their ties to Russian money go way back, likely starting when no reputable Western Banks would lend to him after all his bankruptcies. When you're dealing with the Russian mafia / Kremlin, they can call in favors at any time - so any shady financial entanglements are very much in play, as they should be. This is our American democracy we're talking about. We need to defend it.
As for Dershowitz, he's a hack and a crank, his colleague Tribe has far more credibility.
As for Dershowitz, he's a hack and a crank, his colleague Tribe has far more credibility.
26
Which, according to the Constitution, is as it should be.
2
Really? They both have indicated that there has yet to any evidence that any crime has been committed.
1
Phew. I made it to the 8th paragraph and then had to start holding my nose. The fish rots from the head down, as they say.
161
His last name is not Trump, so DJT will be silent.
28
The rats are really beginning to scurry. Godspeed Mr Mueller.
440
Game on!
God bless Mr. Mueller!
God bless Mr. Mueller!
109
Sit back, relax, and wait for Mueller.
67
The president’s “red line” warning to Robert Mueller apparently has fallen on deaf ears as the investigation enters a new phase with requests to the White House for documents.
What was once a “nothing burger” has now reached into the Oval Office where President Truman’s “kitchen heat” reference promises to become a full-fledged out-of-control inferno that could engulf this administration in flames.
It’s difficult to believe that the president was unaware of his former national security adviser’s involvement in money laundering and dirty tricks on behalf of a foreign government. Because of Flynn’s connections with Turkey, Russia and Japan and his global influence, it’s a wonder that the president didn’t nominate Flynn to be secretary of state.
Flynn had to amend his financial disclosure forms three times and Jared Kushner had to amend his SF-86 applications several times and still didn’t get it right. There is a distinct pattern here, and a paper trail that leads directly to the White House.
What was once a “nothing burger” has now reached into the Oval Office where President Truman’s “kitchen heat” reference promises to become a full-fledged out-of-control inferno that could engulf this administration in flames.
It’s difficult to believe that the president was unaware of his former national security adviser’s involvement in money laundering and dirty tricks on behalf of a foreign government. Because of Flynn’s connections with Turkey, Russia and Japan and his global influence, it’s a wonder that the president didn’t nominate Flynn to be secretary of state.
Flynn had to amend his financial disclosure forms three times and Jared Kushner had to amend his SF-86 applications several times and still didn’t get it right. There is a distinct pattern here, and a paper trail that leads directly to the White House.
713
Oh boy! Keep panting...they're almost there, they've got a retired General doing what retired Generals often do. It's so exciting. You're waking up now.. Oops, it's 2021 already and we've got 4 more years of Trump eight more of Pence.
They're dancing around the evidence now.
Did you hear? Don Jr wanted all the dirt he could get on Hillary?
Let Mueller do whatever he wants. If he is selective and biased, so much the better. I'm so happy when I see hatred for Trump.
Sweet
Is the bitterness of Democrat
Defeat
No gloating, just unloading.!
They're dancing around the evidence now.
Did you hear? Don Jr wanted all the dirt he could get on Hillary?
Let Mueller do whatever he wants. If he is selective and biased, so much the better. I'm so happy when I see hatred for Trump.
Sweet
Is the bitterness of Democrat
Defeat
No gloating, just unloading.!
1
And if the President did know, why did he appoint Flynn? Did he seriously think that no one would find out about Flynn's involvements? He should have known by then from briefings the kind of information the intelligence community can find? And all that's ok with his base?
5
If the president didn't know, he should have. One of his "great staffers" should have found it out and informed the boss. For the president and his administration, it is imperative that they be as competent as human beings can be. Failure to do so is not an option. This ain't beanbag. Lives and welfare depend on their actions.
7
The wheels on the bus come off, off, off...
157
“I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go,” Mr. Trump told Mr. Comey, according to the memo. “He is a good guy. I hope you can let this go.”--James Comes testifies to the Senate on President Trump's attempts to coerce his loyalty.
So, Mr. President, what does have "good guy" Michael Flynn got to hide? Same as you, presumably?
