The Justice Department’s criminal investigation into Manafort predated the 2016 election and the counterintelligence probe that in July began investigating possible collusion between Moscow and associates of Trump. Manafort was forced to resign as Trump campaign chairman in August amid questions over his business dealings years ago in Ukraine. Sessions met with Trump and Rosenstein to discuss Trump’s decision to fire him despite Sessions’ pledge not to become involved in the Russia case. “I’ve talked with Director Mueller about this,” Rosenstein said. Mueller’s assignment covers the investigation into possible links or co-ordination between Russia and associates of the Trump campaign but also “any matters that arose or may arise directly” from the probe.

Source: thestar June 03, 2017 14:48 UTC