President Trump called New York Times report that he ordered special counsel Robert Mueller fired 'fake news.' The Times reports Trump ordered the firing last June but backed off when White House lawyer Don McGahn threatened to quit. (Jan. 26) AP
WASHINGTON — If Russia special counsel Robert Mueller is building a case of obstruction against President Trump, the president’s thwarted attempt to fire the special counsel last year may have made Mueller’s job that much easier.
Even though White House Counsel Donald McGahn successfully headed off Trump’s reported effort Mueller could use the episode as evidence of Trump’s intent to shield himself from possible legal jeopardy, analysts said.
The New York Times and The Washington Post reported late Thursday that Trump ordered McGahn to fire Mueller in June, but McGahn refused and threatened to quit if the president insisted. The reports said Trump abandoned the idea after that. Trump on Friday dismissed the report as "fake news."
'EXPLICIT EVIDENCE' OF INTENT
“The hardest thing to prove in most obstruction cases is intent to obstruct,” former federal prosecutor Patrick Cotter said. “Explicit evidence of such an intent, like actually ordering Mueller’s firing, is extremely valuable to the investigators.
“This evidence,” Cotter said, “will make it even harder for Trump to argue that whatever he did —was not because he was trying to obstruct.”
Ron Hosko, former chief of the FBI’s criminal division, said the president has placed himself in a potentially “precarious” legal position that also will make a looming interview with Mueller’s investigators even more complicated.
“If Mueller also has evidence that the Trump campaign coordinated with the Russians, the president’s attempt to fire Mueller only invites an obstruction charge,” Hosko said. “And if there is evidence of an underlying crime of collusion, I think you could see Mueller move very quickly.”
An obstruction case would be harder to prosecute without evidence of an underlying crime, such as colluding with a foreign government to tip an election.
BUILDING THE CASE
While Trump’s push against Mueller was first disclosed by the New York Times late Thursday, it is likely that the special counsel—who already has interviewed McGahn, then-chief of staff Reince Preibus and former press secretary Sean Spicer—has been aware of the failed effort for some time.
“In addition to the interviews, Mueller likely has the text messages, emails and other communications that will provide a fuller context to what led to this (attempt to fire Mueller) and the decision to dismiss former FBI Director James Comey,” Hosko said.
Comey’s dismissal, which came just a month prior to move against Mueller, has been a central focus of the obstruction examination.
In the days after the firing of Comey, who was managing the Russia investigation, Trump told NBC News that the director’s dismissal was linked to his handling of the Russia inquiry.
“You know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story,” the president said then. “It’s an excuse by the Democrats for having lost an election that they should’ve won.”
Since his firing, Comey has become a an important witness for Mueller related to the president’s possible attempts at obstruction, disclosing last year that he kept detailed memos of every encounter with Trump.
Among those contacts: the president allegedly asked Comey to pledge his loyalty to him. He also urged Comey to drop the FBI’s investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn for lying about his contacts with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak just prior to the inauguration in which the two discussed the lifting of Obama administration sanctions against Russia.
Flynn pleaded guilty last month to lying to the FBI and is cooperating with the continuing special counsel’s investigation.
SESSIONS' ROLE
Mueller’s focus on possible obstruction emerged in fuller view earlier this week, when the Justice Department acknowledged that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had been interviewed for several hours by Mueller’s team.
Sessions, who participated in Comey’s firing, also is a key witness to the events that prompted the abrupt dismissal.
The attorney general, who recused himself last year from the Russia inquiry because of his own campaign-related contacts with Kislyak, has said that Comey was fired last May because of his controversial handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of private email server while she was secretary of State.
Yet only a month after dismissing Comey, an angry president apparently sought to take out Mueller, too, said officials familiar with the incident.
OVAL OFFICE IRE
Trump was upset about what he believed was Mueller's alleged conflicts—his interest in replacing Comey as FBI director, Mueller’s resignation from a Trump-owned golf club and political affiliations at Mueller’s law firm —and talked to his lawyers about them, they said.
His lawyers convinced him it was a bad idea and eventually Trump pledged to work with Mueller's office, which they said he has done.
At the same time, the officials said that Trump discussed possibly firing Mueller with his friends.
Christopher Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax Media and a friend of Trump, told the PBS NewsHour in June:
“I think he’s considering perhaps terminating the special counsel. I think he’s weighing that option ... I personally think it would be a very significant mistake.”
Yet legal analysts said the collective weight of Trump's actions is pushing him closer to an ugly confrontation with the special counsel.
"The evidence is compelling of President Trump's corrupt intent to thwart the Russia investigation and obstruct justice," said University of Notre Dame law professor Jimmy Gurule, .
"Trump, by his own admission, fired former FBI director James Comey because of the 'Russia thing.' One month later, the president attempted to fire Mueller, who was conducting the Russia investigation, said Gurule, a former federal prosecutor who worked in the administration of President George H.W. Bush. "The only reasonable inference to draw is that Trump, with corrupt intent, attempted to obstruct and impede the due administration of justice, which is a federal crime."
