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What We Learned in the Trump-Russia Investigation: Week of Nov 26 – Dec 2, 2017

Flipping Flynn Friday:

  • pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators about his contacts with Russia’s ambassador. source
  • is now cooperating with Mueller’s probe. source
  • senior transition officials discussed with him the message to communicate to Kislyak about U.S. sanctions on Moscow. source
  • numerous reports indicate that Kushner directed Flynn to contact Russian officials and get them to delay a vote on a U.N. resolution condemning Israeli settlements. source
  • Kushner met with Mueller earlier this month, and was reportedly interviewed mostly about Flynn. This could have played a role in Flynn’s decision to cooperate w/ Mueller. source

After learning of Flynn’s plea, Trump tweeted that he knew of Flynn’s lies to the FBI when he fired him. This means he also knew that Flynn committed a crime, lying the FBI, when he asked Comey to drop the investigation – thus Trump admitted to obstructing justice. source

Senator Burr stated on the record that Trump pressured him to end the Russia probe. According to lawmakers and aides, Trump also pressured Sen. McConnell and Sen. Roy Blunt. source. This brings the total number of officials we know Trump contacted in an attempt to obstruct justice to seven (list)

A radio host who acted as an intermediary between Roger Stone and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during the 2016 election has been subpoenaed by the House Intelligence Committee. source

In an email to colleagues, Trump transition adviser K. T. McFarland wrote that Russia had “thrown the U.S.A. election” to Trump. She also wrote emails indicating Flynn was directed by Trump officials. source

Kushner failed to disclose that he led a foundation funding illegal israeli settlements before the U.N. vote on the issue. source

Manafort’s bankers and associates were summoned to talk to the Manhattan D.A. The state can press charges in case of Trump attempting a pardon, ensuring Manafort does not get off scot free. source

Erik Prince, Blackwater founder & brother of Betsy Devos, testified to the House Intelligence Committee about a Seychelles meeting in which he allegedly attempted to set up a Russian backchannel to Trump. He admits to meeting the head of a Russian investment fund, but not to setting up a backchannel. source

James Woolsey, former CIA director & a key witness in the Russia probe, had ‘a lengthy conversation’ with Trump at Mar-a-Lago last weekend. He served on the board of Flynn’s lobbying firm Flynn Intel Group & knew of Flynn’s illicit work for Turkey. source