Let's be honest for a moment.
The Trump kleptocracy is a subsidiary of the Putin kleptocracy.
The GOP is a craven subsidiary of the Trump kleptocracy.
The United States executive branch in the person of Donald J.Trump, has been taken over by, and surrendered to, the Russian Mafia, and is now unequivocally aligned with the Southern Strategy of the failed Nixon crime family.
1
Isn't there a conflict of interest in Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross' financial interests in Navigator Holdings, a shipping company, and his position as head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a US agency that regulates shipping and negotiates international shipping agreements?
Dave Hornor, Seattle
2
Wilber Ross is up to his ears in shady and potentially criminal Russian dealings. Surprised there's no mention of Ross's connection with Dmitry Yevgenyevich Rybolovlev, the Russian King of Fertilizer, who was also a Chairman of the Back of Cyprus. Rybolovlev had one of the highest divorce payouts in history, so laundered millions through the bank to hide much of his money, and through ridiculously overpriced real estate purchases in Florida and NYC, via Trump.
2
It seems like it would be easier to ask just who in the Trump Whitehouse, family, campaign and administration didn't ever have any contact with Russian's?
So far, everyone that said they never had any contact or involvement with Russians have been proven to have lied multiple times.
2
At this point we all can assume that Trump never heard of this Ross guy and that, if at all, he must have played only a minor and totally insignificant role in some obscure but entirely irrelevant office somewhere in the government.
Never met Trump, of course.
Other than that Trump would fire this guy like no one has ever been fired.
Really, Great firing, much better than ever any one has been fired.
And guess what, Trump just invented firing.
Make firing great again!
2
I think it's pretty obvious now, why Donald Trump will die before he releases his tax returns and overseas investments, he's is bought and paid for by Putin's cronies.
4
He has 2bn$. He really cares a fig about this article. its legal I guess as he must have ensured. Good life!!
I have seen many of Trump’s cronies mentioned in the leaks of the Paradise Papers, but no mention of Trump himself. Or did I miss something?
1
Fun fact:
"Ross" is an English word for Russ or Russia.
Fort Ross in northern California is named after the
former Russian colony on the coast.
1
Jared Kushner also has questionable dealings that were uncovered in the release of the Paradise Papers yet why no mention in the NY Times?
7
From my vantage point north of the 49th it looks to me that the USA is headed for an insurrection. A recent comment referenced THE TROUBLES that affected the North of Ireland as a comparitor. To me it looks looks like the trumpite republicans are holding everyone else in a state of seige...almost daily mass shootings...destroying the civil social structure...environment..social programmes schools etc.
As much as I despise the gun worship of some of your compatriots maybe the opposition to the trumpsters should arm when you are up against people walking around Walmarts with AK 47s.
3
This isn't about the criminality or about scandal or salaciousness. This isn't bout Trump or any of the White House administrators or cabinet members. It's about the lack of leadership and integrity in our current government. It's about the weakening of our standing in the world. It's about the constant devious, dishonest behavior of those holding the highest offices in our country. Trust is earned, and the current administration has zero moral authority.
Deny deny deny...that's the Trumpean mantra...
6
"If Mr. Ross stands to benefit...it poses a potential conflict with his role as the lead cabinet member on trade policy, ethics experts said."
"benefitting" should have nothing to do with it. Losses dont mitigate or eliminate the ethical and legal duty of those with political power over their investments to report those investments.
that said, what is shocking is that for many people offshore investing to evade taxes is not only legal but considered a mark of a savvy business person.
4
Leaks wiki or otherwise seem to be playing a pivotal role today in democracy. Taking over the press i daresay.
1
Obviously a lot of criminals in the Dotard’s coattails !
Dotard has a lot of mental health problems and surrounded by opportunistic financial criminals, trying all the time to cheat of financial system and hiding behind offshore tax havens and still demanding huge tax cuts from the Dotard and his complicit Republican majority in congress on the back of all the working poor, such as the miners and the rust belt unemployed in the verge of dying because the Dotard and the Republicans want to erase their Obamacare and leave them unprotected from the insurance and big Pharma vultures !
5
Wow! This article shows that we believers in free enterprise, capitalism and the Market certainly won the cold war big-time against the dirty communists and the USSR. This is wonderful news about the USA's defeat of those barbaric Red Rats and freedom's triumph over evil communist tyranny. Great to see a long story like this of good news and victory, isn't it.? Hooray for our side!
2
Let's see -- Ross is a billionaire -- how many billions who knows? And he has between 2 and 10 million invested in Navigator. Let me calculate. That's between .2 and 1% of his total assets if he's worth 1 billion. If he's worth more than 1 billion the % declines (for the math challenged).
So, yeah, I'd guess he kowtows to the oligarch and Putin because his financial future depends on them.
Ridiculous.
1
I guess you miss the point.
6
Mick -- know I read the misleading and ridiculous article.
I also researched navigator, investco, Ross and his company. Did you. Or do you simply assume anything anti-trump is on the face of it true. Now, be good progressive and don't bother me again unless you have some facts. Something this article is woefully short of.
Has the NYTimes investigated all the holdings in Appleby? Have they investigated any other than Ross's? I believe that just about any and everyone in DC has offshore holdings if they are invested in business - and that would be everyone.
When Obama tried to go after offshore holdings, he quickly reversed course. And early in his presidency. Why? Because everyone in DC plays this game and keeps money offshore. Shell companies make it difficult, but not when time and effort are put in.
So, again NYTimes, are you going to investigate this or just mearly continue to play games and work to subvert the President? I don't ask this as a Trump supporter, I am not. I ask this as a citizen, a tax paying citizen of the US who doesn't trust anyone in DC and who is astounded at your total lack of objectivity. Typically, when a journalist finds out about offshore accounts, Russian investments, etc. they go after the whole story. You do not. Why?
1
Is this not the second or third little problem, the last one about the
Commerce Secretary putting in some strictures that would make him, and only him, a few billion bucks?
These guys are as crooked and greedy as it gets. Why even Trump blind
Americans let them become cabinet memebers, known full well wht they
are, is amazing.
The world looks and laughs. Americans stare at the sky and hum,
apparently. We know better. Who doesn't know Wall Street?
6
Just add another crook to Trump's minions. Trump is the biggest one of all.
8
The Times cracks me up. Bill and Hill took millions from Russia, and barely a peep. Ross has a small % of his assets in a company that does business (article does not quantify how much) with a "gasp" Russian company and it's a scandal.
My goodness.
Oh, how surprising! A broadside against Secretary Ross, just as President Trump announces his intent to meet again with President Putin. It won't work.
Wilbur Ross should resign or be removed as Secretary of Commerce. Then he should be required to testify before all inquiries into Trump's ties to Russia and Putin. He should be questioned extensively about his position at the Bank of Cyprus.
10
Offshoring of corporate and individual profits is outrageous beyond the extremely troubling Russian connections. America's 'independence' is being off-shored. Those entities who have enabled our most prosperous and influential corporations and government officials to stash their billions overseas to avoid paying taxes in our Country are plain UN-PATRIOTIC.
Infrastructure, health care, and excellent education for ALL could reasonably be paid for if these off-shored profits were properly taxed and the profiteers could still be very profitable while contributing to the well being of the Nation.
I wonder if Donald Trump's overseas financial entanglements were given no real scrutiny pre-election because we've got a financial cabal JUST LIKE HIM who would seem to have no scruples in short-changing 'their' country. Maybe Bernie's got it right after all. We may need a real revolution in America.
9
A true swamp feature!! This is why those of us that pay payroll taxes are mad. These folks with millions and billions are not paying their fair share of taxes anywhere. They take advantage of the infrastructure, legal system and stability of the USA but do everything they can to avoid paying while expecting the rest of us to pick up the tab. Immoral and shameful!!
12
This makes at least four of President Trump's cronies who are also cronies of the Putin family.
11
GOP=Government Of Plutocrats (and Putincrats)
5
And we were naïve enough to believe that the Russian intervention only stopped with the Election tampering. In America's history we have had many families whose stock in trade has been politics. However Trump has taken this one step further, he has been influenced by the Russian model, specifically Putin. The man who controls business and the government. Trump is on his way on both counts...now he has the government and through his Advisors and Secretaries he is now going the extra mile -- corruption knows no limits in this Administration. They have lied and now make more money as if the Billionaires he has selected did not have enough. And the tax cut is another blow to all middle class Americans because the Federal Deficit will balloon and what will the next government be left with? All so these few will gain so much. Sickening.
5
This is a natural and logical dynamic when money, politics, and public service becomes so intertwined as in the US. You really have to question the motivation of those this wealthy wanting to take a leadership role in our government. Surely something else must be at play besides just their sudden sense of civic duty.
5
Wow! So many "fellow travelers" in 45's inner circle. I'm wondering where 45 got the suggestion to nominate Wilbur Ross.
7
Offshore banks, a labyrinthian maze of bank-to-bank-to-bank transactions "... tax havens, no direct meetings, no direct decisions"
... Ah, the cared for appearance of legality... ("legality" footnote: under which corrupt government's banking regulations?? -- These are not your local U.S. standard banks as the phrase "PERFECTLY legal" would have you believe. They ain't offshore for nothin' folks.) Oh, and how about our wealthy President Trump -- should we assume Trump and friends all use the same "completely legal" offshore banking plans?
We should be able trust our President and he or she should present his or her previous tax returns proving the value of our trust. "President Trump: Take the Trust Challenge - Show your Tax Returns."
What's our Republican Congress say? How about "Trust but Verify". Oh, and can we make this a future requirement for each party's Presidential candidate? Thank you NYT for doing your job.
6
This is funny.
As soon as Wilbur Ross starts really taking apart NAFTA and threatening to pull the entire deal lo and behold: "He's with Putin!"
Jesus. Anytime anybody wants to do something for Americans, all of a sudden they're the worst.
Meanwhile the biggest wealth transfer from the middle class to the very wealthy is being 'debated' in Congress and close to radio silence.
just a few questions for the authors:
1) Is this illegal?
2) Are the "millions" earned from Sibur actual earnings after expenses -- or revenue?
3) How many millions are we talking about? If we are talking say -- 10 million of revenue that would be -- about 3% of Navigator's revenue.
4) Navigator has not been a good investment. It reached a peak of around $54 a share in 2014 and is now trading at $10 a share. In 2011 it's high was about $30 a share. If Ross sold out a lot of his holdings in Navigator, he took a huge loss.
5) $2-10 million is a wide spread for his stake in the partnerships. If we take the high value and assume all of it is invested in Navigator -- that's about 2% of Navigator's total worth. Navigator earned about $20 million last year so that holding isn't worth much is it, in terms of income. Certainly, if Ross is a billionaire, it's a small percentage of his assets and a very small % of his investment income (about $400k). Even if Sibur accounts for a substantial % of Navigator's income (say 10%) -- that's really pretty small potatoes isn't it.
Instead of focusing so hard on some possible shady Russian connection, perhaps should investigate the total financial picture of Ross, Navigator and Sibur.
And Trumpsky and Bannonovich claim they don't like globalization.
9
As Sarah Sanders will soon say, the president's contact with Ross has been minimal. It's the Senate's fault he was confirmed. Don't blame us.
5
Why do all the roads traveled by those in the Trump administration lead to Russia?
1. "“Sibur was not under sanctions at the time the contract was signed and is still not subject to sanctions,” Mr. Rockas said." You mean the sanctions that Trump is not enacting? The ones that Congress passed?
2. Ross "in the early 1990s, he led a group of bondholders in a restructuring of the floundering Trump casinos in Atlantic City, preserving a stake for Mr. Trump because, as he reportedly assured disgruntled investors, the Trump name was “still very much an asset.” So, was Ross relatively clean before Clinton sent him to Russia? Ross became compromised after?
3
So he has less than one half of one percent of his wealth in a publicly traded company (NVGS) in the energy shipping business which, unsurprisingly, does business with worldwide energy producers including the Russians (duh).
A quick glance at the institutional ownership of NVGS shows that most of the largest mutual funds have positions meaning there probably isn't a sitting member of Congress who doesn't have some exposure to the stock... or... as NYT is desperately trying to portray.... exposure to "Putin's inner circle".
Not only that, it is nearly impossible to own any broadly invested mutual fund in your 401K without having some exposure to "Putin's inner Circle" because they're all invested in energy stocks, E&P, midstream, and transportation, and nearly every single company does business with the people who own the reserves i.e. the Middle East and Russia (Duh!).
