ABC reports, "The Department of Justice is expanding its criminal probe into the events of Jan. 6 to include preparations for the rally that preceded the
storming of the U.S. Capitol, as well as the financing for the event, multiple sources familiar with the matter tell ABC News.
"Over the past two months, grand jury subpoenas have been sent to those who assisted in the organizing and planning of former President
Donald Trump's "Save America" rally on the Ellipse near the White House.
"The subpoenas to individuals with knowledge of the event are expansive, the sources said. Prosecutors are seeking multiple records and documents related to the rally, including text messages and emails, as well as potential communications with other individuals regarding the
logistics of the event."
On a different front, Trump continued his assault on American democracy. On two occasions recently Trump praised Vladimir Putin. The former President asserted that the war criminal who has viciously assaulted Ukraine is a "savvy genius" and "smart." Just other day he asked Putin for help to dig up dirt on the President's son (See post #1012).
Stephen Collinson writes, "Trump’s latest appeal offers a window into his twisted morality as he lines up again alongside Putin. This may be the ex-President’s most twisted and pathological attempt yet to corruptly advance his own political career ahead of a possible 2024 White House bid. His thinking seems to be clear. Putin might be raining atrocities on Ukrainian citizens, bombing hospitals, apartment blocks, razing entire cities and sending 4 million refugees west into Europe. But Trump seems willing to overlook all of that in service of his own perceived interests.
"Not only is Trump seeking to cook up a self-serving conspiracy with a Russian President much of the world now regards as a war criminal. He’s also asking an enemy of the United States, who has threatened nuclear war, to damage the American commander-in-chief who is leading the West in an effort to aid an innocent, invaded nation and to save democracy."