Washington, D.C. — The complexities of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election can seem insurmountable to the average observer, but CAP Action’s Moscow Project lays out the facts in a comprehensive and easy-to-follow video released today, the anniversary of former FBI Director James Comey’s firing.
On May 9, 2017, President Donald Trump fired then-FBI Director James Comey, a decision he admitted was intended to reduce pressure from the Russia investigation. As a result, former FBI Director Robert Mueller was appointed special counsel to investigate ties between the Trump campaign and Russian officials. In the year since, President Trump’s campaign manager, deputy campaign manager, the White House national security advisor, and 19 other people and entities have been indicted; some have pleaded guilty; and one has already been sentenced to time in prison. While new misdeeds are uncovered nearly every day, the underlying story has remained remarkably consistent since the Moscow Project began tracking the investigation in early 2017. The story of President Trump and Russia is that of a convergence of interests; those of a campaign, those of Russia’s moneyed elite, and those of the Russian government.
Narrated by award-winning actor and activist Bradley Whitford—best known for his role as Josh Lyman on “The West Wing”—the video draws from a year’s worth of Moscow Project research and analysis to construct a simple narrative frame through which anyone can understand the Russia investigation.
“The story of Trump and Russia begins and ends with money,” said Diana Pilipenko, associate director for Anti-Corruption and Illicit Finance at the Moscow Project. “You don’t need to believe that Vladimir Putin is clairvoyant or that Donald Trump is a secret agent to understand what happened; you just need to look at the facts to see a pretty simple case of compounded corruption.”
Click here to watch the video: “Trump and Russia: From Corruption to Collusion“ by the Moscow Project.
As news continues to break about the role of furtive money in the dealings of President Trump and his advisers, the Moscow Project will continue to conduct original research and create resources for better understanding the Russia investigation, available on the Moscow Project website and on Twitter.
For more information or to speak with an expert, contact Morgan Finkelstein at [email protected] or 202.478.5311.