Laughable. You guys will try anything.
4
great points Phil. And Sibur accounts for what % of Navigator's business? I don't know, the crack investigative reporters don't tell us, but most companies have a lot of clients so I'd be surprised if Sibur accounts for a huge % of Navigators revenue. I'm sure that Ross is right now on the phone taking orders from some oligarch, or maybe Vlad himself, just to protect his stake in Navigator.
Not only that but Navigator has been a really bad investment. If he got in in 2011 and sold most in 2016 he's lost lots of his money.
Never mind draining the swamp. It appears trump has filled it with alligators.
7
Do you think it’s time to drain the swamp?
4
Democrats brought this up at his confirmation hearings. McConnell and the Republicans confirmed him anyway.
They are just as dirty as Trump and his swamp cabinet.
7
This is not supposed to happen.
The Sec of COMMERCE is not supposed to be doing commerce with Russia. Is it much more complicated than that? NO, it's not. He probably should be arrested for lying under oath at the very least.
Donald was going to drain the swamp. Funny, Obama never had these conflicts.
Even if it's not a conflict, it stinks. Really stinks. And Ross is not the first. How many more Donald, how many more?
7
Mr. Ross should have the good taste to resign as Secretary of Commerce immediately and then retire to some peaceful place of his choosing and end himself. That would be the gentlemanly thing to do.
6
Meanwhile Trump is in Asia railing at China for not being more forceful in applying sanctions to NK. Do as I say, not as Wibur does.
4
Kudos the the NY Times gumshoe reporters. This is a great story..
Yet more evidence of a very cozy relationship between our oligarchs and Russia's oligarchs
3
How interesting! The Paradise papers dominated by American names and yet the first three articles about the papers are dominated by the Russian connections. Are all Americans named in these papers connected to Russia, or NYT just chose ones to show how Russian businessmen are exceptionally corrupt and to obscure how corrupted American businessmen are?
2
Why is he still in our government? He should have been fired immediately when this was revealed.
Even just the lying during his confirmation should be a disqualifier. Wake up, America!
4
I guess they've drain the swamp only to fill it with Russian borscht or, perhaps more suitable to a billionaire, beluga caviar. It seems it's just another day in Trump world with yet another Russian connection. How fitting that it's one of the oligarchs in the cabinet serving the Oligarch-in-Chief. But, with a complacent Republican-controlled Congress already ignoring the President's business conflicts with the Constitution's "emoluments clause," it's hard to believe they'll say "Nyet" to Mr. Ross and insist he divest his holdings.
3
Wilber understands that this is win at any cost Capitalism.
He knows that his side is winning the class war again the entire human race without a fight.
5
The question is who in Trump's family, staff and Cabinet doesn't do business or has connections with Russians? We need to see years of Trump's tax returns!
2
why all the hub bub - its just business -
1
Wouldn't be easier to make a list of who in this "administration" DOES NOT have to Russia? They are a complete cesspool of greed.
4
I believe that part of the deal involves selling-off our public lands and natural resources to themselves through these "shadow" entities. They will do so with the explanation/excuse that it will offset the explosion of the deficit that they created with the self-serving tax cuts.
This is the "Perfect Storm" of "Win-Win" despotism.
4
Anyone still brave enough to use Russian dressing on her salad or listen to Mussorgski's music ?
If you're one of those, better lawyer up!
1
Can we get a list of those in the administration that don't have ties to Putin Oligarchy. If trump was a democrat he would already be in jail.
2
Just how bad does it have to get, how many members of the Trump "politburo" have to be found to have questionable ties to Russia, and how much money has to be spent on special prosecutors before the Times calls for Trump's resignation or impeachment.
Come on, get a backbone already!
1
Most corrupt administration ever.
4
Our confirmation of Trump cabinet nominees needs to be enhanced. All I hear is “Trump is different.” So, let’s treat his nominees differently. It seems they all have their hands in Putin’s till and they don’t know how to honestly complete a disclosure form.
4
Gee, where’s Senator Joseph McCarthy when we need him to smoke out all the Russian fellow travelers, moles and co-conspirateurs in the Trump administration? Sixty-five years before his time!
More of the NYTs highly over simplified explanation of "Russia seized Crimea." Left out is that illegal coup by right wing Ukrainians in Kiev, which was encouraged by the US, provoked the Russian seizure of Crimea. Ross was following a very successful investment strategy in Russia which is now under suspicion because the NYTs has a vendetta against anybody who had any business dealings with Putin's Russia.
Wilbur Ross has assets of $2 billion.
Two BILLION dollars.
$2,000,000,000
Am I naive to ask the question: why is there no 'enough' for these people?
Even at 79 years of age, worth $2 billion, Ross would get into bed with a murderous autocrat and his band of thieves because $2 billion isn't enough..? He'd cheat the country he supposedly loves out of tax income because having $1.4 billion, and not $2 billion, is unacceptable?
How many luxury homes with views of blue, blue water or soaring mountains can a person live in? Can he drive ten $500,000 cars at once? Does he need multiple private jets? Would $10,000,000, each, not be enough to 'cushion' each of his children's existences for a lifetime after he's gone?
5
10 $500,000 dollar cars would only cost $5 million. He could drive 400 of those cars. All these guys are pigs at the trough.
2
Trump's actual slogan: Make Russia Great Again - And Yourself Wealthy at the Same Time.
1
It is very disturbing that many of the cabinet members have deep ties to Russian business and to the Kremlin. Never before in the history of our nation have we seen such blatant treason. Why are we allowing this to persist?
24
In the statement to The Times, Mr. Ross’s spokesman said, “Private equity firms have a responsibility to their investors to optimize corporate structures, and Secretary Ross has decades of experience that he is now using to benefit American workers.”
Sounds a lot like hiring a convicted rapist as a detective in SVU.
6
Of course he invests in ships; He's a pirate.
All the administration talk about honoring the flag and America first are part of a divide-and-conquer strategy, but it's the US treasury that's about to be plundered. Thanks to the Republican tax 'plan' billions will be transferred from the treasury to the pockets of Trump's cabinet. Arrrrgh!
1
Collusion is a felony. Why haven't trump, Tillerson, Ross & Co. been charged yet?? Mr. Mueller please arrest them today.
1
Trump...most of his cabinet, advisers, campaign managers, family...Russian connections...Putin
Looks like only three degrees of separation, rather than even six. Do they really think we're buying the coincidence theory?
3
And yet the GOP in Congress sits back either silently or attempts to divert America's attention toward Hillary Clinton. How many in this Cabinet are under suspicion? It is not only during Trump's campaign but it is also now, the present day, that minute by minute, hour by hour, we see the Putin influence. The bottom line? Corruption, greed, power.
Yet accountability and amorality does not only belong to this unstable, lying, racist, bigoted man contaminating a House built by slaves, a House not good enough for him, his family, and sycophants. He is the puppet, the spokesman, the Bully-at-Large, of a hostile nation and an unethical Republican-led Congress. Yes, it is true that these wretched folks were elected by us (not me personally). But I can not fully blame, for whatever reasons, a public that was duped and exploited. Crowd psychology is the culprit here along with misinformation and dishonesty by the FOX news ilk, the Bannons, the Breitbart news.
At some point, this will all explode. History and the balance of justice teaches us that. But how long do we have to wait and suffer and watch our rights being trampled upon?
4
Now you can better understand what is likely hidden by Trump. It sure would be telling to see his tax returns which could also lead to other things he doesn't want anybody to know. There is a reason Trump has nothing but love for the Russians while expressing loads of hate towards Americans and America and it is important to know why that is. Trump meanwhile is doing all he can to hold out long enough to get the Trillion+ dollar tax give away he's been paid to deliver.
5
Ross's activities unmask the anti-trade, America first myths. While the administration pretends that it wants to walk away from the global village and to build a domestic economic cocoon, the billionaires like Donald, Jared, and Wilbur go abroad with their tin cups out looking for big bucks.
5
Shouldn't those in high office at the very least be required to place all their investments in USA companies?
3
And this is surprising how?
1
Where does this Trump/Russia travesty end? 9 Trump people lying under penalty of perjury about their Russian contacts until revelations in the press suddenly refresh their recollection -- yet nobody prosecuted for lying to Congress and on applications for security clearances. Two cabinet secretaries, Ross and Tillerson, Jared Kushner and the Trump family business with commercial ties to Russia. Manafort and Flynn failing to register as agents of a foreign government, for which service they received large sums of (undisclosed) money. The Trump administration pointedly uninterested in shutting down Russian interference in U.S. elections.
What will the strangely silent Republicans in Congress do when confronted with incontrovertible evidence of improper and/or unlawful conduct with the Russians by Trump and his associates?
5
Putin is reputed to be the richest person in the world. However if you and your gang of thugs are raiding Russia’s wealth for yourselves it’s not something that can be publicly acknowledged.
So with the wealth of an entire country being skimmed you can expect legitimate investments to surface from all the shell companies and front people needed to obfuscate that much wealth.
When so many people have had a taste of Putin’s money eventually it reaches a point where few people will want to stop it.
Right out of the Putin Playbook for Dictators…pay off the 1%ers and they will be on your side, cause they only care about money, not democracy or civil rights…enter Trump and his gang of 1%ers (Wilbur), Generals, and incompetents.
3
And Republicans are complicit for much less.
3
We’re being conquered from within by American oligarchs corrupted by deep financial ties to corrupt Russian oligarchs. “Business is business”. “Money is thicker than blood” — or loyalty to political systems, peoples and nations.
Birds of a feather flock together. Enriched beyond their wildest dreams by decades of looting Russia, Russian oligarchs serve their emperor, Putin; his errand-boys and barons. They seek political alliances with ours to shield their enormous purloined wealth from confiscation and taxation. Because American oligarchs share the same basic goals a deal-making basis exists. Each uses the other to advance its own selfish ends.
But for it to succeed both groups must disable effective law enforcement in their respective countries. Putin accomplished this in Russia by attacking, then destroying, independent media and the post-Soviet judiciary, in the process creating a ruthless criminal state that an American gangster could only envy. Trump, his ally (and, one assumes, covert business partner in a host of lucrative deals), now attempts to accomplish the same here through constant aggressive attacks on our media and not-so-covert efforts to subvert our independent Judiciary, Department of Justice, FBI, and key provisions in the U.S. Constitution that constitute the backbone and spirit, the very essence, of American Liberty itself as Americans define it. In this he is aided and abbeted by cynical Republican politicians corrupted by terrible self-interest.
5
Of course he denies it. Does any crook just say, yeah, I'm a crook?
1
If the NYT can claim that Ross is tied to Putin - via a convoluted chain of marginally connected dots - then Clinton is joined at the hip with Putin. After all, Bill Clinton was paid $500,000 by a Russian government connected bank to give a speech in Moscow. But of course, there was nothing illegal about that.....
1
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur L. Ross is a snake in the Trump Administration’s swamp, and he must resign.
5
Benghazi!
Oooops, sorry. Since all of these stories about Russian interference in our election and Trump's ties to Russia are of NO CONSEQUENCE AT ALL, I imagine Trey and the GOP Justice League will be taking a powder on these travesties of US Democracy. Nothing to see here, folks, Move along. We're focused on making American Billionaires Great Again!
4
There are hundreds of US companies that have "significant" business with Russia. Is investor in Coca Cola suspect? After all, many Russian government officials are known to imbibe Coca Cola. Do NYT editors have such a low threshold when it comes to criticizing the current government?
1
Excellent point, Mike. And what about the millions upon millions of Americans who invest in those companies? Lock all of them up.
Of course you realize that neither the commentariat nor the writers nor the editors care about perspective or facts or context as long as you can attack Trump & his admin. Ross's holdings in Navigator are a fractional part of his assets. But I'm sure that he is doing the Russian's bidding.
This must be very dispiriting for workers at the Commerce Department, especially the members of its Foreign Service wing that represent the US around the world.
5
Trumpectomy.
1
The Trump administration was obviously filled with people in Trump's Russian centered orbit at the direction of his Russian partners. Just like Manafort was brought in at the suggestion of his Russian partners. How else could Trump come up with Clovis, and Page, and Papadopoulos? The entire Trump administration is riddled with Russian influence.
