The Russian probe had been one of the most controversial investigations in modern times. The probe had looked to be credible at one stage and at other times looked like a witch hunt.
However the probe continued despite calls to end the investigations into Russian election meddling.
Now new evidence and a lawyer who could be looking out for himself and his family could be a turning point.
Special Counsel Robert Mueller was now looking into the connection of the NRA with the Russian through a money trail. The NRA was known for its close connection to Trump.
Michael Cohen who was once Trump’s personal lawyer was stood ready to testify to save himself from prosecution.
Cohen’s Move
The attorney hadn’t been charged with any crime at the moment but his documents were recently released to officials.
Cohen possibly turning on Trump seemed apparent from an interview he had. When asked if he felt the President would throw him under the bus he gave this response:
“I will not be a punching bag as part of anyone’s defense strategy. I am not a villain of this story, and I will not allow others to try to depict me that way,” he said.
He also spoke regarding his current situation before the law courts and what he faced at present.
“Once I understand what charges might be filed against me, if any at all, I will defer to my new counsel, Guy Petrillo, for guidance,” Cohen said. “I want to regain my name and my reputation and my life back.”
NRA Links
Robert Mueller was now going after the NRA to see where the trail would lead.
“Investigators must follow the money wherever it leads to understand the full story of Russia’s attack on our democracy,” said Sen. Ron Wyden.
The NRA had spent millions of dollars supporting Trump during his political campaign.
What was most concerning for investigators was where the NRA received its donations. The group was known for keeping its donors well hidden. The money received from such donors was considered “dark money.”
Investigators believed that Russia used the NRA as their tool to help Trump win.
This was their way of connecting a Trump led campaign with Russian meddling.
“It’s just so insidious, and it sort of ticks all the boxes: connections to the current administration, major backer of then-candidate Trump, the Russians wanting to get in and manipulate our own political system.”
If the Special Counsel could indeed prove that the connection was set and had relevance to the election process that would be a big blow for Trump.
“The NRA has fallen into a public relations trap, and the Russians knew damn well what they were doing,” John Aquilino said. “The NRA was naive and got hoodwinked.”
Aquilino, a former NRA spokesman was baffled by the move as he spoke via a telephone interview.
Could this all prove to be a problem for Trump was a waiting matter? The President was known for his resolve and could possibly find a way around this one as well.