# Trump associates may have coordinated with Russians, according to US officials **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [March 23, 2017, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799 "2017-03-23T00:28:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 137
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2724 "2017-10-28T00:15:16Z")
Hmmmmm… [Talking Points Brought to Trump Tower Meeting with Don Jr., Manafort and Others Were Shared With Kremlin by Lawyer Veselnitskya](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/27/us/politics/trump-tower-veselnitskaya-russia.html) No more denying that the meeting did not involve the Kremlin. This is a direct tie. ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2725 "2017-10-28T00:36:02Z")
CNN currently reporting that Mueller has filed first charges in sealed indictments. No link, on TV. [Link](http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/27/politics/first-charges-mueller-investigation/index.html) on edit “The charges are still sealed under orders from a federal judge. Plans were prepared Friday for anyone charged to be taken into custody as soon as Monday, the sources said. It is unclear what the charges are.” ---
**Author:** ![Tzigone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2726 "2017-10-28T00:42:06Z")
> [@Fiveyearlurker](#): > > CNN currently reporting that Mueller has filed first charges in sealed indictments. No link, on TV. > > [Link](http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/27/politics/first-charges-mueller-investigation/index.html) on edit > > “The charges are still sealed under orders from a federal judge. Plans were prepared Friday for anyone charged to be taken into custody as soon as Monday, the sources said. It is unclear what the charges are.” And it’s the _weekend_! So, anyone got ideas on who might be charged? Manafort seems the most popular target people name in other discussions. Flynn’s been mentioned. A few other names, but no one else stands out as a favorite. Clinton hansn’t been mentioned yet (was waiting for that one, even if as a joke). Wonder if there’s a Vegas bookie taking bets, and if so, what the odds are. ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2727 "2017-10-28T00:44:19Z")
> [@Tzigone](#): > > And it’s the _weekend_! So, anyone got ideas on who might be charged? Manafort seems the most popular target people name in other discussions. Flynn’s been mentioned. A few other names, but no one else stands out as a favorite. Clinton hansn’t been mentioned yet (was waiting for that one, even if as a joke). Wonder if there’s a Vegas bookie taking bets, and if so, what the odds are. No doubt Manafort one of them. Hell, [even his realtor](https://www.politico.com/story/2017/10/27/paul-manafort-realtor-russia-probe-robert-mueller-244261) was hauled in front of a grand jury. ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2728 "2017-10-28T00:55:21Z")
Oh, man, we have to be in suspense all weekend?? I know he hasn’t really been mentioned as much as the others, but please let Gorka be one of those taken into custody! Pretty please? ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2729 "2017-10-28T01:02:49Z")
> [@Bayard](#): > > Oh, man, we have to be in suspense all weekend?? > > I know he hasn’t really been mentioned as much as the others, but please let Gorka be one of those taken into custody! Pretty please? Junior would be a pretty big shot across the bow. CNN just said that they have some information about who it is, but are not reporting until they are certain and until the people are notified. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2730 "2017-10-28T01:04:15Z")
Discussion underway about it speculates that the reason a sealed indictment is often used is because there is concern the individual may flee the jurisdiction. That could describe quite a number of potentials. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2731 "2017-10-28T01:05:15Z")
> [@Bayard](#): > > I know he hasn’t really been mentioned as much as the others, but please let Gorka be one of those taken into custody! Pretty please? No kidding. Man, I detest that cretin. ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2732 "2017-10-28T01:46:11Z")
Foxnews front page not mentioning any of this, and in place is the very important story of the pressure on Mueller to resign. ---
**Author:** ![Fubaya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@Fubaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fubaya)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2733 "2017-10-28T01:56:38Z")
Oh my, is it Christmas already? You know what usually comes after the first indictments? More indictments. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2734 "2017-10-28T02:20:24Z")
Mueller has officially entered the Firin’ Zone… ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2735 "2017-10-28T02:34:07Z")
It occurred to me that Mueller could be tossing a fish out there exactly for the purpose of prompting Trump to fire him or start granting pardons. Force the Republicans’ hands, see what they do and how they will react. I’ve no doubt Mueller has inserted safeguards into his investigation to whatever extent he can, but if Trump is going to utterly disregard the rule of law (and he will), may as well get it over with. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2736 "2017-10-28T03:06:01Z")
> [@Fiveyearlurker](#): > > CNN currently reporting that Mueller has filed first charges in sealed indictments. No link, on TV. > > [Link](http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/27/politics/first-charges-mueller-investigation/index.html) on edit > > “The charges are still sealed under orders from a federal judge. Plans were prepared Friday for anyone charged to be taken into custody as soon as Monday, the sources said. It is unclear what the charges are.” Bringing a new meaning to October Surprise… (A part of me wishes this news was breaking on November 7th.) ---
**Author:** ![lazybratsche](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ba8739/32.png) [@lazybratsche](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lazybratsche)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2737 "2017-10-28T03:24:42Z")
This has to be related somehow: Dana Boente, US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (e.g. with jurisdiction over an awful lot of the DC area…) [just resigned](https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/dana-boente-resigns-as-us-attorney-for-eastern-district-of-virginia/2017/10/27/78fda97a-bb43-11e7-be94-fabb0f1e9ffb_story.html). Boente also served as Acting Attorney General while Sessions was recused for his meetings with the Russian ambassador, after Yates was fired by Trump, and before Rosenstein was appointed. Did Trump start his own Saturday Night Massacre a bit early? Or does Boente have to step down so he can be a witness in one of Mueller’s indictments? ---
**Author:** ![computergeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e56c9b/32.png) [@computergeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/computergeek)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2738 "2017-10-28T04:09:36Z")
WSJ is also reporting [First Charges Filed in Russia Probe Led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller - WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/articles/first-charges-filed-in-russia-probe-led-by-special-counsel-robert-mueller-1509161000) I think Reuters is also reporting this but I don’t have a link just yet Why’d these guys have to report this on a Friday and make us wait the weekend?! ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2739 "2017-10-28T04:15:28Z")
It’s a total Trump move. Trump loves to put cliff hangers in his tweets. Will he or won’t he pull out of the Paris accord, will he or won’t he announce a new Fed chair, ad nauseum ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2740 "2017-10-28T04:15:46Z")
Reuter’s has a source which has confirmed the CNN report: [First charges filed in U.S. special counsel's Russia investigation: source | Reuters](http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-russia-charges/first-charges-filed-in-u-s-special-counsels-russia-investigation-idUSKBN1CX00V) ---
**Author:** ![computergeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e56c9b/32.png) [@computergeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/computergeek)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2741 "2017-10-28T04:19:47Z")
I expect it to be Manafort; I’ll be surprised if it’s not him, Flynn or Page because I’ve been expecting the first two to be charged with a bunch of things since this thing heated up ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2742 "2017-10-28T04:26:25Z")
They have tape of Melania plotting to kill Moose and Squirrel. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2017, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/2743 "2017-10-28T05:55:12Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > Discussion underway about it speculates that the reason a sealed indictment is often used is because there is concern the individual may flee the jurisdiction. That could describe quite a number of potentials. So, wouldn’t it be great if everyone who _thinks_ it _could_ be them flees the country over the weekend? And if the Commander-In-Chief let his pilots know that he’d be needing Air Force One for a 2 am flight? One-way, to a quiet little dacha on the Volga… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799.md?page=136) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799.md?page=138)