3
The old joke was that China would peacefully conquer the US by obtaining a majority of Wall Street investments. Looks like the Russians beat them to it by owning politicians and social media. I think that either way, our poor will become poorer, our social services will further decline, and those embedded with foreign influence will prosper.
1
He’s 79 years old and selling out his country for more money when he’s already a billionaire. His reputation and legacy are forever tarnished and potentially ruined, all for a few more pieces of silver.
Dig deep enough into people's 401k and you'll probably find some nefarious Russian connection.
It's pretty impressive to see Trumpists (and no doubt, a Russian bot or two) try to weasel around $840 million in investments on the grounds that "it's a small fraction of his total wealth," around Ross' violation of Federal ethics laws by not disclosing on the grounds, "that nothing about this looks illegal," and around, "helping...investors avoid billions in taxes," and, "moving as much as 2900 jobs overseas," by simply pretending it isn't in the article.
Doesn't matter. They'll all be pardoned anyway -- unless we get Trump out of office first.
Is this the Swamp Don Caesar wishes to drain ?
Please let us know exactly what crime has been committed. Or does this merely rate as a vague "ethics" problem.
Prerequisite to being in Trump administration :
1. Lie under oath
2. Offshore accounts
3. Business dealings related to Putin(refer to #2 )
4. Lie like your bankroll depends on it.
5. An unethical, immoral bent.
6. Being self serving , condescending
7. Greed to the highest level.
8. Not taking your oath to serve this country too seriously.
9. Deny,deny,deny.
10. Willing to adhere to Trumps' business acumen.
CONGRATULATIONS - You are hired!
4
The bigger picture that is being revealed here is the level of corruption, lies, secret deals and outright scams that go on in big international business transactions. Nothing is transparent, nobody is honest.
The best thing that can come of the Trump Administration and his international racketeering operation would be the implementation of strict ethical standards and heavy-duty business regulations.
1
The US and Russia are like a bad marriage. After all the abuse, we rest easy as they file the divorce papers but then -Wham!- another spin around the dance floor.
Meanwhile China seems to not be bothered with their plans and focus on being THE superpower of the world. Strong investment in their country and a limited amount of war mongering (exception, their own people) has been bringing them closer to their goal.
In a generation, the lower class in China will look like our current upper middle class. And our middle class will stay just where it is as a handful of oligarchs stuff their insatiable greed. I fear worse for the Russians. I don't think the Us oligarchs or Russian care if most of their countrymen died in the street. Although I'm sure their families would still get a bill for the removal.
People come here for the opportunity and our rule of law and freedoms. Too bad the door is closing on exactly what made us great.
1
Please publish the names of, NYT, and expose all Cabinet members, other Administration officials and advisers, Trump and family members(?), Congressmen, lobbyists, known millionaires, billionaires including the Koch's, Adelson and other prominent Republican funders, and those vocal supporters of the current G.O.P. reverse Robin Hood tax give-away who have been stashing their cash in these secret, off-shore tax havens. Breathtaking "double-dipping" raised to the 9th degree!! A Paradise, indeed. What chumps these bottom feeders play all of us for.
1
I would like to thank all the Senate Committee Republicans and several Democrats who rubber stamped all these appointees and knew very well their unethical and questionable money offshore accounts!. One has to wonder how far down the rabbit hole does the Republican Party go to undermine our Constitution and our Democracy. Every federal agency now has been comprised in the name of BIG MONEY. Can't be far!. Nancy Pelosi and Democrats who would not put on the table the prosecution of Bush and Cheney for the Iraq Deception and Corruption that opened the Pandora's box to Karl Rove and TEA Party and the dissection of federal agencies of monitors and oversight, should also take blame. Will they do the same and not vote to Impeach Trump. How far down the Rabbit Hole Indeed!
2
Is there anything illegal or unethical here? If it wasn't a Russian oligarch associated with Sibur would anyone care?
Collusion with Russia is a felony. Mueller is empowered to arrest and jail these traitors.
1
This is obvious, but not pointed out enough:
not only is trump an illegitimate President.
But also the republican majority in Congress is illegitimate as well.
Because of course when the Russians hacked, assaulted and corrupted the election and got people to vote for trump, or kept people from voting for Clinton -- those same people would then also vote for the republicans down-ballot, or not vote for the Democrats down-ballot.
4
The more the left wastes their (and everyone else's) time with the cartoon Russian narrative, the more they ASSURE that Donald Trump will serve a full 2 terms.
mark my words
Care to test that theory?
I continue to tell myself that there are persons of integrity and reliability in the Trump Administration. Now, I ask where are they? Remember when we were told that filling key positions in the White House with wealthy individuals would preclude them from seeking more wealth, or using their positions to add to their wealth? So, emulating Diogenes, I am seeking to find an honest man; one, just one. Whomever you are, please identify yourself.
18
Trump needs to release his tax, than we'll know if he is honest and straight or a Russian puppet.
It's not difficult to comment. There is something obscene about billionaires occupying cabinet positions in the U. S. government, not to mention the presidency itself.
3
Who cares about ties to Russia? As long as billionaires don't have to pay taxes, Trump has done everything we've asked of him. #MAGA
1
If a member of our federal government – president, vice-president, cabinet member, agency head, senator, representative or judge – apparently has designed a complex system of offshore investments to hide his or her connection to a foreign government, that very fact demands a thorough investigation.
If the investigation confirms that the claimed transparency by the member of our government at the time of taking office was, indeed, a sham or has become one without the officer volunteering the fact of that change, it is much worse than a run-of-the-mill prohibited conflict of interest.
The actions of the federal officer constitute a felony. Moreover, if the foreign government with whom the officer is connected -- Russia -- already is the subject of an ongoing investigation, his or her actions amount to obstruction of justice.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has a lot of explaining to do.
1
It is disturbing to realize how many top Trump cabinet officials have off-shore business relations that, while not technically illegal, show a callous disregard for the average taxpayer not privy to these special tax-free advantages. Their tone-deaf tax "reform" plan just doubles down on how muddy the swamp has become just since January. And since most of the millilonaires in the Senate enjoy these same privileges, it bothers them not nary a bit.
3
During the debates last year, it was brought to our attention that trump hasn't paid taxes in decades. That same trait must have been the criteria to be part of his cabinet.
There are apparently no 'six degrees of separation' when it comes to Putin ties and connections. At this point, we should just ask that anyone NOT connected to Putin or Russia in this WH administration raise his/her hand.
Oh wait, that won't work, those with ties to Putin simply lie and await public exposure and/or perjury charges. I am beginning to feel left out. I have absolutely no ties to Russia or Putin. I don't even use Russian dressing on my salads.
3
It appears that if you had Russian ties, then you were a shoe-in for this administration.
1
No one in the Trump administration has the interest of the country as a priority. don't mind people making money or even keeping it offshore. What I mind is having a bunch of thieves -- excuse me, plutocrats -- pretending they care about public policy or the public good. Why is it that the entire crew has not been impeached? All those brilliant, over-paid "special prosecutors" and whatnot, where is the justice?
1
Maybe he could use his cleverness to help the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico with fuguring out how to come to better approaches to shipping than the Jones Act, et al. Maybe there'd even some money in it for him. Maybe... or for some of his friends, at least.
It is important to keep in mind that Congress is busy this week writing tax legislation to benefit people like our Commerce Secretary. And the working class and middle class will get to pay more. Government by and for the people is a thing of the past.
4
While you may not like it when people reduce their tax obligations by basing their international operations in international jurisdictions, the most interesting thing about this is there is no suggestion that anyone has broken a law (apart from Ross's lack of disclosure) , despite the liberal use of words like "duplicity", "corruption", "tax fraud" etc in these comments.
1
There was a time when millionaires and billionaires could simply buy corrupt politicians. Now they are the corrupt politicians.
5
With Donald and Melania in the White House, I have a better understanding of what ignited the French Revolution.
4
Fake fake fake news. Soooooooo fake. Ross did nothing illegal. Nothing many other successful businessmen do. Wrong focus. Focus on Crooked Hillary, she's done far worse. Fake fake fake news. MSM lives off of this stuff. He can invest in any business and country he wants. It's a free country. And let President Trump invest wherever he wants to too. Essence of capitalism: get something and sell it for more. Tax cuts for the rich will benefit everyone. Let er rip. One day we can all have gold toilets. A gold toilet in every home. The American way. Who, ha.
So much for corporate tax breaks. How much of this money will continue to be off shore while billionaires get a gift from the Republicans.
1
Wilbur Rose is a white collar criminal ! Why it is called white is a historic myth,
A criminal is a criminal and no need to white wash him ! But the entire Dotard Administration is filled with criminals ! Just need an investigator to look into it !
White collar (professional), as opposed to blue collar (laborer), or pink collar (low-paying, primarily women's work). No white-wash involved.
So, everything was legal.
1
Can you imagine the surplus this country would have if the wealthy and corporations paid their fair share of taxes vs. hiding their wealth? Here are just a few examples. We would have monies for free education, including college for all (which the wealthy want to privatize); healthcare for all (like the rest of the civilized world); and state of the art infrastructure (creating an enormous amount of jobs). Instead, it is the wealthy (including Congress) and corporations that suck off the teat of government by changing laws that benefit them.
3
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross should have divested himself from his holdings in Navigator. At minimum, these holdings create the appearance of a conflict of interest, especially as capital raised by WL Ross controls 31% of Navigator.
Secretary Ross should immediately divest his Navigator holdings and reveal the investments held by the other holding companies in which he participates. If these investments constitute a conflict with Secretary Ross’s Commerce Department duties, they should be sold as well.
I’m disappointed by these revelations because Wilbur Ross is an astute and sophisticated businessperson whose acumen could greatly benefit the American people.
1
I would like to know who is leaking these papers. The media takes them at face value, and treats them as the truth will no visible vetting. Maybe the papers are the truth. But there is an agenda behind the leaks, and we need to know who is doing the leaking to make sure the world isn't jumping from the frying pan of corruption into the fire of destruction.
A lot of the traction Trump had in the 2016 elections came from his promise to drain the swamp. He blamed the "Deep State" of liberalized intelligence and media as the culprits behind the swamp. But what he has done, largely with urging from Bannon, Miller, and other sociopaths in the White House, is to create a new layer of corruption, populated by the likes of Ross and Mnuchin and Price and DeVos and all the rest of the devastatingly unqualified people now in cabinet positions. He has gone from fighting against the delusional idea of a Deep State to establishing an actual swamp of the Creep State.
So, while we need to uncover the identity of the leakers and understand what their agenda is, we can also be grateful for those leaks, since they expose the massive network of corruption and greed that is running rampant around the world today. Truly, the Creep State is at work, and has been winning this struggle for their own benefit. They need to be stopped, and if these leaks can work toward them, so much the better.
17
You have the wrong idea about the NYT. This is not Fox news, InfoWars or some other Bannonized supermarket tabloid. The NYT checks its sources and does not publish gossip and innuendo as established fact. While NYT makes mistakes, they don't just make stuff up like the rest of these clowns.
4
You're right about the Times. But even if they've vetted these documents beyond any doubt, we still need to know who is releasing them and why they're doing it. Is it Autonomous, or another Russian propaganda wrinkle, or even the CIA? Who is doing this, and who is paying for it? It is certainly information the voters need to know about, but how do we know that this information isn't being crafted or intentional curtailed in scope and reach or otherwise orchestrated for nefarious reasons? It's clear that Russia, for instance, wants to disrupt the American government as much as possible. It's not too far to think that they supported Trump because they knew he'd be a destructive, ineffective President and would derail America's economy and military and other capabilities. And it's entirely believable that they'd then release this Paradise information to tear down the Trump administration and do even more damage to the country as a result.
So who is behind these leaks and what is THEIR agenda?
@Thomas MacLachlan
News organizations have a method for vetting their reports to insure their truth. That's why news people have been fired when they fall short of verifiable truth. There is no "liberal" truth; there is only the truth.
The only question now is....who in the Trump Regime...DOES NOT have a tie with Russia?
1
Have to start calling Vladimir the "Octopus" considering how many Russian ties there seems to be in the executive branch...
1
It seemed like Vladimir Putin has completely taken over America.
What happened to the sanctions?
America much purge itself of this entire administration and should get rid of all ties to Russia.
