Congressional Republicans have blocked, stone-walled, or deflected every effort to investigate or respond to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. The pattern of Republican obstruction is clear. At every step of the way, Republicans in Congress have conspired to shield President Donald Trump from a thorough investigation of the attack. As Robert Kagan warned months ago, congressional Republicans are effectively acting as “Russia’s accomplices.”

Michael Flynn pleaded guilty on Friday, December 1, 2017 to lying to the F.B.I. regarding his previous contacts with the Russian ambassador. Click here for an accounting of Flynn’s previous contacts with Russia that, when put together, demonstrate a concerning pattern.

The president's son-in-law and one of his most trusted advisers is also a central figure in the investigation into possible collusion with Russia.

President Donald Trump has attempted to distance himself from allegations of collusion by asserting that he has no business interests in Russia. That’s not for lack of trying; Trump’s efforts to establish a hotel in Moscow go back at least to 1987, when, according to his book The Art of the Deal, he discussed the possibility with the Soviet ambassador Yuri Dubinin. But the questions regarding the Trump campaign’s collusion with the Russian government go beyond whether Trump has business in Russia. It is just as, if not more, important to understand the many ways that Russia has business in Donald Trump.

Throughout the Russia investigation, the “Steele Dossier” has continued to command attention. The transcript of Carter Page’s testimony before the House Intelligence Committee on November 2, 2017 has refocused that attention where it belongs: on the substance of the report. Since BuzzFeed published the Steele Dossier in January 2017, subsequent reporting has confirmed or substantiated many of Steele’s claims.

Unfolding the story of a man with both the connections and motivation to collude with Russia to help Donald Trump get elected President of the United States.

The following aims to explain what money laundering is and why it is critical not only to the alleged financial crimes investigations touching on those in Trump’s orbit, but also to the broader meddling and collusion probes.

The Russia investigation has entered a new phase, which requires progressives to adopt a new approach. The recent indictments and plea agreement involving Trump campaign officials make clear that the investigation into Russia’s coordination with the Trump campaign is serious, further along than most perceived, and will be a major issue throughout 2018.