So, Mr. President, what does have "good guy" Michael Flynn got to hide? Same as you, presumably?
355
It means as a decorated general in the USA military, give the guy a break. You know like he did w Hillary. He took a payment from turkey. What does Flynn have to do w the Russian investigation? Btw, you are aware trump could have ordered the investigation to end ?
1
@Alan: So, if I were a military general (and they all wear a lot of decoration), then I would have a license to break the law when it suits me (and fills my coffers)?
$1.8 million per year doing "consulting" for a foreign government to influence US foreign policy. More than the average guy makes in a lifetime of honest work.
Lock him up.
$1.8 million per year doing "consulting" for a foreign government to influence US foreign policy. More than the average guy makes in a lifetime of honest work.
Lock him up.
17
One year into the “Russia collusion” investigation, and all Mueller can find to take the stand is … Flynn ? And on some technicality with Turkey ? Nothing Russian ?
Ohhh … the liberal base won’t be happy with this development.
The contour of the end game is emerging : Mueller delivers something and saves face. Democrats lose credibility. Trump pardons Flynn. Trump is set to win 2020.
Ohhh … the liberal base won’t be happy with this development.
The contour of the end game is emerging : Mueller delivers something and saves face. Democrats lose credibility. Trump pardons Flynn. Trump is set to win 2020.
6
You have a lot of news to catch up on if you think the Flynn case is the only rotten apple in the Trump barrel.
66
Your type seems oblivious to the legal fact that obstruction of justice is as serious a crime as would be, for example, a violation of the Federal Campaign Finance Law.
25
Flash from Dallas: Trump apologist alert! Trump apologist alert!
27
Flynn is a criminal. And not a petty one.
Outlandish behavior.
And Trump was duly warned about Flynn, he just did not care.
Outlandish behavior.
And Trump was duly warned about Flynn, he just did not care.
387
Birds of a feather...
"Though not a formal subpoena, the document request is the first known instance of Mr. Mueller’s team asking the White House to hand over records."
So, what happens when the TrumpHouse declines and goes into TrumpLLC. mode, basically saying "Sue us. We have more resources than you do."?
So, what happens when the TrumpHouse declines and goes into TrumpLLC. mode, basically saying "Sue us. We have more resources than you do."?
39
Then Mueller has his grand jury issue a subpoena and compels production.
You cannot game a federal grand jury; a failure to comply will send you to jail.
Does anyone think that Donald has inspired that kind of fall-on-your-sword loyalty among WH appointees and staff?
You cannot game a federal grand jury; a failure to comply will send you to jail.
Does anyone think that Donald has inspired that kind of fall-on-your-sword loyalty among WH appointees and staff?
25
All this does is demonstrate that there's no evidence of collusion.
Otherwise, there would be.
If the irony of it all hasn't smacked you upside the head yet, it will.
Otherwise, there would be.
If the irony of it all hasn't smacked you upside the head yet, it will.
2
And for those of you only fluent in FOX, "Nothing to see here, just keep movin along. Don't be blocking the sidewalk now. Keep movin people, give the man some air. Don't make me get my stick out, move it I say." For the rest of us this feels like "you're warmer, getting warmer."
275
I can already see the narrative on the right wing media change to: would you even care if he were guilty?
The explicit argument being: stock market is doing well, unemployment is down, so why bother?
The implicit argument being: yes, he's a crook. But, so what? He's our crook... oh, and isn't he so much better than "Crooked Hillary"? No matter that Hillary can't replace Trump...
To the right wing media:
1) Trump has little to do with the continued onward march of equity markets and new jobs. Jobs are clearly driven by momentum. No one automatically hires thousands when a new govt. comes in.
2) more importantly: yes. It does matter that he's a crook. When you have blinders and only pay attention to short term wins at the expense of your values and morals - your future generations are devastated. We've seen this happen at a micro level at Penn State. We can't let this happen again... certainly not at the scale of the presidency.