1
I must be one of the few people, along with the rest of the working poor and middle class, not taking money from the Russians. I wold like someone to explain the difference between M. Trump, Mr. Kushner, sonny-boy-Flynn, Gen. “lock her up” Flynn, Gen. Kelley, Mr. Manifort, Mr. Ross andathe rest of the kleptocrats in Washington and Aldrich Ames, Hansen or Poll? The sec of the treasury “forgot” he made $100,000,000 . The kleptocrats. want a tax cut which mostly helps them and then they work against the interests of the country. How come I he russians aren’t calling me?
The presidential imposter surrounds himself with a variety of colleagues and the one thing many of them have in common is a financial relationship with Russia.
Is it a club that we never heard of or knew existed? Is it a coincidence?
Or is it "birds of feather stick together" so trump hires all of them with the belief that because they all have something to lose, none of them will rat on each other? Who vetted all these colleagues?
1
OMG, I just learned most of my stocks are also owned by Russian oligarchs! And they are all themselves in bed with Putin! No wonder I felt brainwashed enough to vote for Trump... .
This is the same guy who praised Saudi Arabia's lack of visible dissent and forbidden public protests.
Surprised?
Not.
Ross the VP of the Cyprus Russian Money laundering bank...Ross should have never been confirmed! Newsweek nailed it, “Trump is Leading the Most Corrupt Administration in U.S. History!
4
This has to be the filthiest administration in our history.
5
Will someone please advise those of us who feel our nation has reached the "enough is enough" point with this administration what, if anything, we can do to hurry the removal of malignancy from our government before we've reached the point of no-return?
Trump is not going to reverse any of his "policies", decisions, or actions. He continues to bring more alligators into the increasingly fetid swamp that is his administration. Why is anyone debating the Clintons at this point? They are not back in the White House; the Trumps are. We can't keep following Trump's frantic attempts to distract us from the real issues at hand: our so-called president, his family, and his cronies have been colluding with Russia in opposition to the best interests of this country. It's time to give what they are up to a defining name and stop dancing around semantics; this seems very close to treason in my book.
I'm becoming less and less impressed by most of those in politics anymore and I have become quite cynical about the direction in which this nation is heading. Members of Congress exhibit little to no interest in compromise or negotiating solutions to our problems and they are blind to the elephant trump-eting in the White House.
How can we make them do their job and work to further the welfare of this nation? I'm truly looking for legitimate advice.
3
America is totally infiltrated by Russia ties, and Republican sit there and do nothing. We are being invaded by anti-American interest, republicans are being bought for a dime.
1
I once read this idea: Conservatives fear Big Government, Liberals fear Big Corporations. The GOP has always really been about having Big Corporations in charge of a small government. The Trump administration has achieved that goal with a caveat: Big Corporations in charge of a Big Government dedicated to the oligarchy and authoritarian goals. When will the coppertops wake up? The Machines are in control.
10
With apologies to Indiana Jones: "Russia. What does it always have to be Russia?"
Come on GOP. You seriously can't be thinking all these Russia connections (and the convenient forgetfulness about it) among so many high ranking Trumpists is a coincidence? It appears to be a job requirement, ensuring that no one will blow the whistle on the biggest Russia-backed con artist, lest their own self interests be threatened.
Americans are now seeing just how the rich stay rich and avoid paying their fair share, yet they are going to get more tax breaks and their dynasty will be secured because for some reason we need to repeal the estate tax.
Hey average Americans! Aren't we fed up with being the punching bag for these people? They are laughing at us as we fight over crumbs while our infrastructure and schools decay. If you aren't angry, you haven't been paying attention.
20
When Trumpsky said the Rusher thing is a ruse, he sure wasn't just whistling Dixie.
9
Follow the money!
10
Is there one honest person in the Trump cabinet? This is not surprising given that Trump has no scruples. He's hired those like him who are out to use their positions to enrich themselves. The most shameful thing is they deny that they have done anything wrong. Mnuchin is one of the worst and slimiest enablers who foreclosed early on California buyers. Then there is Kushner, who has lied about his connections to Russian businessmen, and Ivanka who used cheap Chinese labor to manufacture her products. Trump is the sleaziest, most unintelligent president on record. I hope Mueller gets to see his taxes. That will show how Trump sold out to the Russians. Treasonous.
17
It isn't irony, it's pure self-interest, that Ross is just another pig at Trump's trough of greed, for his own self-benefit. The Trump administration sees what Trump has done with his assets, so why can't they do the same thing? They totally disrespect the United States, as well as everyone else in it, except themselves. They're running the US, the same way Putin runs Russia. Ross should be prosecuted for a conflict of interest for lying at his nomination committee hearing, for not divesting his asset.
13
When a member of the Trump "Administration" babbles some nonsense about "serving the country", hide the keys to the treasury. They are about to rob us blind.
22
Trump is proving to be more beholden to Wall Street globalists than Hillary was even most wildly rumored to be.
What's worse, is that Trump actually has Wall Street in charge and the global entities he is connected to are our worst adversaries.
He's not just the Worst. President. Ever.
He's beyond bumbling and ineffective.
He's corrupt and dangerous.
35
GOP= Greedy Old Party
It appears that Russia and its government is controlled by the oligarchs. This proves the point. Oligarchs in general have no regard for allegiance to any particular country, including their own. These oligarchs are fundamentally internationalists, and when the US opened its arms to international trading and Citizens United, Pandora's box was opened for a brand of international thievery that affects and threatens all the countries of the world, including the USA.
An indication that the US is being drawn into this collaborative effort was revealed when Putin attempted to interfere in the Trump campaign to bring an oligarchy to our shores.
This article shows the opaque and undercover ways the oligarchs attempt to reign in and control new countries. It appears that Trump, through cabinet selections, has brought in many members who have compelling financial interests all over the world. Is America first? I doubt it.
The only way to reign in the worldwide oligarchy is to restrain international trade that smacks of oligarch control.
11
"During Mr. Ross’s confirmation process, he was asked repeatedly about his business ties to Russia, mostly related to his former role as vice chairman of the Bank of Cyprus, where he dealt with Russian investors ie oligarchs"
And yet this pirate who should be in jail for tax evasion & wrecking numerous companies for his personal benefit is the perfect fit for Trumpism. Not to mention that he saved Trump from personal bankruptcy after the New Jersey casino fiasco.
America , what have you done to yourself !
28
Trump, they say was put there by the hand of God. Karmically, I believe this is very true, and God's Karmic lesson to America will be Great, indeed and coming quite soon!
The entire Trump administration is rotten to the core -- no surprise. Mueller's investigation and investigative reporting will reveal just how deeply the Russians have linked themselves to various wealthy Americans and how much that influence has crept into our government as a result. If Jeff Sessions as a member of the Senate was dealing with the Russians during the campaign, guaranteed there are other Republicans in that same boat whose names will ultimately make headlines.
23
Every day it seems like there’s some new revelation that would be enough to sink any other administration. What really scares me is I don’t think there’s anything the DNC could do to convince the 35–40% of Americans that constitute Trump’s base to vote Democrat. Downplay identity politics, give Bernie free rein over the party—it doesn’t matter. The country had already been polarized. (Thanks, pinko commie secret Muslim IS founder atheist anti-white affirmative action Obama!) Now, Bannon and his ilk—enabled by the Republican establishment, funded by billionaires, actively supported by hostile foreign powers, while exploiting Silicon Valley’s laissez-faire ethos towards new media—have built an impenetrable wall around their them. They might not be a majority of the country, but it doesn’t matter: they benefit from an institutional bias towards agrarianism and the Republican suppression of the urban vote, and they consist of people who actually show up on Election Day. Short of Trump making some massive mistake—and I mean massive—they’re not going to budge.
42
Offshore accounts and companies avoiding taxes. Here's an idea, all companies useing overseas headquarters have to make these "headquarters" the same size as their real headquarters in the U.S. The same number of people and pay scales and benefits. Oh and the Board has to spend 6 months of the year at " headquarters".
Who could believe that a member of Trump's cabinet would have ties to Russia?
Any how, we have to understand that connections between the Trump and his people with Russia go back to the Obama's presidency. In other words, Obama should be blamed!!
The TImes uses the ambiguous term 'Ties.' It would appear that Sibur is a customer of Navigator. Since Ross isn't a dumb businessman, one assumes that Navigator is getting fair value from Sibur in an arms length transaction. Do the filing requirements include giving the names of holdings and the customers of those holdings?
2
The most corrupt administration in American history. Who could have anticipated that?
11
Trump keeps tweeting how the stock market is at an all time high. But who benefits from this? Answer: He and all his wealthy cronies. What about all the rest of us, like the coal miners, waitresses and all the hard working folks that break their backs to make a meager living and feed their kids? Now we are about to lose our health care subsidy to pay for Trumps rich campaign donors lifestyle. But I guess as long as Rupert Murdoch's propaganda machine continues to numb the masses , so too will the spiraling collapse of American Democracy .
9
I get your point, but if you're fortunate enough to have a retirement fund, it almost certainly invests in the stock market. Hopefully you can retire at a time when the market is up.
"I intend to be quite scrupulous about recusal and any topic where the slightest scintilla of doubt."
Mr. Secretary, did you mean before or after the "draining of the swamp?"
6
Good for Wilbur to have shown such business acumen. If more Americans were as smart in their business dealings as he has been, we likely would have a stronger economy.
3
If more Americans had business dealings like this Administration has then more Americans belong in jail.
1
"a stronger economy.'
Republicans always bring recessions.
So, how is it that Mr. Ross knows about this investment opportunity, but I would never find out about it in a million years? And then, hey, do you think they'd be interested in the $10 K I might have in my 401K? Is the investment available for my 401K funds? Actually no, it's not. Only mutual funds that spin off fees for wealthy Wall Street fund managers - that's the only kind of investment I have access to. Funny how that works, isn't it?
1
More news from the Ethics Free Zone. Ross had an affirmative obligation to disclose and/or supplement his OGE 278 Public Disclosure Statement. I assume the Designated Ethics Official advised Ross of this obligation during his ethics counseling and in the Ethics Agreement. Disclosure must be sufficient to be able to perform a conflict of interest review. Where is the updated OGE 278?
4
Interesting how times have changed. Republicans use to lambast the Russians as "the evil empire" and worked hard to convince voters that the Democrats were soft on Russia. Now Trump and his minions are busy getting involved with the Russians and lying about it to the American public. In a few days Trump will blame Obama and Clinton for the mess and the ignoramuses who put Trump in power will swallow that nonsense hook, line and sinker.
25
A massive crisis for America. Not only must trump be impeached or removed from office through other means, this must be done in a way that will reform our electoral process to ensure that the trump debacle never happens again.
42
Is there anyone in the trump adm. that isn't somehow connected to russia??This is absolutely absurd.Russian money was key in the founding of both Facebook and Twitter?At this point is there anyone associated with trump that doesn't have a pocket full of rubles?
25
I'm patiently waiting to discover Javanka's intimate involvement with all things Russian. Such lovely people.
Looks like Trump’s extreme vetting plans might need a little tweaking wrt his admin choices.
23
Another Trump swamp creature. His Cabinet is full of them. But, hey, how are those new jobs in coal country?
33
Ross just need the money so he can buy his fancy velvet slippers and go to all those palm beach parties.
7
well nothing to see here that hints at illegal
On the contrary, it's treason.
1
um know it id not
And then there are the endless lies under oath...
Not that anybody with any power actually cares.
Their idiot base certainly doesn't, they just want to see a bonfire. Tthen the government can fix everything for them like it always does.
these people do not do right by the american people because their goal is to accumulate enough wealth that they are beyond the law, not bound by traditions of our country and operate as nations unto themselves. WE exist to pay taxes for them to plunder in an effort to make more money and fight those that threaten their business operations through endless wars.
33
Many years ago a mentor taught me to understand a person's integrity before working with them. Trump will not be able to surround himself with people of solid moral fiber. Dig deep enough into any Trump associate and you will find the same foundations.
44
The most corrupt, swamp-presidency in America.
Ever.
And the Trump supporters don't care, and neither does Trump.
96
Are there real swamps in Russia like we have real DT?
What a mockery liddle Donald is of all the US has ever stood for.
Karma's a comin' Don.
Do a story on a Trump pick that was NOT tied to Russia in some way.
THAT would be news.
54
It is a story of a Major Collusion of epic scale !
I am sure the Dotard has many hidden away in these dealings !
Putin and his subordinate puppet Trump run a vast criminal enterprise.
53
it occurs to me that Rex Tillerson etc are not filling middle manager positions because they don't want anybody responsible to know what is going on.