President Donald Trump says he's "looking forward" to being interviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Trump says he'd be willing to answer questions under oath. (Jan. 24) AP
Attorney General Jeff Sessions was interviewed last week in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe, becoming the first Cabinet member known to have submitted to questioning. AP Justice reporter Eric Tucker explains the implications. (Jan. 23) AP
The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee is accusing President Donald Trump's White House of placing a "gag order" on former chief strategist Steve Bannon, barring him from answering many questions as part of the panel's investigation into Russian election interference. (Jan. 16) AP
Steve Bannon's attorney relayed questions, in real time, to the White House during a House Intelligence Committee interview of the former Trump chief strategist, people familiar with the closed-door session told The Associated Press. (Jan. 17) AP
A huge development, special counsel Robert Mueller has subpoenaed former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon to testify before a grand jury. Buzz60
According to a new poll, a majority of voters think special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe into potential Trump campaign collusion with Russia is fair. Veuer's Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story. Buzz60
President Donald Trump says it "seems unlikely" that he'd give an interview in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign. (Jan. 10) AP
Democrats in the House are asking the chairman of the Oversight Committee to subpoena the Trump Organization. Veuer's Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story. Buzz60
President Trump refused to commit to an interview with Special Counsel Robert Mueller in the Russia investigation. Veuer's Sam Berman has the full story. Buzz60
A new report by Senate Democrats warns of deepening Russian interference throughout Europe and concludes that President Donald Trump has offered no strategic plan to safeguard democracies. AP Investigative Reporter Chad Day describes the report. (Jan. 10) AP
President Trump’s personal attorney Michael Cohen says that he is suing BuzzFeed for defamation. Buzz60
A new report reveals Russian President Vladimir Putin has spent the past 20 years meddling in democracies and could continue in 2018 and 2020. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@FantasticMrNate) has the details. Buzz60
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi joined other Democrats in blasting House Republicans over the Russian meddling, saying House Republicans are dragging their feet on holding hearings and blocking Democratic efforts to investigate the attack. (Jan. 9) AP
A new testimony released by the Senate Judiciary Committee reveals some shocking information. Susana Victoria Perez (@susana_vp) has more. Buzz60
Russian lawyer, Natalia Veselnitskaya told NBC News that she had a brief encounter with a blond-haired woman whom she believed to be Ivanka Trump. Veuer's Chandra Lanier has the story. Buzz60
Special Counsel Robert Mueller could ask to interview President Trump...And in anticipation, members of Trump’s legal team reportedly spoke with representatives from Mueller’s office. Buzz60
Is there a Deep Throat witness in Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation?Brent Budowsky, contributor to the Hill, builds a case that theorizes it’s very possible. Buzz60
Former chief strategist Steve Bannon purportedly thought that infamous Trump Tower meeting between a Russian lawyer and Trump Jr was "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." Veuer's Nathan Rousseau Smith (@FantasticMrNate) reports. Buzz60
He is treating me “fairly.” That’s what President Donald Trump has to say about special counsel Robert Mueller. Elizabeth Keatinge (@elizkeatinge) has more. Buzz60
Over 200 journalist around the world were targets of phishing emails by the Russian hacking group “Fancy Bear” during the 2016 election. Josh King has the story (@abridgetoland). Buzz60
Next on the House intelligence committee's list into the Russia probe are two former aides of President Trump, Steve Bannon and Corey Lewandowsk. Veuer's Sam Berman has the full story. Buzz60
According to CNN, President Trump is becoming more confident behind closed doors that he’ll be exonerated from the FBI Russia Probe. Buzz60
A new poll finds that a majority of Americans disapprove of the way President Trump has handled the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Ryan Sartor (@ryansartor) has that story. Buzz60
The top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee is warning President Donald Trump against firing special counsel Robert Mueller or pardoning any targets of the federal probe into Russia and the president's Republican campaign. (Dec. 20) AP
The FBI reportedly alerted the Trump campaign foreign adversaries, including Russia, would likely attempt to infiltrate and spy on their campaign. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@FantasticMrNate) reports. Buzz60
President Trump indicated he's playing a wait and see approach to whether or not he'll pardon Michael Flynn. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@FantasticMrNate) explains. Buzz60
Nearly a year into his first term in the White House, the President still hasn’t had a Cabinet-level meeting on the alleged interference or on how to handle it. Buzz60
While Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein faced a grilling over the Russia investigation former FBI Director James Comey took to Twitter. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@FantasticMrNate) explains. Buzz60
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who has authority over Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election, told House lawmakers that Mueller has done nothing to provide good cause to be fired. (Dec. 13) AP
It's not clear if Mike Pence's association with Michael Flynn will cost him. (Note: A prior version of this video misstated the status of Mike Flynn's legal case.) Buzz60
The ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee Representative Adam Schiff said Sunday that the evidence between Russia and the Trump Campaign is quote, “pretty damning." For more on the story here is Zachary Devita. Buzz60
A U.S. federal investigator probing alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election asked Deutsche Bank for data on accounts held by President Donald Trump and his family, a person close to the matter said on Tuesday, but Trump's lawyer denied any such subpoena had been issued. Newslook
More charges could be coming in the Russia investigation, and they could fall on Rick Gates, a man already charged by Robert Mueller. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@FantasticrNate) reports. Buzz60
Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation is taking a dramatic turn, zeroing in on President Trump’s finances. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@FantasticMrNate) reports. Buzz60
Trump: 'I feel badly for General Flynn' Time
A tweet from the president's account raised questions on whether he'd obstructed justice. But Trump's lawyer says he was the one who wrote the tweet. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
President Trump weighs in on Twitter Sunday about ex-FBI Director James B. Comey and Michael Flynn.
