Russia Probe Update: Manafort Pleads, Putin Denies, State Dept. Skimps
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What are the stories?
On March 8, Paul Manafort, President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman, pleaded not guilty to tax and fraud charges. It’s the second criminal case brought against him by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
The New York Times reported that President Trump talked to multiple witnesses about their discussions with Mueller. The president asked former chief of staff Reince Priebus about his interview with the special counsel. Trump also requested that White House counsel Don McGahn issue a statement denying a Times story that claimed the president had asked McGahn to fire Mueller.
Russian President Vladimir Putin denied the thirteen Russians accused of hacking the 2016 U.S. election worked for him. "I know that they do not represent the Russian state, the Russian authorities," Putin told NBC. He added he would “never” extradite Russian citizens to the U.S.
The State Department was allocated $120 million to fight Russian meddling. Thus far, it has spent $0. Because of this lack of spending, the Global Engagement Center, which is tasked with countering Russia’s influence campaign, has not one Russian-speaking analyst.
What do you think?
Should the State Department spend its allocated funds? Should Washington negotiate with Moscow to extradite the Russians accused of hacking the 2016 election? Should Congressional intelligence committees investigate any of these matters? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.
—Josh Herman
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(Photo Credit: Igor_Vkv / iStock)
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