124
All are complicit in a crime syndicate !
1
You know - and I can't believe I didn't think of it before! - I'm sure you're right. Trumpers may love the idea of 'rich' federal employees getting the boot, but all of those 'useless' (per Trump) state department staff, etc., would've been perfectly positioned to see what Trump and his cronies were up to.
1
Good point! Besides, Putin wouldn't allow it.
1
So, a 79 year old man worth 2 billion dollars has an investment of 10 million dollars max, or .5% of his wealth, in a business that derives 8% of its revenue from a company that is fractionally owned by people tied to Putin.
He kept those holdings offshore, legally. And he disclosed that he was keeping these investments.
We’re taking about fractions so small here that I can’t see this as a major news story, even back in normal times where the bar for scandal was lower.
16
Except if the Clinton's did it, the GOP would start impeachment proceedings.
10
He's also on the board of the bank in Cyprus that has laundered millions of dollars for the Russian oligarchs, I guess you don't find that to be a problem either.
11
So, 10 million dollars is just chump change to Wilbur Ross—it shouldn't concern us all that much? You don't understand billionaires very well if you don't understand how they accumulated their wealth: by counting every dime as valuable.
4
Bring on the excuses, and the Clinton blaming. Does any rational person still doubt that this regime is a criminal enterprise????
Lock them ALL up. Bigly.
18
So Secretary Ross is in bed with Russians. I wonder who is on top?
8
Whenever it's written as "Putin's inner circle" it should be read as "Russian Mafia."
12
I spent my life as an academic, and am completely naive about business. Don't Ross and Trump and the other America First crowd run their businesses through the Caymon Islands to avoid US taxes?
11
I guess you could say the secretary's ship has come in.
5
Instead of draining the swamp, Trump is immersed in it. Soon, he and his cronies will be over their heads.
6
Panama papers & WikiLeaks all revealed so many things that need to raise big question marks, but none surfaced. My guess is that people associated with both the Republican and Democrat were involved. So it is difficult for the press and news media to shed the lights on those "tax evaders." The current case involves Republicans only. With the Democrat backing and pushing, press and news media are free to talk. In business, I don't believe Democrats are any less guilty than their counter parts in the Republican party with Russian business ties. If press and news media provide adequate investigation, I am quite certain that both parties are guilty with Russian ties.
2
@Usok: At this point, I don't care whether any of these corrupt men are Democrats, Republicans, or purple people eaters. I just want them all to be disempowered.
This country used to belong to the middle class, but apparently, we were too busy obeying laws to get stinking rich, too busy working and living our lives to notice that the stinking rich have bought our political system and are hollowing it out.
Soon our rights will be so diminished, we will be unable to effect any change except through violent means. Since nobody wants to go there - yet - it is time to clean out the whole nest of billionaire vipers, regardless of party, and restore democracy to this country. Get rid of the Electoral College, get rid of gerrymandering, and let's start over again with one person, one vote.
4
Yet another corrupt and duplicitous Trump appointee...where is the integrity republicans? Where are these much touted” moral values” that you so smugly display in your oh so sanctimonious manner? Most importantly where is the leadership for America from Ryan and McConnell- those completely empty opportunistic hypocrites?
16
Liar in chief crony continues to show contempt for ethical behavior and using federal appointment to line his own pockets while siddling up to the Russians like the rest of the Trump cabal. This alleged admin. is only out for personal gain and feathering their own nests . allegiance and collusion with Russian oligarchy is objective # 1 in Trumplandia and selling out their own country is their daily mission- accomplished ; on next to impeachment?
8
At this point, the only really surprising news would be a report that one of Mr. Trump's team does NOT have nefarious and suspicious ties to Russia.
21
When you drain the swamp.....
You're not supposed to fill it with Swampy McSwampface.
13
It's getting to the point. For the sake of our future and Democracy we have to decide.
Trump supporters on one side of the line
Everyone else on the other.
Let's go brothers and sisters, let's bring this one on. Soon. Now.
17
King himself has no clothes and so it's expected that his team has no cloths either.
Most worrisome part is that his supporters will loose real cloths in the process for rest of their life and won't even realize.
11
Great reporting!
I can't wrap my mind around the obscene amounts of money described in this piece.
Meanwhile, I just got news from my health insurance that premiums and deductibles are going way up. Trying to decide which med to ditch now that rent has also increased...antidepressant, thyroid or asthma? Forget about the dentist.
40
Mareln; you said:
"Trying to decide which med to ditch now that rent has also increased...antidepressant, thyroid or asthma? Forget about the dentist."
Might i humbly suggest you work towards ditching ALL these meds - certainly the antidepressants and asthma - by working on the quality and kinds of food you eat.
'Make food your medicine.' If youre eating food thats as close to nature as possible and drinking lots of water and eliminating sugar as much as possible from your diet, youll be on the right track to being able to triumph over asthma and depression.
The same people that blow the horn of economic globalism are now blowing the whistle on Republicans that practice it. Similar to the quest for foreign policy experts that end with accusations that the experts have in the past met with foreigners.
1
From the outset of this administration I have been mystified how Trump convinced people like Wilbur Ross to act as his accomplices in the destruction of America's global presence and agenda. Mr. Ross is a highly skilled investor and manager, and if you have heard him speak publicly, comes across as a very dignified and insightful analyst of the global economy. He and Trump are from different planets. But I realize that the structure of the Trump administration has been designed by another hand, from nascent campaign staffing to the critical cabinet positions. We are distracted by our executive circus performer's antics but it is really the quiet and unassuming tail that wags the dog of the Trump presidency, and we are quietly cementing the wealth and power of our plutocracy and creating an American oligarchy that will put the Russians to shame.
27
Fake news. Wake up NY Times. The Cold War is over. Russians are living in Brooklyn and Sergey Brin, the founder of Google, was born in Russia.
3
seriously? russia is ruled by kleptocrats who murder to keep control. we're not there yet, but give trump a chance.
1
Dear Republican Party,
Thank you for showing America your true face, a face of hidden racism, a face devoid of empathy, a face of contempt for anyone who is not very wealthy, a face of lies and deceit, a face of coawardice, and a face of totalitarianism and despotism.
This is not the Republican Party of my younger days, shame, shame on all of you. You now have someone as President who actually reflects your values.
39
It it the republican party of my youth, and it's become worse. the trinity of greed, evangelicals, and authoritarian nationalism has won.
1
I am shocked!!! Please note sarcasm.
7
In 1979 a cultural historian named Christopher Lasch wrote an important book called, The Culture of Narcissism: American Life in an Age of Dimishing Expectations. It’s about how American society is profoundly altered by narcissism which permeates society via psychology, the arts, celebrity, warped history, etc. Then along came Trump who was promoted to where he is by other narcissists and the tragically brain washed. Trump and his co-narcissists hand picked fellow narcissists for these Cabinet posts, WH staff, etc. Via profound personal dishonesty they try to turn the entire nation into like minded narcissists. That is part and parcel of being a narcissist. If you don’t play by their rules they will attempt to destroy you. Wilbur Ross is another example of this Trump bacteria.
Little did we know where Mr. Lasch’s message would lead: dangerously close to the ruin of American democracy.
84
Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump, Stephen Miller, and George Papadoaplus...all narcissist in waiting.
1
Being told that you (the USA) is "Exceptional" all your life does not prepare the mind for Critical Thinking. It must be gut wrenching to the few evangelicals that escape the evolution denial syndrome. eg. 46% Americans Believe In Creationism According To Latest Gallup. Poll .http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/05/americans-believe-in-creationism
Forty six percent Americans believed in creationism, 32% believed in theistic evolution and 15% believed in evolution without any divine intervention. The data shows that the percent of Americans who believe in creationism has increased slightly by 2% over the last 30 years.
The USA is Exceptional but not in a good way.
I am starting to think the likes of Wilbur Ross, Mike Flynn, Paul Manifort, Jarod Kushner, Donald Trump Junior, Donald Trump and anyone else in the Trump circle should be considered as Putin "Cronies" too.
4
Surprise! Another Russian connection...
8
I'm sure these swamp critters could make millions every year without skirting the law, or taxes, or a minimum about of patriotism. Do they really need those extra dollars that much?
3
What is so dispiriting is how little the Republicans in Congress seem to care about this.
We are becoming a kleptocracy because of their cowardice and contempt for the rule of law and democratic norms. Trump is not ruining our country on his own, he has plenty of help from the hypocritical pond scum that has become the Republican party.
13
If you want to make big money this is how you do it....Trump and Trump associate style.
1
Citizens United and Trumps Russian swamp. Wake up America. Follow the money. Excellent reporting NY Times.
5
Wealthy people have no national allegiance, they only are concerned with their wealth. Their wealth crosses all boarders. That is why treason comes so easily to them.
PROSECUTE RUSSIAGATE!
4
Well, what did the voters expect when they voted a businessman into the White House? And a "smart" businessman to boot - one who doesn't pay his taxes...
11
“Smart” like a fox they say. But foxes are so stupid when they go into a henhouse they kill them all and take only take one.
Trump is “smart” like a fox, but is also greedy as a pig.
Another "Trusted" Trump Cabinet member about ready to 'hit the dust'. Count the number who for too many reasons have been found NOT fit for U.S. Government (or ANY) Services. Trump appointed too many billionaire "friends" whom he thought would best serve HIM, not our Country/OUR DEMOCRACY!!!
11
Anyone notice? The Russians are Coming! The Russians are Coming?
6
Too late. They're already here.
The appearance of covering this up should cost Ross his job - right now.
10
Seems like Putin and Trump both have sons-in-law mixed up with shady Russia/American billionaire business deals.
16
Flynn, Papadoupolous, Ross, Manafort, Gates, Tillerson...the list goes on...Mueller is peeling back the onion....it will only grow...Hillary may not tell the truth...but she is not trying to take over the government....
And John/Jane voter fell for it!!!
15
The air smelled so clean and fresh in the Cayman Islands when I was there. I thought it was the Caribbean breeze. Perhaps it was just the aroma of freshly laundered money wafting through the air.
14
The fox was let into the hen house by the people that voted for Trump. It is time to impeach the criminal, convict him on state charges and throw him in the slammer. The rest of these white collar criminals should have their passports revoked and put to hones work on the island of Puerto Rico repairing storm damage with pick and shove.
Impeach Trump, give honest work to the rest of the GOP criminals.
18
I would seem that the entire list of high level appointments by Trump were done, not in spite of the "Russian Connections", but because of the "Russian Connections." Hopefully Mueller will tie up the basket of deplorables with a nice bow and present the details to the public. Sooner the better.
5
The Commerce Secretary recused himself from transoceanic shipping??? How's the truck driver, the candle scent maker doing. and the cabana boy doing in the Ag Department?
Lordy.
3
Of course Ross is tied to the Russians. Of course. That's why he was hired.
covfefe hires only tremendous cronies, the Best Cronies, believe me.
2
Good investigation but the Times should probably start reporting on Trump officials without undisclosed connections to Vladimir Putin. That would be news.
3
Looks like "draining the swamp" might be a little behind schedule. Not a lot of real populists in the Trump administration --- and now we have a predatory tax plan in the works. The Republicans think we're stupid. Perhaps they're right.
103
Looks like that Trump Swamp is more like the 'Everglades'...
Of course they're right. Americans are for the most part lazy and ignorant. The swamp is drained and has been replaced by the sewer.
"Behind schedule," you say? I haven't seen ANY draining yet so far from Trump. Do you?
1
It's the 21st Century version of La Cosa Nostra. Not only do these thugs get a free pass to run a protection racket and commit tax fraud but now they actually get paid salaries by the government to do it!
5
"Drain the swamp"! This creature and his cronies ARE the swamp. How can we,
a nation of people once capable of actual achievement, believe the nonsense that comes out of the mouth of this orange-faced montebank?
3
Is anyone surprised by anything that surfaces about this Administration anymore?
5
This is not savory, nor is it new. Let me provide an example. I have bee; a supporter of a soccer team, Arsenal, since I was an exchange student in Ireland almost 40 years ago, and, at the time, Arsenal started three Irish and three Northern Irish internationals out of their 11 starters.
These days, Arsenal’s majority shareholder is Silent Stan Kroenke, a Walmart heiress-in-law who also owns the LA Rams, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids. The next largest shareholder is Ru$$ian-Uzbek oligarch Alisher Usmanov, who plays a prominent role in the recent Times article about Ru$$ian oligarch and major facebook shareholder Yuri Milner.
