Mueller investigation gains new momentum

Special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference has new momentum following the conviction of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and guilty plea of former Trump personal lawyer Michael Cohen.

Manafort’s conviction affirmed the credibility of an investigation that has endured near-daily attacks from President Trump, while Cohen’s guilty plea to campaign finance violations and other charges could present the special counsel with a key witness willing to cooperate.

Neither development is directly related to Mueller’s inquiry into whether there was collusion between Trump’s campaign and Moscow. Still, those closely watching the investigation say that they bolster Mueller’s probe at a critical point and insulate it further from critics calling for its swift end.

“Both of yesterday’s developments are important levers for Mueller,” said Stephen Vladeck, a University of Texas law professor. “They are also important politically because, I think, they will at least to some degree undermine the argument for winding his investigation down.”

http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/403125-mueller-investigation-gains-new-momentum?userid=229233