Two prominent Russian lawmakers are dismissing the guilty plea of President Trump’s former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Veuer's TC Newman has that story. Buzz60
President Donald Trump is expressing no concern about the guilty plea by his former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Three times, Trump told reporters it's been shown that there's "no collusion." (Dec. 2) AP
After Mike Flynn reached a plea deal Friday, the White House canceled a planned press event for the president's meeting with the leader of Libya. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
AP reporter Chad Day recounts court appearance of former Trump administration national security adviser Michael Flynn. Flynn says his guilty plea is in the best interests of his family and the country. (Dec. 1) AP
A member of President Donald Trump's transition team says Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is the very senior transition official referenced in court papers filed in the Michael Flynn case who directed Flynn to contact Russia on a U.N. vote. AP
Former U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Flynn plead guilty in a Washington, D.C., court Friday to making false statements to the FBI. (Dec. 1) AP
The Senate Judiciary Committee says Jared Kushner hasn't provided all the requested documents about Russian interference in the 2016 election. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
The news of the agent's reassignment was first reported in August, but details were unclear. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Former director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics Walter Shaub said Saturday that one of the President's tweets may have signified the end of his time in the White House. For more on the story here is Zachary Devita. Buzz60
Wall Street fell on Friday as a former national security adviser pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, but tax hopes softened the blow. Fred Katayama reports. Video provided by Reuters Newslook
As part of a plea deal, former national security adviser Michael Flynn has admitted that a senior member of the Trump transition team directed him to make contact with Russian officials in December 2016. (Dec. 1) AP
Here are the important dates detailing Michael Flynn's relationship with Russia that led to his resignation. Wochit-All
Special Counsel Robert Mueller is conducting a fair investigation, according to one university’s poll. Buzz60
FBI is looking into wire transfers that had a memo reading, “[T]o finance the election campaign of 2016.” Buzz60
Testifying before the House Judiciary Committee, Attorney General Jeff Sessions fiercely denied accusations that he's ever lied to Congress about President Trump or Russia. USA TODAY
President Donald Trump told reporters that he believes both the U.S. intelligence agencies when they say Russia meddled and Russian President Vladimir Putin's sincerity in claiming that his country did not. (Nov. 12) AP
Another former member of President Trump’s team is under scrutiny as part of Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. Buzz60
An exclusive AP analysis found that disguised Russian agents on Twitter rushed to deflect scandalous news about Donald Trump just before last year's election while refocusing criticism on the mainstream media and Hillary Clinton's campaign. (Nov. 9) AP
The top Democrat on the House committee probing Russian election meddling said Tuesday that America's 'democracy is under threat' from Russia - and also from President Donald Trump. (Nov. 7) AP
The Paradise Papers linked Wilbur Ross to a Russian energy company partly owned by President Vladimir Putin's son-in-law. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
The former Trump campaign adviser recently told the House intelligence committee he spoke with a Russian government official in Moscow in 2016. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
A new poll from ABC News and the Washington Post finds that 49% of Americans surveyed think that President Trump likely committed a crime connected to Russia’s attempts to influence the 2016 election. Ryan Sartor has that story. Buzz60
Russian hackers tried to get access to emails from top U.S. generals and officials for over a year before the 2016 election. Veuer's Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story. Buzz60
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said charges in special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe should concern those that are under investigation. Veuer's Maria Mercedes Galuppo (@mariamgaluppo) has the story. Buzz60
Details about potential charges in special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Russia's interference in the presidential election and possible collusion with President Trump's associates could come this week.
Capitol Hill seemed relatively quiet in its immediate response to Paul Manafort and Rick Gates turning themselves in to the FBI. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
After the grand jury issued indictments related to the Russia investigation, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders quickly pointed at the Clinton campaign when asked by reporters about collusion with Russia. USA TODAY
House Speaker Paul Ryan says he knows indictments of President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman and an associate are big news, but he says this is what the special counsel was tasked to do. (Oct. 30) AP
Mueller's Russian meddling probe reveals first targets. A former campaign adviser to President Donald Trump has admitted he lied about Russian contacts. Separately, Paul Manafort and a business associate were indicted on felony charges. (Oct. 30) AP
The grand jury approved the first charges in the federal investigation of Russia's interference in the presidential election and possible collusion with Trump associates. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Axios reports the Republican National Committee paid roughly the same amount to lawyers representing the president and Donald Trump Jr. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
BuzzFeed reports, a fake GOP Twitter account was created by Russia’s Internet Research Agency. Buzz60
The Russian lawyer who met with Donald Trump, Jr may have been acting as an “agent” of the Kremlin. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@FantasticMrNate) reports. Buzz60
Russian trolls may have been trained in part by viewing episodes of “House of Cards,” Yahoo reports. Veuer's Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmrnate) has more. Buzz60
Most of the money is being spent on the probe into Trump’s alleged ties to Russia. Time
Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team reportedly interviewed President Trump's former chief of staff Reince Priebus. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Google is reportedly investigating Russian ad interference on some of its platforms during the 2016 election. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