Kroenke and Usmanov are said to hate each other, but there they are, bound together by a fabulously profitable London soccer team.
3
And how does this drain the swamp?
3
This admin this administration makes the Teapot Dome scandal seem like really, truly small potatoes.
7
I think it is time to start thinking of changing the name of the Oval Office to the Politburo.
4
Robert Mueller:
HURRY.
Signed,
EVERYONE
36
It appears that half of Trump's cabinet is contaminated by corruption and crooked Russian dealings.
It's time to clean house, starting at the top in the White House.
America has become a laughingstock throughout the world.
10
Trump and vast appointed Cabinet Secretaries and Under Secretaries (I wanted to say ALL, but I will hold comments until their nefarious alignments arise - competency and training for their positions is a totally different matter - they haven't those credentials) now represent MOST CORRUPT and SELF-DEALING group. If Nancy Pelosi and Tom Perez don't can't read these tea leaves and get behind the Progressive grass roots, then they need to be pushed aside as well.
IMPEACHMENT of TRUMP. NOW!
This 79 year old billionaire is just another statue celebrating duplicity. He happens to partly own POTUS' feeding trough as well as have a foot in Putins camp.
On the other side we have a life long Dem operative, Donna Brazile whom is clearly offended by nefarious behaviour within her Party. Whether it was the hacking, the preoccupation of her predecessor with free clothes and makeup or some other classless selfishness, I don't know. Ms Brazile has now become fed up of being Mandrake's Lothar. That Party, the Dems need to decide where they stand and stop parting around. Very simply, Bill Clinton epitomizing selfishness and lack of empathy represents the prevailing motto of that group. Ms Brazile simply decided that enough is enough. Good for her!
1
Ms Brazile is merely trying to cash in on a book that no one would buy if she didn’t Trump up charges of wrongful behavior of Hillary and the DNC. Bernie is the one that used the DNC to run for president, while not adding one penny to it’s coffers, while Hillary raised 1.2 million. This is a fake story made up by Brazil, the Bertie people are just playing deplorable‘s in all this. This is a no nothing burger. While Trump and his administration still America you’re talking about something that is meaningless.
3
Look over there!! Hillary!!HILLARY!!!
10
I totally agree.
So much for America First. In Trump world, Russian money is just as green as American money because it IS American money. They don't take Roubles. Wilbur Ross has some explaining to do.
13
Wilbur Ross met all of the criteria needed to become a cabinet member in the Trump administration: 1) Wealth. 2) Ties to Russian oligarchs. 3) Zero ethics.
33
For another window on the Trump-Russia connection recall that Russian ambassador told Moscow that Kushner wanted secret ...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/.../russian-ambassador...kushner-wanted........
"May 26, 2017 - Jared Kushner and Russia's ambassador to Washington discussed the possibility of setting up a secret and secure communications channel to Moscow".
America , what have you done to yourself !
Best way to look after your own business interests is to become the Commerce secretary.
14
Ross was vice chairman of the Cyprus Bank, banker to the oligarchs. Russia has so many tentacles reaching into this administration, it's no wonder Jared Kushner wanted his own secret Russian-sponsored communication channel.
21
Anyone else starting to notice that the Kremlin is better represented in our country than us citizens?
234
Yes, of course, US Territories looking like Russian protectorates ! Kremlin seems to be well versed in every inch of our land, their political nature, democratic and republican demography ....every details, delivered to the Russians by the. Dotard Family with active cooperation by the then Senator from Alabama , Jeff Session !
I hope, Mr. Mueller will find out all the documents delivered to the then Russian Ambassador by Jeff Sessions, Mike Flynn, Dotard Jr., Manafort and all other Russian runners in the Dotard campaign !
The President's cronies make the Teapot Dome scandal look like a tempest....(you have to laugh to keep in balance).
12
Has anyone in this benighted administration a shred of morality? They all seem to worship the great god of greed at the expense of everyone else. And just where our public servants, the mighty US Congress, those folks elected to protect us from this ruination? Those sniveling, morally depleted representatives have have divorced themselves from their responsibilities in order to grab their share of the gold. Hard to hold your head up these days.
13
Question to Trump voters: Is this what it looks like to drain the swamp?
14
American capitalism + Russian oligarchy = Crony capitalism.
It doesn't take a Nobel Prize in Economics to figure that out.
13
I am trying to remember for the life of me, any past administration or President that had so many, coincidental ties or connections with Russia in our modern history...remember when selling Billy Beer was a big deal.
15
Süddeutsche Zeitung provides the best report on the Paradise Papers and on Appleby on Bernuda. Wilbur Ross among tens of thousands of US investors alone, not to mention those from other countries, today also commented by the NYT, has investments with Appleby that tie him to Putin and his circle of "loyal" olygarchs. Süddeutsche Zeitung's assessment of Appleby's business practices differs "radically" from Appleby's attestations of taking great pride to be "clean" and conforming to international standards and agreements on taxation. If the centerpiece of Trump's now emerging strategy against FBI's special prosecutor Mueller is to safeguard from FBI's eyes his own tax and international financial "making a deal" empire, there are obviously very good reasons for keeping those eyes off limits. Trump has often saied: His own financial dealings are off limits. Mueller's eyes must not cross that red "off limits" line. Süddeutsche Zeitung's extensive investigations, on which the NYT report leans but which it does not extensively detail, points to the USA as the land of by far the highest number of corrupt investors in Appleby's offshore paradise. The SZ repeatedly and extensively quotes Appleby's constant protestations to be squeaky clean, as also to its great pride and constant vigilence to keep it so. This sounds very much like the assurances Wilbur Ross gave before the US comittees prior to his being affirmed as commerce secretary. So also with Trump.
11
When the president personally and through his family makes a mockery of ethics laws why shouldn't his cabinet members and others in his orbit? He has hand picked these people to be supportive of the way he does things and they can hardly do that unless they are using the same playbook.
12
It's revealing that this newest revelation of corruption has inspired all of 26 comments. We are so inured to the endless corruption and conflicts of interest that permeate this administration that we no longer have the energy for outrate.
It's exactly as Trump told the Native American chiefs yesterday in connection with exploiting natural resources on NA lands: Just do what you want. What are they going to do to you? Make you put the stuff back? Just do it.
This is the message from our president: Ignore laws and regulations. Just do it.
That is truly an extraordinary things to say--from our lawless president, who mocks the rule of law every day of his administration.
Congress should impeach itself and get out of the way. Wilbur Ross will face no penalty, no call to resign. Why should he? You want something? Just do it, says our president, leaving unspoken the corollary: That's what I do.
13
@A New Yorker: The Times had this article up yesterday, but didn't allow comments until today.
My fellow _________ (fill in the blank: Americans, Russians, third world dictators), ask not what your country can do for you, ask how the Commerce Department and Revenue Service can be rigged to enrich the rich evermore.
Sign of the times with Trump as President. Trump is all about tax-havens, tax avoidance, shell companies, money-laundering, bribery, and nepotism for oligarchies in power.
158
No president, Maybe the “so called president of the Adult DayCare Center “ !
Ethics? What’s that, say the kleptocrats.
What does it mean to serve the people, the ordinary Americans, many of whom have probably never met a billionaire and would have absolutely nothing in common with them? Our children don’t go to the same schools, we certainly don’t use the same banks, and we don’t have private funds in offshore accounts. The children of these kleptocrats never come in contact with our children, their mothers never share rides to soccer practice, never associate with one another.
How does a billionaire investor serve the state and the people? What does he do for us, how does he make the lives of Americans better? No one really knows for sure, because their lives are so different from most Americans.
27
So billions of corporate taxes avoided in offshore holdings -but we also need a new tax plan to lower taxes for corporations?
97
Just yesteryear a US president was voicing opposition to Soviet leader Gorbachev to "tear down this wall, Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall".
In todays world with the wall down, many American politicians have been streaming across seeking assistance from a Russian oligarch to combat their opponent. Be prepared, times are-a-changing, they are-a-changing.
5
Given that Donald Trump with his pile of unpaid bills, debts and bankruptcies has been a pariah for investors and lenders in the United States for decades, it makes perfect sense that he would be attracted to and an attraction for Russian oligarchs. We don't know if he has had such transactions, which would at the least helped oil the invasion of our electoral system, but I suspect that Bob Mueller has some idea of whatever connections exist.
One would imagine that someone with a history like Trump's would if not maintain his relative anonymity as a reality tv star/businessman than work to ensure that he cleaned up his act before he swanned down that escalator to announce his candidacy and certainly afterwards. Instead, he not only peppered his cabinet with dubious characters with similar, potential conflicts of interest and worse, refused to properly divest his holdings in a way that remove all doubts.
I am convinced that one of the most successful tricks up Trump's con artist sleeve is his feigned openness and "honesty" about his ethics free behavior, which he presents as rebelling against "political correctness", rather than what it is, shoddy, shady, irresponsible and hurtful business practices that barely skirt or defy the laws of the land. Wilbur Ross is just one more symptom of the same disease.
29
Does everyone quite understand that we're witnessing?
A group of wealthy men with intersecting and interdependent financial interests is called a cabal.
'Fake News,' when it is all pointed at one party, is called propaganda.
Law enforcement meddling in an election is called a coup.
Is it pride in our sense of ourselves as a modern democracy means we can't admit it?
37
We are at war with the Russians. Not the kind where bombs and bullets are used but where hacking and disinformation are the tools of the trade. To have any member of our government continue business with our enemy is unacceptable.
Over and over and over we see Trump and Gang linked to Russian interests.
Why? Why? Why?
24
It is nice to know that certain Americans are more than happy to take care of Putin's and the oligarch's monies. How is it that the laws allow people to hide in bogus companies and yet those same individuals can access their monies at will? My bank freaks out if my ATM card is misplaced and I can't access MY funds without blood being drawn. These laws need to be changed for complete transparency.
Speaking of which, Mr. Ross needs to be investigated pronto. Who is he working for? And his boss needs to come clean as well. High time we saw those tax returns and investment portfolio. Oh and then there is Jared who we know needs money badly for 666 Fifth Avenue loans. And then there is the Crown Prince of SA who is manipulating their oil company going public. What and who benefits out of that deal?
Billionaires apparently rule the world. The laws are written to hide their shenanigans and they move from country to country helping each other get a bigger piece of the pie. It is 'paradise' for them for sure.
So how are Trump and Ross helping Putin? Please find out Mr. Mueller.
17
Should Trump remain president? NYET!!!!!
5
What is it about Russia and the Trump's, it seems like everyone Trump is tied up with his children, his son-in-law, his business associates are all cozy with the highest elements in Russian government. business or finances.
This is all beyond a coincidence
15
How long does this go on? Just imagine if this were a democratic president. Obama wore a beige suit and Fox news had a week-long meltdown. This is a disgusting episode in American history, and the damage being done will take a very long time to repair, if ever.
14
tax havens. = tax hide-outs
Shell companies. = no law or order or accountability
Trump's best people = mostly criminals
16
Well, surprise, surprise, surprise!
3
Is it possible every single member of the Trump “administration” has Russian conflicts? Were they all chosen by Trump because of it?
8
We are deluding ourselves thinking that America is any different than Russia. We are ruled by billionaires from tech, finance, energy, insurance, automotive and other industries. Our billionaires have us controlled with our phone, tv and Internet habits, Russia has the same plus some harsher jails. If you’re poor and black in America you’d probably be as animated as the pussy riot singer someone else mentioned. Our billionaires are happy little phony mark zuckerbergs, not mobster looking dudes, but they are the same. We have criticism from the NYT that frankly, 95%of America can’t understand, but so long as Americans can have prime, warmth Fox, shoot each other and buy on credit we are all good glued to our phones and tv. Now with trump the thugs have won in America. Let’s stop pretending we have some moral authority. With crooks like trump and his band of billionaires controlling us, state controlled media that makes rt look like the Disney Channel and millions living in abject poverty stricken war zones we have zero moral authority. Puh-leaze,gimme a break, we are Russia. We are a oligarchy.
14
America and its Treasury are being raped and pillaged by Trump and his hugely crooked cronies.
8
Mr Ross seems to be tied to everything. Navigator is shipping for everybody. If you have two billion in the Caymans your well connected. Linking him to Putin is like playing the six degrees of Kevin Bacon though. Maybe they should have the Putin game. It is being played allot already by the media.
