The investigation -- a dual counterintelligence and criminal probe -- was launched after the president fired FBI director James Comey in May 2017, the Times said, citing anonymous sources. The counterintelligence aspect consisted of determining whether Trump was knowingly or unknowingly working for Moscow and whether he was a threat to national security, the newspaper reported. It added the criminal portion related to Trump's firing of Comey. The FBI investigation was soon folded into Robert Mueller's inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 vote and possible collusion between his campaign and Moscow, it said, adding that it was unclear if the counterintelligence aspect was still being pursued. The Times said that the FBI had been suspicious of Trump's ties to Russia during the 2016 campaign. But it held off on opening an investigation until the president sacked Comey, who refused to swear his allegiance and roll back the nascent Russia investigation, which is now being … [Read more...] about FBI opened probe into whether Trump working for Russians
Trump ties to russia
Trump promises peace, but turmoil over Russia probe and media intensifies
US President Donald Trump speaks during a post-election press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP) Nothing provokes the anger of the fiery and unconventional president more than special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into whether his campaign colluded with Russian agents during his 2016 election. Trump has continuously threatened that he has the power to shut down what he calls "a witch hunt" and on Wednesday he took the first potential step when he replaced his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, with loyalist Matthew Whitaker. The switch, announced on Trump's Twitter feed, provoked consternation across Washington, where politicians from both sides of the aisle have long warned that political interference in Mueller's work cannot be tolerated. Democrats, who won the lower house of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections, now see Trump as close to crossing that line with the ultimate goal of covering up alleged crimes. "The rule of … [Read more...] about Trump promises peace, but turmoil over Russia probe and media intensifies
Fears for Russia probe as Trump fires Jeff Sessions
US Attorney General Jeff Sessions was fired by President Donald Trump on Wednesday. — AFP PhotoViet Nam News WASHINGTON — US Attorney General Jeff Sessions was fired by Donald Trump Wednesday after enduring more than a year of bitter criticism from the president over his decision to step aside from the Russia investigation that has dogged the White House. The move cast into doubt the ability of Special Counsel Robert Mueller -- who had until now been insulated from White House interference -- to complete the Russia probe, and drew stern warnings from Democrats for the president to stay clear. Sessions’ departure came the day after a midterm vote that saw Republicans lose control of the House of Representatives but boost their Senate majority, and Trump’s swift move was seen as a sign of how he confident he was feeling after the polls. In announcing the resignation -- in a tweet thanking him "for his service" -- Trump right away named as acting attorney … [Read more...] about Fears for Russia probe as Trump fires Jeff Sessions
U.S., China to hold delayed diplomatic, security dialogue Friday
U.S., China to hold delayed diplomatic, security dialogue Friday Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis speaks with the media before an enhanced honor cordon arrival of Greek Minister of Defense Panagiotis Kammenos at the Pentagon in Washington, U.S., October 9, 2018 – PHOTO: REUTERS WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - The United States and China will hold a top-level diplomatic and security dialogue that was supposed to be held in Beijing in October in Washington on Friday, amid moves to try to resolve a damaging trade war. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Chinese politburo member Yang Jiechi and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe will take part in the talks, a statement from U.S. State Department said on Monday. China said last month the two sides had initially agreed “in principle” to hold the second round of diplomatic security talks in October but they were postponed at Washington’s request amid rising tensions over trade, Taiwan and the East … [Read more...] about U.S., China to hold delayed diplomatic, security dialogue Friday
NATO urges Russia to comply by nuclear treaty
Viet Nam News BRUSSELS — NATO has urged Russia to comply fully with a Cold War nuclear weapons treaty after US President Donald Trump announced he wanted to pull out of the deal. The message came after a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) in Brussels. The NATO allies "urge Russia... to ensure full compliance with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty without delay," the transatlantic alliance said in a statement after the talks. "While we stand ready to continue dialogue on this issue with Russia, as an Alliance we are also committed to take effective measures to continue to ensure the safety and security of all Allies," the statement added Trump sparked concerns earlier this month when he announced he wanted to pull out of the INF treaty, a pillar of Cold War disarmament, in response to Russia’s deployment of a missile system Washington says breaches the accord. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned last week that abandoning the INF agreement … [Read more...] about NATO urges Russia to comply by nuclear treaty