The Russian attorney who met with Donald Trump Jr. in 2016 insists the meeting was about sanctions and not Hillary Clinton. New emails reportedly support that claim. Buzz60
A Russia-backed Facebook page reportedly tried to influence the 2016 election by selling merchandise to spark racial tensions. Veuer's Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story. Buzz60
Special Counsel Robert Mueller ‘s investigators met with the British spy who provided a dossier alleging that Russia aided President Trump’s campaign last summer. Buzz60
Members of Congress said on Wednesday that they "have not come to any final conclusions" in their investigation into whether any presidential candidates colluded with Russian intelligence operatives during last November's election. Time
Leaders of the Senate intelligence committee said Wednesday the panel continues to investigate possible collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. They also said there's a large consensus Russians attempted to influence the 2016 election. (Oct. 4) AP
Facebook has announced plans to hire 1,000 employees to review ads, in an effort to keep Russia and other countries from using the social media platform to interfere in elections. USA TODAY
Twitter is the latest social media platform to meet with lawmakers about Russia's influence in the 2016 election. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer has allegedly hired a lawyer to represent him in the Russian election meddling investigation. Aidan Kelley has the story. Buzz60
Longtime Donald Trump associate Roger Stone said Tuesday he's "aware of no evidence whatsoever" that Trump's campaign coordinated with Russians during the 2016 election Time
The Department of Homeland Security informed 21 states Russian hackers attempted to access their voting systems during the 2016 election. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
U.S. President Donald Trump took a swing at Facebook on Friday - a day after the social media giant vowed to step up its fight to protect election integrity - dismissing the Facebook ads controversy as a 'Russia hoax'. Video provided by Reuters Newslook
At the New York premiere of 'Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House,' star Liam Neeson says "there's a lot of smoke" surrounding allegations of collusion between the Trump administration and Russian government. (Sept. 22) AP
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the company is "actively working" with the U.S. government on its ongoing investigations into Russian interference into the 2016 presidential election. (Sept. 21) AP
Congresswoman Maxine Waters has been one of President Trump’s most outspoken critics. Veuer's Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story. Buzz60
President Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen was set to have a closed Senate hearing. But after he spoke to the press, it was opened to the public. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Special counsel Robert Mueller is reportedly investigating Facebook ads bought by bogus Russian-linked accounts. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Add yet another name to the growing list of people that are now being investigated in the federal probe into Russian election interference. Veuer's Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story. Buzz60
President Trump has repeatedly gone after the investigation into Russia election interference. Veuer's Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story. Buzz60
For the very first time, staffers from the president’s election campaign are reportedly providing documents to Robert Mueller, special counsel in the Trump Russia investigation. Aaron Dickens reports. Buzz60
The top Democrat in the Senate who’s looking into Russian election interference is going after Facebook. Veuer's Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story. Buzz60
The Trump administration has taken actions against Russia in response to their expulsion of 755 American Diplomats. Veuer's Natasha Abellard (@NatashaAbellard) Buzz60
President Donald Trump has referred to the Russia probe as a “witch hunt” before. But according to Dan Rather, the President is very afraid. Buzz60
Special Counsel Robert Mueller has issued two new subpoena in the investigation into President Trump’s campaign ties to Russia. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@FantasticMrNate) reports. Buzz60
After Charlottesville, researchers say they're joining forces online. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov Confirms He Received An Email From Trump's Personal Lawyer, Michael Cohen. Angeli Kakade (@angelikakade) has the story. Buzz60
The Russian government has confirmed that a close adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump contacted the Kremlin during the presidential campaign regarding a stalled real estate project in Moscow, but the emailed request was ignored. Matthew Larotonda reports. Video provided by Reuters Newslook
The Washington Post reports George Papadopoulos, a Trump campaign volunteer, tried to set up meetings with Russia, but was rebuffed. Buzz60
President Trump’s longtime personal secretary is now on Congress' radar in the Russia probe. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmrnate) reports. Buzz60
The FBI searched the home of President Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort in July. Buzz60
Seems like special counsel Robert Mueller is moving ahead with the investigation of possible ties between Russia and the Trump campaign with the impaneling of a grand jury. Veuer's Maria Mercedes Galuppo (@mariamgaluppo) has more. Buzz60
Sergei Kislyak characterized his conversations with former White House national security adviser Michael Flynn as "transparent" and focused on matters of U.S.-Russia cooperation. USA TODAY
At a campaign rally in West Virginia, President Trump trolled those investigating his campaign ties to Russia. Buzz60
President Donald Trump says he hopes for a "truly honest" outcome from the Russia investigation that has consumed the opening months of his presidency. (Aug. 3) AP
President Trump dismissed claims about Russian aide for his campaign as “total fabrication” Thursday, hours after news broke that a grand jury has been empaneled in the broadening investigation. Time
Special counsel Robert Mueller has convened a grand jury in Washington to investigate allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. Time
Sen. Thom Tillis and Sen. Chris Coons introduced the Special Counsel Integrity Act on Thursday. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
'Washington Post' sources say the president personally overruled plans to be transparent about Donald Trump Jr.'s meeting with a Russian lawyer. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Senators from both parties are voicing concerns that foreign agents aren't being properly monitored in the U.S. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
House Democrats will have to wait and see if they'll get more info about Trump's conflicts of interest. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
