The U.S. Has Been Investigating Trump Ties To Russia Since Before The Election

TL;DR

Multiple U.S. agencies investigate possible Russian aid to Trump.

Transcript

so uh kind of culminating in what I think is again a pretty remarkable story that came out yesterday from the mlat news service and you see here this story says if you haven't seen it already uh the FBI and five other agencies US federal agencies are probing possible covert Kremlin Aid to Trump so now these agencies are the FBI CIA NSA justice depa... Read More

Key Insights

• The investigation involves six U.S. federal agencies, including the FBI, CIA, and NSA, focusing on potential covert Russian support for Trump's campaign.
• Investigations began in spring, prior to the DNC hack, based on a tip from a Baltic ally about Russian plans to influence the U.S. election.
• The focus is on tracing money potentially funneled through Russian-American pensioners to influence the election, which could leave a paper trail.
• The investigation contrasts with previous uncorroborated intelligence, as it is based on formal U.S. government inquiry into potential Russian election interference.
• The involvement of U.S. law enforcement, including the Treasury Department, indicates a focus on tracing financial transactions related to the alleged scheme.
• The potential for evidence of money laundering or collusion could lead to criminal charges and significantly impact the Trump administration's legitimacy.
• Publicity of the investigation is strategic, ensuring Congress and the public are aware, which may prevent the incoming administration from covering it up.
• The investigation's outcome could range from uncovering financial discrepancies to implicating individuals close to Trump, potentially leading to significant political consequences.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main focus of the investigation?

The investigation primarily focuses on whether Russia covertly supported Trump's campaign by funneling money through Russian-American pensioners. This financial trail could provide evidence of Russian attempts to influence the U.S. election, contrasting with untraceable cash payments previously discussed.

Q: How did the investigation begin?

The investigation began in the spring, before the DNC hack, following a tip from a Baltic ally. The tip suggested a recorded conversation of Russian operatives discussing plans to funnel money into the U.S. election to support Trump, prompting U.S. agencies to investigate these claims further.

Q: What distinguishes this investigation from previous allegations?

This investigation is distinguished by its formal nature, involving multiple U.S. federal agencies and focusing on tracing financial transactions. Unlike previous uncorroborated intelligence, this inquiry is based on government efforts to uncover potential Russian interference in the election.

Q: What could be the potential outcomes of the investigation?

The investigation could uncover financial discrepancies or evidence of collusion, leading to criminal charges. If individuals close to Trump are implicated, it could significantly impact the administration's legitimacy and result in severe political consequences, including possible impeachment proceedings.

Q: Why is the investigation becoming public now?

The timing of the investigation's publicity is strategic, ensuring Congress and the public are aware of its existence. This awareness may prevent the incoming Trump administration from covering it up, as Congress's knowledge and potential adversarial role help keep the investigation alive.

Q: What types of evidence might the investigation uncover?

The investigation might uncover evidence through financial records showing unusual transactions involving Russian-American pensioners. Additionally, intelligence agencies could provide insights from communications, such as phone or email intercepts, related to the alleged money laundering scheme.

Q: How could the investigation impact Trump's presidency?

If the investigation reveals direct involvement of Trump's campaign in the alleged scheme, it could lead to significant political consequences, including impeachment. The severity of the impact would depend on the proximity of implicated individuals to Trump and the nature of their involvement.

Q: What role does Congress play in the investigation?

Congress plays a crucial role by being informed about the investigation, which helps prevent its cover-up. Congress's awareness ensures that the investigation remains active and that any significant findings are addressed, potentially influencing political and legal actions against the Trump administration.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• U.S. federal agencies are investigating possible Russian covert support for Trump's campaign, with inquiries starting before known DNC hacks. The focus is on tracing money potentially funneled through Russian-American pensioners, which could leave a paper trail, contrasting with previous uncorroborated intelligence.

• The investigation involves multiple U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies, indicating a serious inquiry into potential Russian election interference. The involvement of the Treasury Department suggests a focus on financial transactions, with potential outcomes ranging from financial discrepancies to criminal charges.

• Publicity of the investigation ensures Congress and the public are informed, potentially preventing the incoming Trump administration from covering it up. The investigation could lead to significant political consequences, depending on whether individuals close to Trump are implicated in any wrongdoing.