There is a reason that the vast majority of voters now see Trump as the worst President. He has surrounded himself with some very questionable advisers, refused to fill the middle management positions that might be in the position to see the shady nature of the administration, and has refused to live up to his commitment to show us his own back taxes so we might better understand his financial ties to Russia and other foreign powers. Congress should demand the taxes, and revisit its own vetting process so Russian can't buy anymore control in our government.
17
Profiting from business alliances with people under sanctions imposed by our government? Not illegal? It should be. Where is Congress?
3
Yep, Trump has drained the swamp ... and repopulated it with, well you know who and what they are.
Seriously, all you Trump apologists out there, there is still time for you to regain your "faculties," not to mention your worth as a sentient, thinking human being. Or, you can be complicit in the actions and the willful ignorance of the party and the people who impose swamp creatures like Trump, Ross, Kushner, Flynn, Manafort et al on our country.
The party that brought us denial of science, voodoo economics, "good" racists and Goebbels quality propaganda must be defeated at the polls at every level of elected office. Every level.
3
This White House is full of Russian dirt, even Tillerson has ties to Putin and here we have a president who not once has ever condemned Putin's tyranny. What does Putin have on Trump because he does have something on him, This is so much more than just Trump's ignorance and oversized ego in play; this is treason!
5
Of course.
2
And hence the reason why the richest Americans and corporations really DON'T need a huge tax cut. They've been hiding money from the US tax man for decades so they avoid paying taxes on the money they DO have! Why exactly are we rewriting the tax code to allow them to pay LESS money in taxes on the little they can't seem to hide in offshore untaxable accounts? The proposed "big tax boon" for the middle class tax payer has HUGE advantages for the wealthy and some middle class taxpayers will end up paying MORE in a few years - all so the uber-wealthy who already hide assets offshore can avoid paying their fair share???? Kill the tax bill!
10
I am shocked, shocked to read that a member of Trump's all-star cabinet is in bed with the Russians. Actually, I'd be shocked to read that a member of his cabinet is a person of impeccable integrity.
6
why do we persist in thinking that the so-called "collusion" was only confined to the time frame of the election? we have had some rather odd shifts in foreign policy since the election that appear to be undermining decades of US policy most of which seem to benefit Russian national interests. Something about 'the proof is in the pudding' folks. Plainly isn't US foreign policy suppose to bolster our national interests not another country's?
1
The question that's starting to form: Is there ANYONE in the Trump Administration who does NOT have financial ties to Russia. There's no way this is all coincidence.
6
How much more will it take? For the Trump die-hards, apparently love of country has a limit and that is actually upholding the constitution, laws and moral compass that has underpinned our nation through internal and external strife. As someone else said, this is now looking like Putin took over "without firing a shot," helping to elect a mini-me who runs the country like Putin runs his. Trump's "Me the People" ("I'm all that matters") approach is that of an autocrat. Congress, it's past (long past, at 300 days) time to take action. And, thank you Robert Mueller. Steady as she goes.
3
It would be one thing if Trump, his family, his allies and his cabinet had ties to various nefarious and/ adversarial foreign places - some with Russia, some with China, Brazil, Mexico, wherever. But it’s always Russia. All of it. Manafort, Flynn, Kushner, Trump himself, Ross, Papodopolous. All of it Russia, Russia, Russia.
One thing I’ve learned in life: where there’s smoke, more often than not there’s fire.
3
These people are incredibly bold because they know they are untouchable and above the law. That is how we get laughable statements like "Navigator's relationship with Sibur began before Mr. Ross joined the board". Yeah, 3 months before and if you don't believe that the deal was in place, a place on the board in exchange for a lucrative deal transporting Russian oil. That he never met the Russian oligarchs may be factually correct but these people don't have to meet to conduct business. They have armies of cronies working for their interests. Lawyers, accountants, financial institutions filled with workers. The veil of democracy has been lifted and we now see the ugly side of the fact that the democracy was created not by "the people" but by the elite. The looked out for their interests then and still do. Humanity will annihilate itself. Of that I am now certain.
3
There's a pattern here. Trump picked a bunch of people who are connected to Russia. Michael Flynn was actually sitting close to Vladimir Putin in Russia. Paul Manafort. his former campaign manager, had ties to Russia with the former Ukranian president who was deposed and fled to Russia. Also how does it look to have someone who served in such a high position to be indicted of conspiracy against the United States and money laundering in Cyprus? Remember the old saying "birds of a feather flock together?" Trump surrounded himself with a bunch of crooks and it's hard to imagine he's not a crook himself after learning of his business dealings over the years.
6
It would be best if every meeting Trump and his administration has on this Asian trip, especially the meeting with Putin, be completely transparent. There should be 1 or 2 people with Trump and a full transcript should be made. That transcript need not be made public but it should be made. Trust in Trump is nil and who knows what kind of 'billionaire' deals he is making and more importantly, who they will benefit.
2
Just another day in the Trump Whitehouse, another lie surfaces about Russian ties within the administration.
I don't understand as a former Federal Employee of the DOD, what it is that is so difficult in filling out your disclosure forms. I had to do these every year, and someone at this level should not be given the benefit of the doubt, they should just be fired as any other liar in the Federal Government.
134
Of course it's not hard to file disclosure. Then again, if you have things to hide, OF COURSE you don't want to any sunlight to shine on you. It's just another example that there are two sets of rules, one for the super-rich and powerful, and one for everyone else (like you and I). And it's the same, regardless of party affiliation (ie. I don't believe Dems are any cleaner than GOP's, though GOP sycophants sound more righteous when they refuse to file disclosure).
1
I remember when the Soviet Union fell apart, there was a hopeful sense that Democracy had won out and when the pieces were put back together again, Russia would look more like the U.S. and all ships would rise.
That illusion continues to shatter as it becomes clearer that the International oligarchs are winning, aided by American business leaders who are no longer loyal to America and Americans. Corporate leaders' loyalty is ultimately to their shareholders and some powerful shareholders are funded and influenced by these same oligarchs as today's article on Yuri Milner reveals. Citizens United legitimized these corporate traitors who continue to consolidate their power. If their power is not checked, we in America will come to look more like Russia and authoritarianism will win in the long run.
Thank you to the NYT for shining a light...
3
It's hard to find a Trump appointee or advisor who doesn't have one hand in Washington and the other in Putin's pocket: Ross, Flynn, Manafort, Sessions, Tillerson, Stone, Page, Donald Trump Jr., Kushner, and don’t forget Papadopoulus. These are all Putin’s witting or unwitting stooges and plants that were carefully inserted into the campaign and his administration. And when Putin meets Trump on his Asian tour, he’ll flash the Queen of Diamonds at him and “the only person who counts” will be turned by his Russian Svengali into the puppet Hillary told us about in the debate.
4
Our own Commerce Secretary doing business with people against whom the US has issued sanctions? What's next, our President cheering on violence against the press, bragging about sexual assault, or threatening to use the Justice Department against political opponents? It can't happen here!
4
How is it that being in business with sanctioned Russians while also being responsible for enforcing those sanctions is not illegal? This makes a mockery of US law as well as any ethical standard. Another conflict from the most openly corrupt administration in US history. Time to take action, Congress.
11
You're asking *Congress* to take action! Seriously?
Congress is engaged in scoring a yuge win now -to benefit Wilbur et al. in a massive tax giveaway.
Please don't distract them.
2
In a very general sense this is how all criminal activity occurs. We as a society, and planet, go about our business. Mostly, 99%, is normal, legal and we try not to get in anyone's way or get into trouble. But the criminal mind is constantly planning an ambush, an attack of some sort.
We get caught unawares, have to suffer the ambush and attack. But with time and knowledge we adapt. We did not know how social media could be used. We didn't know the power of the digital world.
But now we do. And we will adjust and revamp our strategies. We see the big plan hatched by small minded dictators. Small minded that they are no better than the goon level thinking of criminals.
In America we see Civil War v2. Globally? A Cold War warming up.
But we won both. We'll win these two also. I hope to see both Trump and Putin rot in jails. The health of our planet would welcome that outcome.
4
Wilbur reminds me a little of Leona Helmsley, and so to paraphrase her on his behalf, let's quote Mr. Ross (and many others in Trump's orbit) as saying:
"We don't have ethics; only the little people have ethics."
3
And his fan base thought Trump was going to drain the swamp. Ha! Ross is a card carrying swamp member.
1
Is there ANYONE in Trump's admin loyal to the USA instead of some Russian? Is Trump following the Russian model of distributing national assets to cronies as part of breaking up 'the regime'?
RUN FOR OFFICE!! VOTE!!!
Another day, another "forgotten" to report Russian connection. Add to that Kuschner’s dealings in real estate with the Kremlin backed Yuroi Milner and you wish we only had a swamp, and not a cesspool as far as the eye can see.
4
No matter what color of lipstick you try to put on a "cash cow" like this Commerce Secretary there is a clear and present violations of the Ethics Rule they sign when put in office. Seems like Trump chose billionaires with ties to Russia. This person should resign from lying on his Form 89 which clearly states you could be fires for lying even under oath which he did. Go figure Trump pretends he can't remember anything about his relationship with this person. This president and his entire cabinet needs to step down and the president should be impeached. AND leave Mueller to do his job in cleaning house of all these Putin lovers. When Trumo meets with Putin watch and see if they have the meeting along I bet he does the meeting along. SO Trump why meet with this Russian spy and why without anybody else in the room. Maybe he's promising Putin to look at Clinton's emails again. Watch this president with Putin be aware he is a Putin admirer.
1
Wilbur Ross has been "ethically challenged" his whole business career.
At this rate, it's possible that Wilbur Ross will emerge as a name in a sealed indictment by a grand jury in Robert Mueller's investigation. If a Cabinet member is involved as a shareholder in the Russian shipping industry, can the president be far behind in this hit parade? As the president's own son said, "we have millions of dollars invested in Russia". According to Psalms 8:2, children have a way of telling the truth.
Ross needs to resign. But, there are no ethics in this administration. The decline of our country continues.
1
But Hilary gave speeches to Goldman Sachs executives! DO SOMETHING!
2
But didn't you hear? Wilbur Ross is already peddling the "I did nothing wrong" mantra! Nothing to see here folks! Just (ANOTHER) link in the Russian Chain that Installed Trump as President.....
3
Another coincidence: Wilbur Ross, one of chief executives of the Bank of Cyprus, which happened to handle many of Manafort's strange financial dealings, including the Russian interference in the Ukraine ....
"Who knew laundering money would so easy under a GOP/Trump/Russian administration?"
4
When are we all going to have to start speaking Russian and eating borscht??
1
The assumption seems to be that despite all of the obfuscation and outright lies, we are supposed to trust Ross to recuse himself from the appropriate conversations and decisions. Put that in context of his conversation with the Navigator CEO and it seems an implausible assumption.
The conflicts of interest are replete at best. Who's interests does Ross protect -- his own, the US or Russian oligarchs acting as his business partners? In any case, unacceptable whether illegal or not.
1
This is a reminder of why slap dash, hurried confirmation hearings, such as were held for trump's appointees, with republicans rubber stamping the picks while elbowing concerns of democrats out of the way, are harmful to our country. Republicans are attempting to legislate the same way. Can we please return deliberation, proper scrutiny and oversight, and a modicum of bipartisanship to congress?
11
Help us understand the "environment!" How many major businesses in Russia don't have ties to Putin? % that do?
1
So he has .5% of his wealth in a business that has 8% of its revenue from a Russian company. This just fails on materiality.
1
@bagelboy - Or another way to look at it is:
"So he has millions of dollars in a business that his official actions will have a direct effect upon his personal net worth."
Who doesn't!
2
#bagleboy
Sir, the issue is honesty.
Wilbur Ross LIED. PERIOD. For a party that excoriated Ms. Clinton for every breath she takes, you have rather thin skin when the light shines on the foolish actions of your party.
3
There is something unsavory about this.
I would like to see the Trump administration deposed as much as anyone else, but I think there's something not right about private news organizations controlling and releasing highly damaging stolen information--mostly in the form of innuendo and suggestion--without being accountable to anyone.
How do we know the newspapers aren't targeting people they don't like and protecting people they do like--including their rich owners?