President Trump praised Jared Kushner for his testimony, while also invoking his youngest son Barron. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmrnate) has the story. Buzz60
Lawmakers say the way to truly know if Russia helped Trump win the presidency is to check Facebook. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmrnate) reports. Buzz60
President Donald Trump is revealing a growing anxiety about the scope of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. AP reporter Chad Day breaks down the story. (July 20) AP
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said he has no immediate plans to resign a day after President Donald Trump excoriated the nation's top prosecutor for recusing himself from the probe of suspected Russian meddling in the 2016 campaign. (July 20) AP
Did people in Trump's campaign work with Russian operatives? Looking at Trump's digital campaign might help yield an answer. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
The eighth participant at Donald Trump Jr's meeting with a Russian lawyer has been revealed. Video provided by TheStreet Newslook
The late-night comics on the latest in Russian election tampering and the president's recent trip. Take a look at our favorite jokes, then vote for yours at opinion.usatoday.com. USA TODAY Opinion_Eileen Rivers
The Secret Service is weighing in on that infamous Trump Jr/Russian lawyer meeting. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmrnate) explains. Buzz60
A Russian-American lobbyist says he attended a June 2016 meeting with President Donald Trump's son, marking another shift in the account of a discussion that was billed as part of a Russian government effort to help Trump's campaign. (July 14) AP
President Donald Trump, answering a reporter's question in a Paris news conference, defended his son's decision to have a meeting with a Russian lawyer. (July 13) AP
Vice President Mike Pence's spokesman is dodging whether the VEEP met with Russian operatives. Buzz60
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Christopher Wray faced questions about Donald Trump Jr. and his meeting with a Russian lawyer last year. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
President Trump’s former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski says that the leakers providing information of Donald Trump Jr.’s meeting last year with a Russian lawyer will be fired. Nick Cardona has the story. Buzz60
The late-night comics on Donald Trump Jr.'s released emails and his punishment. Take a look at our favorite jokes, then vote for yours at usatoday.com/opinion. USA TODAY Opinion_Eileen Rivers
The special prosecutor in the Watergate scandal is telling Congress to press on in its investigation into Trump. Buzz60
Suspicion and paranoia plague the White House as Trump's administration wonder who the leakers behind Donald Trump Jr's meeting could be. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmrnate) reports. Buzz60
The President and lawmakers reacted to Donald Trump Jr.'s emails regarding an undisclosed meeting with a Russian lawyer. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
For years, Russia's government has tried to lift U.S. sanctions that the Magnitsky Act created.a Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Senator Ted Cruz dodged questions from reporters today, when asked about President Trump’s Russia policies. Aidan Kelley has the story. Buzz60
White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders reads a brief statement from the president Tuesday supporting his eldest son in response to revelations that Donald Trump Jr. agreed to hear damaging information on Hillary Clinton. (July 11) AP
President Donald Trump's eldest son acknowledged Monday that he met a Russian lawyer during the 2016 presidential campaign to hear information about his father's Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. (July 10) AP
Donald Trump Jr. released emails suggesting 'incriminating information" about his father's Democratic campaign rival, Hillary Clinton. USA TODAY
He released the emails after The New York Times reported the Kremlin wanted to help out the Trump campaign by providing information on Clinton. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
In the midst of the huge controversy circling Donald Trump Jr., the Russian lawyer with whom he met with is coming clean. Susana Victoria Perez (@susana_vp) has more. Buzz60
The man behind the meeting between Trump Jr and that Russian lawyer appeared to have publicized it on his Facebook. Buzz60
Anonymous sources told The New York Times the Russian government wanted to help the Trump campaign by providing information on Hillary Clinton. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
As the FBI investigates possible Russian interference in the presidential election, a new report finds Donald Trump Jr. met with a Russian lawyer promising dirt on Hillary Clinton. USA TODAY
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Donald Trump asked him numerous questions about Russia's alleged interference in the US election, and he said there are no grounds to think Russia interfered in the US election. (July 8) AP
Manafort and his consulting firm made over $17 million for work it did for a pro-Russian political party in the Ukraine. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
President Trump has picked a power-packed legal team to represent him in the Russia investigation. USA TODAY
The president told 'Fox & Friends' he thinks former FBI Director James Comey changed his story on the Russia probe after the tweet came out. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
President Obama secretly planned to retaliate against the Russians by planting "cyber weapons." Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmrnate) explains. Buzz60
Two of America’s top intelligence officials were apparently told by President Trump to refute that there was any collusion with Russia. Buzz60
It's a deceptively simple question. Can Donald Trump fire Robert Mueller? Time
Former Obama official Jeh Johnson gave insight on why the administration waited so long to give details. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Fmr. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson spoke to the House Intelligence Committee Wednesday about Russian election interference. He suggested former FBI Director James Comey wouldn't have taken an inquiry into the Trump campaign lightly. (June 21) AP
A homeland security official says election related computer systems in 21 states were the target of attempted hacking by people connected to the Russian government. Veuer's Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story. Buzz60
Fox News Host Sean Hannity made a very unusual comparison Monday night. Veuer's Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story. Buzz60
Days after the Senate passed tougher sanctions on Russia, the White House is reportedly saying “not so fast.” Buzz60
Sources say Michael Cohen, personal lawyer for Donald Trump, has hired legal counsel in advance of House Intelligence Committee testimony. Buzz60
