# 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:** 261
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2018, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5205 "2018-12-03T22:47:35Z")
> [@jasg](#): > > [December 4:](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/judge-sets-dec-18-sentencing-for-michael-flynn) Flynn Sentencing memorandum Thanks. I thought there was something sooner coming up. Maria Butina is also (hopefully) on the edge of breaking. We might expect something there soon. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2018, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5206 "2018-12-03T23:03:42Z")
> [@Sage\_Rat](#): > > Maria Butina is also (hopefully) on the edge of breaking. We might expect something there soon. They should tell her that unless she tells what she knows, she’ll have to serve house-arrest—in the house of that Republican fundraiser guy she was “dating” as a means of carrying out her mission. She won’t last a day. > **[Maria Butina Beau Paul Erickson Finally Lawyers Up](https://www.thedailybeast.com/maria-butina-beau-paul-erickson-finally-lawyers-up)** > > He’s been under federal investigation for months. Now the boyfriend and business partner of the accused Moscow operative has legal representation. ---
**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:** [December 3, 2018, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5207 "2018-12-03T23:37:02Z")
[Michael Isikoff reports](https://news.yahoo.com/mueller-preparing-end-game-russia-investigation-225720798.html), for Yahoo News, that Mueller’s team has told defense lawyers that they are “tying up loose ends”. > [@](#): > > Special counsel Robert Mueller’s prosecutors have told defense lawyers in recent weeks that they are “tying up loose ends” in their investigation, providing the clearest clues yet that the long-running probe into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election may be coming to its climax, potentially in the next few weeks, according to multiple sources close to the matter. > > \ > > A Flynn sentencing memo is due Tuesday and memos about Manafort and Cohen are slated for Friday. All three documents are expected to yield significant new details on what cooperation the three of them provided to the Russia investigation. > > There has been much speculation that Mueller might file his memo in Manafort’s case under seal in order to prevent public disclosure of the additional crimes his office believes Manafort committed when he allegedly lied to prosecutors and broke a plea deal after agreeing to cooperate. > > But Peter Carr, spokesman for the special counsel, confirmed to Yahoo News on Monday that the Manafort memo “will be public,” although he added there could be some portions that are redacted or filed as a sealed addendum. Also, according to Isikoff, when Congressional investigators recently asked Mueller’s team if some subpoenas the Congressional investigators wanted to issue would interfere with Mueller’s investigation, Team Mueller told them that they had talked to everyone they wanted to talk to, so the Congressional investigators could have at it. Mueller has apparently decided not to push for a face-to-face interview with Trump. So this could be one hell of a week. **If** , as is commonly speculated, Mueller is essentially making his report in court filings, and **if** he’s about to wrap it up, then this could be the week Mueller reveals an absolute shit-ton of damning information. And then Republicans everywhere go, “Meh.” ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2018, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5208 "2018-12-03T23:42:45Z")
> [@Defensive\_Indifference](#): > > And then Republicans everywhere go, “Meh.” Expect Fox News to begin a lengthy 5 day intensive report series on “Hillary’s emails” and “Comey Lies” ---
**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:** [December 3, 2018, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5209 "2018-12-03T23:45:29Z")
Oh, and not a part of the Russia debacle, but this is as good a place as any I guess, the AGs of Maryland and DC will be issuing subpoena tomorrow for documents in their lawsuit alleging Trump violated the Emoluments Clause The AGs are focuses specifically on the Trump hotel in DC, saying that Trump improperly profited from foreign and state government spending at the hotel. This is the first time in US history that an Emoluments case has gone to trial. Trump: making history! > **[Subpoenas Coming Soon In Trump Emoluments Lawsuit](https://www.npr.org/2018/12/03/673056131/subpoenas-coming-soon-in-trump-emoluments-lawsuit)** > > Attorneys general of Maryland and the District of Columbia are preparing to move forward with discovery in their lawsuit alleging the president is violating the U.S. Constitution's emoluments clauses. ---
**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:** [December 3, 2018, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5210 "2018-12-03T23:46:35Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Expect Fox News to begin a lengthy 5 day intensive report series on “Hillary’s emails” and “Comey Lies” They’ll break in with stories about horny pandas, and the occasional undergrad at Oberlin saying something stupid. ---
**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:** [December 3, 2018, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5211 "2018-12-03T23:47:52Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Expect Fox News to begin a lengthy 5 day intensive report series on “Hillary’s emails” and “Comey Lies” #Comary ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2018, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5212 "2018-12-04T04:21:58Z")
> [@Sage\_Rat](#): > > No news item, but just so people are on the watch, I think that we are expecting the following things this month: > > [December 7:](https://www.politico.com/story/2018/11/30/mueller-could-hit-manafort-with-retrial-new-charges-1034623) Manafort’s breach of cooperation overview > [December 10:](https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/10/31/has-robert-mueller-subpoenaed-trump-222060) Possible Trump subpoena - but something interesting either way > [December 18:](https://www.politico.com/story/2018/09/19/michael-flynn-sentencing-mueller-830724) Flynn sentencing Another one I had forgotten about. [December 14](https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/10/31/has-robert-mueller-subpoenaed-trump-222060): Oral arguments in the “Case of the Mystery Appellant” - a legal battle going on between Special Counsel‘s office and an unidentified grand jury witness. More [here](https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/the-case-of-muellers-mystery-nemesis-is-picking-up-serious-steam/). ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2018, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5213 "2018-12-04T04:42:58Z")