This isn't like the Pentagon Papers, where there was clear wrongdoing by a the government. It's about a widespread lawful practice by wealthy people worldwide, regardless of party or political inclination. It seems the newspapers are being highly selective in who they attack with this stolen information (NY Times attacking Trump and Republicans; UK's The Guardian attacking the Conservative government and the Queen). Are we to believe that prominent liberals and Democrats aren't doing the same things as those who are being fingered? I'm concerned about fairness and double standards.
19
Strange what you find unsavory. News organizations are the only counterbalance we have against government abuse.
8
No disrespect to you, but if newspapers don't do this than who will? I'll take my chances with this media (the Times) over your objections.
9
Concerned about fairness and double standards?! Please take a closer look at everyone on trump's team.
3
At this point, I'd be surprised if someone Trump appointed didn't have Russian ties.
241
You beat me to it.
3
or Chinese made shirts!
2
He lies! It is the fashion of this administration, from top to bottom, from Trump to his cabinet to his followers to invent and share lies that protect their wealth and power. Wilbur Ross is a charter member of the liar's club.
Russia is the new home of oligarch connects and wealth-sharing deals; despite having an economy the size of Spain's--which actually shrank the last 3 years--Russia is the global center of shady money that becomes condos and apartments in Trump's buildings and other deals as the one Ross denies.
He lies! Every Republican in office right now, federal or state, does too. If you believe them, then you can't handle the truth!
36
Welcome to Republistan, the newest 'independent' Russian republic where the Grand Oligarchic Party feels oh-so-cozy to the redistribution funnel tilted steeply upward toward 0.1% bank accounts.
No free and fair elections need apply.
No democracy need apply.
One oligarch-one vote.
There's nothing the Kremlin and the Republican party hate more than registered voters, voters who vote and counting all the votes cast.
Grand Old Putinism is no way to run America.
Stop flushing the country down a Trumpian toilet, Republican voters.
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but, but,but - what about ABORTION... GUNS... THE WALL... HILLARY'S EMAILS AND MURDERS... ELIMINATING HEALTH COVERAGE... ARAB TERRORISTS... COAL... $1500 TO $1850 A YEAR IN TAX CUTS - you know, all the truly important things Republican voters consider.
don't pay any attention to that gang of billionaires behind the curtain!
2
How many dots do we need before we form a solid line that takes us directly to the Kremlin? And how many members of the Trump administration and campaign do we need before we uncover illegal financial manipulations or outright collusion?
Come back, Donald, the murky water of the swamp are at the foot of the White House.
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Friday night I watched Lawrence O'Donnell interview Nadia, a member of the Pussy Riot band that put her and others in prison for two years. Last night I watched Richard Engel diagram the web of Russian ties sprawling throughout the Trump campaign and administration.
Trump surrounds himself with folks like him, those who skate above the law, occasionally falling in out of sight the from public--until reports like the Paradise papers surface. Some of his cabinet picks seemed weird until we get into the nitty-gritty of their financial dealings.
Wilbur Ross is just this week's poster boy for conflict of interest--Trump's Secretary of Commerce gets to rule on Russian sanctions that would affect his semi-concealed investments and likely many of those around him.
Bottom line? This administration isn't about serving the public: it's about self-enrichment on the taxpayer's dime. It's also seems to be operating more and more like an western arm of Putkin's kleptocracy.
464
It’s outrageous that a cabinet secretary would be allowed to use a tax haven to shield approximately two BILLION dollars? Like that is somehow normal? Seems like the United States has a problem with its own oligarchs.
3
I met Nadja Tolokonnikova at MOMA PS 1 in 2015. When an interviewer asked Nadya if she and Maria Alyokina are worried that Putin might put their lives in danger, she replied "Our lives are not important."
She's the bravest person I've ever seen.
2
This administration is now pulling ahead of the Grant/Harding administrators dubious honor of most corrupt---and with three more years left. Should add, and not being knowledgeable about money laundering and bank manipulation, is Russia the only country in the world that is known for this type of expertise---it seems for the Trump administration Russia was the go to option when money was needed or money needed to be hidden.
42
One advantage Ross has is the complicated trail one must follow to link him with criminal or unethical acts. Articles from reporting to opinion should as much as practicable connect the dots linking him and others tied to the White House who have the potential to influence American policy toward the Putin government. These people aren't dummies and seem unafraid of investigations, perhaps comforted by the complications understood only by those steeped in corporate finance and offshore shenanigans. What continues to stand out are the numbers of Trump/Putin pals who hold positions of enormous power in Washington.
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Sure. They are in a perfect position in government to protect their activities from being revealed.
3
As an American abroad, I am frequently asked by Europeans whether the U.S. has any laws against graft and bribery. This article implies that we do - but apparently they aren't enforced. Thanks to Süddeutsche Zeitung and the Times for shining light on this corner of the swamp.
220
We are witnessing the oligarchization of America, simultaneously with the diminutization of democracy.
The ultra-rich seem to believe that the value of a person is measured by their wealth. And that they are entitled to theirs because they are superior and smarter. When in fact what they have is the lust to accumulate and the power to influence and control the political winds. Their global consortium is united by their common beliefs and we are merely here to serve their goals....unless we wake up and get serious about changing the situation.
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The only way I see that happening now is by something none of us wish for: the rabble carrying pitchforks and firebrand. The Trumpsters own the guns, what chance do the peace abiding citizens who want their democracy back have in that environment?
none of this will matter to trumpsters. they delight in the outrage and disgust of the reactions horrified by the behavior and policies of this most malignant, lying man and his mirror minions.
keep in mind that a signficant chunk of republicons admire vladmir putin.
107
President Trump is leading his party in this. He admires "strong" leaders who jail political opponents. He defended Putin when O'Reilly suggested Putin was a "killer". You just know that makes Putin's political opponents and potential future murder victims despair.
Here's a poll from May, as reported by the Post:
"According to a Morning Consult-Politico poll conducted in May, 49 percent of Republican voters consider Russia to be either an ally or friendly. Only 12 percent consider it an enemy. In 2015, only 12 percent of Republicans held a favorable view of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Gallup."
There has always been a kernel of ignorant, mean people in the country, but they have never been a presiden's most cherished constituents.
4
"I never had any meeting with Russians. Okay I had a meeting with a Russian. Okay I did meet Putin but we're just friends".
This is the dirtiest, most corrupt government ever. How many millions hav taxpayers spent to support these billionaires. Now they want us to pay more, take away our SS and Medicare. Disgusting.
435
and the entire GOP is complicit
3
Another fox "guarding" a/k/a profiting off of the hen house.
56
perhaps unethical - but it appears nothing he has done is illegal. Perhaps, that's the problem. During this administration, it appears that our country has been held together by a gentleman's agreement with little in the way of laws and the ability to prosecute behaviors that can literally take our country down.
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@ Tracey
Avoiding conflict-of-interest is the most iimportant step for staying well above law-breaking. That's why it's important to have people in upper-level jobs who understand the need to avoid conflict-of-interest; these are people who do not want to break the law and who do not want to be investigated.
1
It may not be illegal, however, he failed to disclose it on his financial statement.
4
When standards are ignored, there is need for laws and regulation to cover the lost ground.
1
Mr. Ross, apparently, sees nothing wrong here. Millions of us do. This is one more example of dishonesty and inadequate by a member of this administration that makes a mockery of conflict of interest laws and regulations. Perhaps Mr. Mueller needs to add this poor excuse for "serving the country" to his ever growing list warranting investigation.
173
es. With the Trump Mob.... it's not just chance when people have a trail that includes Russian Oll, Money Laundering and ties to bunches of shell companies and offshore "tax Evasion Havens." That Ross, an American was a big shot at a Foreign Bank known for LAUNDERING Russian kleptocrat BILLIONS.....made me suspicious. Turns out there's MORE. TRUMP "real Estate deals, especially in Florida and NYC, were OFTEN Money Laundering Scams. I EXPECT... there's plenty of EVIDENCE that lurks in Trump's TAX papers. Kushner, Flynn, Ross and other's will LIKELY to be found to have cheated sanctions, money laundered, evaded taxes, committed perjury.
Mueller's team includes quite a few experts on such stuff.
1
They drained the swamp
And put up a parking lot
With a Trump hotel for all the
Cronies to gather in one spot
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got til it’s gone
They drained the swamp
And put up a parking lot
139
Gene, you are brilliant.
1
Excellent, Gene!
1
Shame isn't it? We've raped and pillaged our beautiful country, in the quest for money and power. Resources for the lower classes slowly but surely being eliminated, the agenda of eliminating health for all wins elections in all levels of our government. Privilege is the only class allowed to write the laws, allowing the raping and pillaging to continue and all those not in the privileged class to be cast aside.
They indeed paved Paradise and put up a parking lot.
3
It all comes back to the need for Mr. Trump to fully release his taxes for the past 20 years, at least. Once these murky interconnections and suspicions were seen in the context of full IRS disclosure, I think the depth of Mr. Trump's involvement with Russia would be revealed.
330
Why do you think Trump was honest in filing his tax returns?
3
Want to lay odds on whether or not Mr. Mueller already HAS Mr. Trump's tax returns? He has the power to do so, and without Mr. Trump being aware of it. Given events so far, it is hard to see how those returns will NOT be examined as part of Mueller's overall widening net of investigation.
1
Is there not even one patriot in the IRS who will release 20 yrs of Trump`s taxes & end this nightmare ? One if by land. Two if by sea. Patriots where are you !
The USA is swimming in a sewer of lobbies , Wall St- Hedge Fund crooks and friends of Trump all the while being abetted by the GOP to create a tax cut for the 1% at the expense of the 99%.
What is the answer ? More guns , everyone packing ? No of course not but a better education system and fewer fairy tale evangelicals would be a great start.
If this is not an ethics violation, then the ethics rules need to be rewritten.
303
Putin is the richest man in the world. What business acumen! How many companies he must run, products invented, patents held! What a great employer he must be! How do you get to be the richest man in the world without actually being in business? Only one way. Want to guess?
155
The Trump Administration and the Russians, more and more interconnections. Once Manafort or Flynn flips who knows what mischief will be unveiled. Stay tuned.
76
Our lack of legislators who represent America is growing ever smaller. It seems with the 'drain the swamp' administration we've become an arm of Russia. How much more filth must rise to the top before we get Americans representing us rather than wolves in sheep clothing?
196
In a Democracy....the People get what they deserve. Years of bad choices set up this circus. Too few REPUBS seem to CARE about "details" like ethics, Law, even loyalty to the USA.
3
Anything done in Russia is tied to Putin, isnt it?
26
Anything of political or financial significance of course
27
So, if the disclosures were not required under ethics law during the Commerce Secretary's confirmation hearings, what is the issue here? Is it fact that he is a billionaire and connected to Mr. Trump that somehow the ethics rules have to be changed?
3
It is that he is financially tied to a foreign adversary. Read some history about Russia’s attitudes towards US interests and place in the world. Or that little thing called the Cold War.
48
Perhaps the "ethics" laws need to be updated for fuller disclosure.
When were the current ethics laws enacted. Maybe they don't take into account the various means by which people with hands in so many pies skate by current regulations.
25
Sanctions
17
The reason that the so-called "Russian" collusion is challenging for the traditional USA v USSR 20th century mindset, is because the game has changed. No longer is there the neatly drawn NATO/Soviet dmz, or Communist v Capitalism....................................The new world order is no longer solely traditionally geopolitical. On today's chessboard, there are now post Soviet resources, managed by V. Putin, distributed to a select court of oligarchs, exploited as a fiefdom that steals untold wealth laundered through oblique, offshore intermediary banks, by weak, corrupt American and Westerners in their open, regulated markets.
This is why "Russian" collusion and the Election of Trump are completely and understandably linked with foreign money laundering. Thanks for Citizens United, Supreme Court!
258
And get ready for gerrymandering. If the court rules wrongly on that case insurrection is not only due but required to save our country. It's the last straw.
6
But HRC is the candidate that took advantage of unlimited fund raising and she lost. Money is not enough you need a message past “It’s about Me, so it’s My turn.
R
Get over HRC already. You are obsessed and need to focus on the sociopath in the WH not the one that didn't get elected.
1
The behemoth of corruption in this presidency, with tentacles swirling around the globe, is starting to rival the tentacles of Russian corruption behemoth.
181
It is actually a fully owned subsidiary of the Ru$$ian kakistocracy.
5
very interesting comment..... we know trump loves him some putin. your comment puts it in perspective...... trump is trying to out putin putin.
4