A new report suggests Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein may be considering removing himself from the Russia investigation. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmrnate) explains. Buzz60
As far as the public knows, the vice president isn't subject to any FBI investigation. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Vladimir Putin said James Comey could seek asylum in Russia in case he's persecuted for his role in the investigation of President Trump. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Special Counsel Robert Mueller will investigate President Donald Trump. Specifically, Mueller will explore the possibility that Trump obstructed justice. Newslook
In response to testimony from the former FBI director, the attorney general will testify in an open hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Some of President Trump’s biggest supporters think special counsel Robert Meuller should be fired. Veuer's Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story. Buzz60
Attorney General Jeff Sessions will testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday. It is not clear yet whether the testimony will be heard in a closed or open meeting. Newslook
In the midst of the investigation into possible collusion between the Trump team and Russia, Congressman Dave Brat (R - Virginia) doesn't think President Donald Trump obstructed justice and doesn't think former FBI Director James Comey broke the law by leaking a memo he wrote about a conversation with Trump. Video provided by TheStreet Newslook
President Trump has some choice words for former FBI Director James Comey. USA TODAY
Former FBI Director James Comey says he was "stunned" by President Trump's suggestion in the Russia investigation. USA TODAY
FBI Director James Comey attempted to settle the score before the Senate Intelligence Committee Thursday, describing meetings that he called inappropriate with President Donald Trump about the Russia investigation. (June 8) AP
President Trump’s pick for the next FBI director has his own ties to Russia. Josh King has the story (@abridgetoland). Buzz60
The White House and its allies are scrambling to offset potential damage from fired FBI Director James Comey's congressional testimony, an appearance that could expose new details about talks with Donald Trump about the investigation into Russia. (June 6) AP
Most people say they don’t trust President Donald Trump when it comes to the ongoing Russia investigation. Veuer's Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story. Buzz60
Four top law firms have declined to represent the president in the White House-Russia investigation. Buzz60
Two former diplomats have come forward, saying President Trump tried to lift sanctions against Russia. Buzz60
U.K. politician Nigel Farage is reportedly a 'person of interest' in the FBI's probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Former FBI Director James Comey will testify in what will sure to be must-see TV. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmrnate) explains why. Buzz60
Press secretary Sean Spicer has told reporters to direct any questions involving Russia to the president's outside attorney. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
As the FBI continues to investigate potential ties between President Trump’s campaign and Russia, a new name has entered the mix: Nigel Farage. Veuer's Troy Frisby (@troyfrisby) has the details. Buzz60
Former national security adviser Michael Flynn has refused to cooperate with a subpoena from the Senate Intelligence Committee. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
One official told The Washington Post the president wanted to "muddy the waters" about the Russian investigation. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
President Donald Trump told Russian diplomats that firing former FBI director James Comey relieved "great pressure" he felt regarding the bureau's investigation into possible collusion between his campaign and Russia according to NYT. Time
President Donald Trump denounced the appointment of a special counsel to investigate his campaign's ties with Russia Thursday, repeatedly calling it an unprecedented 'witch hunt' that "hurts our country terribly." Time
Time Magazine’s new cover shows the White House getting a Russian makeover. Josh King has the story (@abridgetoland). Buzz60
It looks like Russia tried to hack the Twitter accounts of Defense Department officials. Josh King has the story (@abridgetoland). Buzz60
Trump aides had 18 previously unknown contacts with Russian officials via phone, email and text messages according to current and former U.S. officials in a new Reuters report. Jose Sepulveda(@josesepulvedatv) has more. Buzz60
The Justice Department has appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller as a special counsel to oversee a federal investigation into potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign to influence the 2016 presidential election. (May 17) AP
Robert Mueller will oversee the Russia investigation. Here's a look at his background. USA TODAY
House Speaker Paul Ryan argues against rush to judgment on President Donald Trump revelations, adding "we need the facts." (May 17) AP
President Donald Trump said Tuesday he had a 'very, very successful meeting' with the Russian foreign minister last week in the Oval Office, but ignored reporter questions about whether he revealed classified information during that discussion. AP
During the daily White House briefing, Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters that the President believes there is no need for a special prosecutor to investigate ties between Russia and the Trump Campaign. (May 15) AP
Donald Trump's lawyers reviewed his last ten years of tax returns and say he does not have any income from Russians. Elizabeth Keatinge (@elizkeatinge) has more. Buzz60
Fox News Host Sean Hannity has an interesting take on the alleged ties between President Donald Trump and Russia; he’s calling it a ‘bizarre conspiracy theory’. Susana Victoria Perez (@susana_vp) has more. Buzz60
As part of the ongoing investigation into Russia’s involvement in the 2016 election, federal prosecutors have issued subpoenas to associates of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. Josh King has the story (@abridgetoland). Buzz60
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he wants to examine fellow Republican President Donald Trump's business dealings for any ties to Russia, CNN reported on Tuesday, one day after the issue was raised at a Senate hearing. Time
Whether President Trump likes it or not, Sally Yates, the former acting Attorney General he fired will dish on if she knows anything about the alleged Russian inference with the election. Aaron Dickens reports. Buzz60
President Trump and his properties have been linked to at least 10 wealthy former Soviet businessmen with alleged ties to criminal organizations and money laundering. USA TODAY