The explicit argument being: stock market is doing well, unemployment is down, so why bother?
The implicit argument being: yes, he's a crook. But, so what? He's our crook... oh, and isn't he so much better than "Crooked Hillary"? No matter that Hillary can't replace Trump...
To the right wing media:
1) Trump has little to do with the continued onward march of equity markets and new jobs. Jobs are clearly driven by momentum. No one automatically hires thousands when a new govt. comes in.
2) more importantly: yes. It does matter that he's a crook. When you have blinders and only pay attention to short term wins at the expense of your values and morals - your future generations are devastated. We've seen this happen at a micro level at Penn State. We can't let this happen again... certainly not at the scale of the presidency.
267
To support your point no 1)
Unemployment is now at a record low of 40 years in the province of Quebec and a record low of 9 years in Canada. Certainly not due to Trump's "leadership" obviously...
Unemployment is now at a record low of 40 years in the province of Quebec and a record low of 9 years in Canada. Certainly not due to Trump's "leadership" obviously...
6
If there's one thing the cons have shown proficiency at all these years it's moving the goalposts. You're so right.
4
Of course, the angry, white, poorly educated "base" that voted for DT likely doesn't have a whole lot of $$ tied up in stock.
They are the largest recipients of the social programs he wants to cut, and are still waiting for fairly tale high wage factory jobs that are not coming back (and didn't he just yesterday tell people in the good state of Ohio to just "cut their losses" and move to where the jobs are?)
This of us who truly detest this malignant narcissist are, ironically, among the biggest beneficiaries of recent market gains.
Did Shakespeare ever capture this particular strain of irony ?
They are the largest recipients of the social programs he wants to cut, and are still waiting for fairly tale high wage factory jobs that are not coming back (and didn't he just yesterday tell people in the good state of Ohio to just "cut their losses" and move to where the jobs are?)
This of us who truly detest this malignant narcissist are, ironically, among the biggest beneficiaries of recent market gains.
Did Shakespeare ever capture this particular strain of irony ?
5
The money trail keeps getting more bizarre. Is there anything trump and his cronies won't do for a buck? Is there no line? I guess that's a rhetorical question as the man with terrible credit and a worse business reputation somehow managed to keep up appearances all these years and someone was footing the bill. His son said it was the Russians and I'll take him at his word. Trump and his band of grifters sure know how to live on other people's money no matter what the source and what is promised to get it. That this vulgarian is in the White House is a permanent stain on those that voted for him
501
Why won't Repubs stand up for honesty, integrity, and American values of truth and justice? Are they men or mice?
10
We just witnessed the world's best confidence man con his way into the White House. Let us hope we learn a lesson from this.
8
@Jim Muncy: There are apparently a lot of mice in today's comments section.
4
What was that Flynn chanting at the RNC last year?
Oh, yes, that's right. "Lock her up!" "Lock her up!"
Well, it is much more likely to be "Lock him up!" and for a very long time.
Oh, yes, that's right. "Lock her up!" "Lock her up!"
Well, it is much more likely to be "Lock him up!" and for a very long time.
428
You comparing taking money for doing work for turkey to what Hillary did? Where Flynn screwed up is not filing proper documents. He never hid the money.
You comparing that to destruction of evidence? You comparing that to accepting money by the foundation for pay to play?
You comparing that to destruction of evidence? You comparing that to accepting money by the foundation for pay to play?
2
Mr. Mueller, please stay the course and do your very best to restore integrity back to our democracy. On behalf of my country, I thank you.
626
Never saw a grand jury trying to conjure up a crime before. They are supposed to go after crimes that have been committed. This is nothing more than Mueller keeping his lackeys on the payroll for as long as possible.
1
And so do I!!!!!!!
7
so, Susan Daniels... grand juries don't 'conjure' up the crimes, they determine whether to bring charges after hearing evidence -- I am guessing that you believe the Trump campaign had absolutely nothing at all to do with Russians involving themselves in our election campaign, regardless of what evidence has been brought forth so far.
18
Mr. Robert M., thank you!