The renewed attention has highlighted the close-knit if sometimes uneasy alliance between top NRA officials and Torshin -- a relationship that ensnared members of Trump's team during the presidential campaign , inviting further congressional scrutiny. Worries about a Russian influence operationThe skepticism among some NRA officials about the pair of gun-loving Russians may have been well-founded. Ahead of the trip, top NRA officials had expressed concern that the Moscow visit could invite political backlash, according to sources familiar with their thinking. Meanwhile, Russia experts said the Russian gun-rights group appears to mainly be a facade to build ties with the NRA. As for Keene, he said he was not aware of any donations to the NRA from either Torshin or Butina.

Source: CNN April 27, 2018 21:00 UTC