Questions about President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, and his ties to Russia deepened following a report that he secretly worked for a Russian billionaire to advance the interests of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the mid-2000s. Read The Full Story Here: Trump's Former Manager Manafort Reportedly Pitched Plan to Benefit Putin Video provided by TheStreet Newslook
Arizona Sen. John McCain said "there's a lot of shoes to drop" regarding more information about President Trump and his team's ties to Russia. Time
A new report from Politico is shining more light on President Donald Trump’s administrative ties to Russia. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmrnate) reports. Buzz60
While introducing bipartisan legislation that would give Congress the ability to review any changes to sanctions on Russia, House Democrats spoke out against alleged ties between the Trump administration and Russia. (Feb. 15) AP
Audio: Trump 'looking forward' to Mueller interview
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Top Democrat accuses White House of 'gag order' on Bannon
AP Sources: WH Directs Bannon At House Interview
Report: Steven Bannon subpoenaed in Mueller's Russia investigation
Poll: Majority of voters think Mueller investigation is 'fair'
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House Democrats want to subpoena the Trump organization
Trump refuses to commit to Mueller interview for Russia probe
Report warns of Russian meddling
Trump's lawyer sues BuzzFeed for defamation over Russia dossier
U.S. must act now to ward off Russian election meddling in 2018
Pelosi, Dems blast House GOP over Russia probe
Author of Trump Dossier was told FBI had a 'source' inside campaign
Russian lawyer believes she met Ivanka after 2016 Trump Tower meeting
Attorneys discuss options for Trump interview in Mueller Russia probe
Robert Mueller may have a 'deep throat' witness
Bannon calls Trump Jr.'s meeting with Russian lawyer 'treasonous'
Trump: 'No collusion,' but Russia probe makes U.S. look 'very bad'
Russian hackers targeted over 200 journalists globally during election
Bannon and Lewandowski asked to testify in House Russia probe
CNN: Trump reportedly says Mueller will exonerate him soon
Poll: Majority disapprove of Trump's handling of Russia probe
Sen. Warner cautions Trump: Don't remove Mueller
Report: FBI warned Trump that Russia might try to infiltrate campaign
President Trump won't rule out pardoning Michael Flynn
Trump still hasn't had a cabinet meeting on Russian interference
James Comey sends cryptic tweet over 'character' of leaders
Rosenstein grilled on Mueller probe and FBI bias
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Dem: Evidence of Trump-Russia coordination 'damning'
Trump & Russia: Lawyer denies Deutsche subpoena
More charges may be coming for ex-Trump campaign aide
Report: Robert Mueller subpoenas Deutsche Bank on Trump's finances
Trump: 'I feel badly for General Flynn'
Lawyer says he wrote Trump's tweet about Michael Flynn
Trump targets FBI in early morning tweets
Russian lawmakers dismiss Michael Flynn plea
Trump on Flynn Guilty Plea: 'No Collusion'
Here's how The White House responded to Mike Flynn's plea deal
AP explains Michael Flynn's court appearance
AP: Kushner directed Flynn to contact Russia
Michael Flynn pleads guilty to lying to FBI
Senators say Kushner isn't being forthcoming in their Russia probe
Reports: Anti-Trump texts got an FBI agent pulled from Russia probe
Shaub: Trump's tweet on Michael Flynn could be the end
Wall Street falls on Russia probe
Flynn says Trump transition team directed him
The fall of Michael Flynn: A timeline
Poll: Majority of voters say Mueller is running fair Russia probe
FBI probing Russian payments ‘to finance election campaign of 2016’
Jeff Sessions calls out lies in House hearing
Trump: Putin believes Russia didn't hack election
Report: Mueller Investigating Flynn over in alleged extradition plot
Russia Twitter trolls deflected Trump bad news
Schiff: U.S. democracy under threat
Ross says he didn't conceal his ties to a Russian energy company
Carter Page downplayed his Russia trip during his House testimony
Nearly half of Americans think Trump committed Russia-related crime
Russian hackers tried to gain access to emails from top U.S. generals
Gov. Chris Christie: Mueller's targets ‘should be concerned’
Trump tweets about 'witch hunt' as Mueller charges loom
Here are lawmakers' early reactions to the Manafort, Gates indictments
When asked about collusion, Sanders points to Clinton
Ryan: Manafort, Gates indictments 'big news'
Manafort indicted; Ex-Trump aide pleads guilty
First charges in Mueller's Russia probe filed
Report: Trump pledges $430K to pay staffers' Russia probe legal fees
Report: Russia is behind fake GOP Twitter account
Leaked memo: Russian Lawyer in Trump, Jr meeting may be Kremlin agent
Were Russian trolls trained by watching 'House of Cards'?
The Trump reelection campaign has spent $1 million on lawyers
Reince Priebus grilled in Mueller investigation
Google reportedly finds political ads in its network linked to Russia
Emails reportedly show Trump Jr.'s Russia meeting was about sanctions
Report: Russia-backed Facebook page sold merchandise to spark tension
Robert Mueller's team met with spy who provided Trump-Russia dossier
Investigators Say Russia Is Still Trying to Interfere in U.S. Politics
Senate Intel Head: Issue of collusion still open
Facebook will hire 1,000 people to review ads
Another social media giant met with lawmakers to discuss Russia
Report: Sean Spicer hires criminal defense attorney in Russia probe
Roger Stone asserts that Trump campaign did not collude with Russia
Homeland security confirms 21 States targeted in 2016 Russia hacks
Trump loops Facebook into the 'Russia hoax'
Liam Neeson sees 'similarities' between Watergate and Russia scandal
Facebook to release Russia ads to Congress
Rep. Waters: I 'guarantee' the president colluded with the Russians
Senate opens previously closed Russia hearing with Trump's lawyer
Special counsel Mueller is investigating Facebook ads linked to Russia
Michael Flynn Jr. is being investigated in the Federal Russia probe
Report: Trump ranting about Comey and Mueller behind closed doors
Trump campaign reportedly hands over documents to Robert Mueller
Top Democrat says Russian Facebook ads are the 'tip of the iceberg'
Trump Administration closes three Russian diplomatic locations
Dan Rather says Trump is ‘seized with fear’ over Mueller investigation
Robert Mueller subpoenas Paul Manafort's spokesman and former attorney
Pro-Russian bots are helping the white nationalist cause
Putin's spokesman confirms he received email from Trump's lawyer
Kremlin: Trump Moscow real estate inquiry was ignored
Report: Trump campaign aide repeatedly tried to set up Russia meetings
Investigators want to question Trump's secretary over Russia probe
FBI raids home of Trump's ex-campaign chairman amid Russia probe
Mueller grand jury could mean criminal evidence has been found
Kislyak: Talks With Flynn Revealed 'No Secrets'
Trump to West Virginians: 'Are there any Russians here tonight?'