Oops - I see we have different dates. Apologies. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2018, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5214 "2018-12-04T05:38:25Z")
> [@jasg](#): > > Oops - I see we have different dates. Apologies. Nope looks like I had remembered wrong. Thanks for correcting. Overall, at any rate, I expect the next two weeks to be a rollercoaster ride. Christmas conversations are going to be strained this year. But that’s probably good. Best hope we have of converting those with their head in the sand. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2018, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5215 "2018-12-04T13:43:15Z")
> [@Sage\_Rat](#): > > Nope looks like I had remembered wrong. Thanks for correcting. > > Overall, at any rate, I expect the next two weeks to be a rollercoaster ride. > > Christmas conversations are going to be strained this year. But that’s probably good. Best hope we have of converting those with their head in the sand. Roger Stone: Hey, honey? Can you fix me a drink? “Sure, my little Roger. I’ll get you a Mueller.” ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2018, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5216 "2018-12-04T16:18:40Z")
The posture of people with their heads in the sand offers an inviting target. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2018, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5217 "2018-12-04T16:47:23Z")
Yahoo reports that Mueller is wrapping up his report. (via Huffpost) > **[Mueller Preparing Endgame For Russia Investigation](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mueller-preparing-endgame-for-russia-investigation_n_5c06871de4b07aec5752ae04)** > > “They’ve been telling people they are tying up loose ends and trying to conclude,” said a source. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2018, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5218 "2018-12-04T18:52:14Z")
> [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > Yahoo reports that Mueller is wrapping up his report. (via Huffpost) > > [Mueller Preparing Endgame For Russia Investigation | HuffPost Latest News](https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/mueller-preparing-endgame-for-russia-investigation_us_5c06871de4b07aec5752ae04) A few reports I have seen have said that he’s ready to wrap up the “Obstruction of Justice” investigation, but not necessarily all of it. Though, with all of the documents we expect to see over the next two weeks, and the incoming Democratic House, it could be that he is ready to end it. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2018, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5219 "2018-12-05T01:44:06Z")
Flynn’s sentencing memo is out: > **[Mueller says Michael Flynn gave 'firsthand' details of Trump transition team...](https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/04/robert-mueller-sentencing-memo-for-former-trump-advisor-michael-flynn.html)** > > The special counsel in a sentencing memo said Michael Flynn's "substantial assistance" to his probe warrants a light criminal sentence — which could include no jail time for the retired Army lieutentant general. (First link is to the PDF) A speaking indictment it ain’t. He lied about talking to Kislyak about sanctions. End of memo. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2018, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5220 "2018-12-05T01:49:17Z")
Gah, so much redaction. ---
**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:** [December 5, 2018, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5221 "2018-12-05T02:04:01Z")
Well, that’s a letdown. ---
**Author:** ![Dacien](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dacien/32/5663_2.png) [@Dacien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dacien)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2018, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5222 "2018-12-05T02:12:32Z")
Reading that it’s quite unusual for a prosecutor to recommend no jail time. Flynn must have given Mueller what he wanted, whatever that is. ---
**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:** [December 5, 2018, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5223 "2018-12-05T02:55:58Z")
It always is best to be the firstest with the mostest. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2018, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799/5224 "2018-12-05T12:44:51Z")
> [@Sage\_Rat](#): > > And, I don’t think, Trump would view his legal danger of running a business deal with Russia, in mid-2016, as being particularly great. He has no reason to expect to win. He’ll probably lose. No one will give a crap that he continued doing business at the same time as running a campaign, as the loser. Ah, The Producers Defense. I am picturing the scene - which I can’t find on YouTube, dammit- where Gene Wilder and Zero Mosel are sitting in theatre district bar congratulating themselves on having produced a flop, thereby pulling off a successful fraud. Then the theatregoers start to trickle in at intermission and they realize that their show is a hit and they’re going to jail. Probably similar to the scene at Trump Tower on election night. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799.md?page=260) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-associates-may-have-coordinated-with-russians-according-to-us-officials/782799.md?page=262)