Trump: 'The Russia story is a total fabrication'
President Trump dismisses Russia questions as grand jury impaneled
Special counsel Robert Mueller convenes grand jury in Russia probe
Senators band together to protect Robert Mueller's job
Report: President Trump dictated son's Russia statement
Foreign agents in the spotlight in Trump-Russia investigation
Republicans block an attempt to investigate president Trump's finances
Trump on Russia investigation: 'Next up, 11-year-old Barron Trump!'
Lawmakers say Facebook holds the answers to the Trump's ties to Russia
Trump sends warning to Mueller
Sessions steadfast amid Trump dissatisfaction
The Russia probe is now focusing on Trump's digital campaign
8th person at Donald Trump Jr's meeting with a Russian lawyer revealed
Trump questions Putin. Trevor Noah has questions about Trump.
Secret Service dumps cold water on vetting Donald Trump Jr.'s meeting
New figure emerges in Trump, Jr. meeting
Trump: Most 'would have taken that meeting'
Vice President Pence's spokesman not saying he met Russian Operatives
Sen. Graham seems really ticked about Trump Jr.'s Russia meeting
Corey Lewandowski predicts White House leakers will be fired
Colbert finds Don Jr.'s smoking gun
Watergate special prosecutor to Congress, keep up the Russian probes
Trump Jr's Russia meeting has White House on hunt for the mole
D.C. reacts to Donald Trump Jr.'s Russia emails
The Russian sanctions that led to Trump Jr.'s Kremlin-tied meeting
Senator Ted Cruz dodged questions on Trump's ties with Russian
Trump statement: Son is 'high-quality person'
Publicist set up Trump Jr. and lawyer meeting
Donald Trump Jr. tweets email chain on Russia meeting
Donald Trump Jr. releases email thread about Russian lawyer meeting
Russian lawyer who met with Trump, Jr. says no damaging Clinton info
The man behind the Trump Jr. meeting checked in on Facebook
Conflicting stories on if Kremlin was involved in Trump Jr.'s meeting
Report: Trump Jr. met with Russian lawyer during campaign
Putin: No grounds for U.S. election allegations
Paul Manafort registered as a foreign agent ... 5 years late
See who's got Trump's back in the Russia investigation
Trump suggests his 'tapes' tweet was to keep Comey honest
Obama planned to leave 'digital bombs' for Russia after hacking
Intel officials: Trump suggested refuting Russia collusion
Legal answers to questions about Donald Trump and Robert Mueller
Obama officials worried alarm over Russian interference would backfire
Johnson defends Comey judgment on Russia probe
Russia tried to hack election systems in 21 states
Sean Hannity compares Russia investigation to the 'birther' conspiracy
White House reportedly hoping to block tougher sanctions on Russia
Trump's personal lawyer hires his own lawyer in wake of Russia probe
Trump's Deputy AG may also have to recuse himself from Russia probe
Vice President Pence lawyers up for Russia investigation
Putin says Russia is open to James Comey if he faces 'persecution'
Special counsel Robert Mueller will investigate President Trump
Jeff Sessions wants to clear the air on his conversations with Comey
Some of Trump's supporters think Robert Mueller should be fired
AG Sessions to testify before Senate Intelligence Committee
Republican U.S. Rep. defends both Trump and Comey
Trump: 'WOW, Comey is a leaker'
Comey: Lordy I hope there are tapes
Analysis: Comey Opens Up About Trump Meetings
Trump's pick for the next FBI director has Russian ties of his own
Trump allies take aim at Comey's credibility
Most people don't trust Trump in the Russia investigation
Top Law Firms Reportedly Declined to Represent Trump in Russia Investigation
Report: Trump team sought to lift Russian sanctions
The FBI's Russia probe is reaching across the pond
It's official, James Comey will testify about Trump and Russia
The White House says it won't answer questions about Russia anymore
There's a new name in the FBI's Trump-Russia collusion probe
Michael Flynn pleads The Fifth over Russia investigation
Trump reportedly asked intel chiefs to deny evidence in Russia probe
Trump to Russians: Firing 'nut job' James Comey relieved pressure
Trump says special counsel appointment is a 'witch hunt'
TIME's new cover gives the White House a renovation
Russia tried to take over 10,000 Pentagon workers Twitter accounts
Trump team had a lot more contact with Russia than thought
Former FBI Director Mueller to lead Russia probe
Russia investigation special counsel: Who is Robert Mueller?
Ryan: 'We need the facts' on Trump Russia links
Trump: Russian FM meeting 'very successful'
White House: No need for special prosecutor
Trump's lawyers say he has no income from Russians
Sean Hannity claims Trump-Russia link is a ‘bizarre conspiracy theory’
Michael Flynn associates issued subpoenas in Russia investigation
Republican Senator wants to investigate Trump for Russian ties
Sally Yates to testify on Russia election probe
Trump properties tied to alleged Russian mobsters
Trump's former manager Paul Manafort reportedly pitched plan to benefit Vladimir Putin
John McCain on President Trump's Russian Connections: 'Lot of Shoes to Drop'
Report: Trump campaign approved adviser's trip to Russia
Dems: Trump, Russia relationship 'disconcerting'