[W:492] F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

[Athanasius68]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

Surely there are cartoons on that can keep you occupied while the grownups discuss grownup things.

Just needs to copy the one sent to me a short while ago...

 

[MTAtech]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

The timing of the release of this is suspect at best. What is this 'breaking news' telling us? Not anything we didn't know.

I like how they are calling it an 'inquiry' and how it was 'combined' with Mueller's investigation. Soft sell for something else we also knew, Trump WAS the target of an investigation and Mueller lied about it.


Dont' take this as defending Trump, because I'm not. The intention behind the media putting this out at this time is obvious, and I'm surprised so many are falling for it.

A. We didn't know that Swampy was being investigated by the FBI.
B. What did Mueller lie about? He hasn't said anything at all. Are you confusing Mueller with Comey, who told the Congress that there were no FBI investigations of Trump? Well, according to the Times article, the FBI counterintelligence investigation was started AFTER Comey was fired.

No, there is no conspiracy here with timing. The house of cards is merely collapsing, little by little.

 

[MTAtech]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

What is the basis for the FBI to open such an investigation? Trump's skepticism of their and other agencies claim that Russia screwed with the election?

Your question is answered by merely reading the first paragraph of the Times article:

WASHINGTON — In the days after President Trump fired James B. Comey as F.B.I. director, law enforcement officials became so concerned by the president’s behavior that they began investigating whether he had been working on behalf of Russia against American interests, according to former law enforcement officials and others familiar with the investigation.

The thought that you still cling to the fantasy that Trump is being persecuted falsely and not finally come around and realize that there are legitimate concerns about his loyalty to this country, is concerning itself.

 

[year2late]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

Surely you have a 3D model of Trump's ass to give yourself a place to rest your nose.

I think that is sitting alone in your trophy case. Have you given it up?

 

[Athanasius68]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

Your question is answered by merely reading the first paragraph of the Times article:

The thought that you still cling to the fantasy that Trump is being persecuted falsely and not finally come around and realize that there are legitimate concerns about his loyalty to this country, is concerning itself.

That does not answer it. What is the behavior?
Here is another question: Is the unelected leadership of the FBI the arbiters of what is and what is not, American interests?

 

[Tangmo]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

So what? That doesnt put him in a position to know anything about what is going on in the current administration. Mattis and Kelley have been there from the start. Are you claiming that these two men know that Trump is selling out the US to the Russians and have kept quiet about it?

That's your strawman question as a card carrying Putin-Trump Fanboy.

This is a democracy which works in ways that are deliberate, step by step and based in the rule of law.

Given your post(s) as a Putin-Trump sychophant who is unable to criticize either of 'em, I like to think of Kelly and Mattis as undercover guys during the two years when Trump was unchecked by Congress and limited to only some small extent by the courts that Trump has anyway been packing with extremist judges who advocate virtually unlimited executive power under Trump.

People who are unable or unwilling to present any criticism of Trump are either oblivious, in denial, or are involved in collusion.

 

[MTAtech]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

If they had any proof Trump was a Russian asset, or real information that pointed that way and kept that secret because the 'timing' wasn't right or the investigation wasn't complete, they are being derelict in not releasing that information and arresting Trump immediately. President or not, that's exactly what should happen if that is true.

You can't argue two opposite positions. You can't say that without the investigation being complete, the FBI should arrest the president -- and also argue, as you have done in other posts, that there is a witch hunt against Trump; it's the deep-state out to get him; etc.

No, for law enforcement to charge a president with a crime, they better have all the ducks in a row. Their evidence must be ironclad and have no holes. They are doing EXACTLY what they should -- collecting all the evidence and presenting it to the Special Prosecutor, who is charged with investigating any Russian interference in 2016.

 

[What if...?]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

Red:
That remark doesn't even address whether Trump be a Russian asset.

But it sounded like she did.

Its her craft.

 

[Rogue Valley]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

It seems that the FBI opened up an investigation into Donald Trump and possible collusion with Russia out of concerns that this could be a security concern for the U.S.

F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/11/us/politics/fbi-trump-russia-inquiry.html

Gee, whoda thunk it? /s

How surprised can anyone be when a significant portion of Trumps campaign/transition teams had secret contact with various Russian government agents?

At this juncture and considering Trumps own words and actions vis-a-vis Putin/Russia, I'd be surprised if Trump wasn't king kompromat.

 

[Xelor]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

But it sounded like she did.

Its her craft.

Red:
LOL...To whom? LOL

 

[holbritter]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

A. We didn't know that Swampy was being investigated by the FBI.
B. What did Mueller lie about? He hasn't said anything at all. Are you confusing Mueller with Comey, who told the Congress that there were no FBI investigations of Trump? Well, according to the Times article, the FBI counterintelligence investigation was started AFTER Comey was fired.

No, there is no conspiracy here with timing. The house of cards is merely collapsing, little by little.

A. Of course we did.
B. You're right. I did confuse the two.

Ask yourself why this came out now. What's the purpose? Why is it being called a 'bombshell report' when those accusations were being floated around previously? C'mon and be honest. You don't think this media play is to put pressure and turn any public support for Trump and the shutdown around?

Major outlets lead off with this 'bombshell' report and go right into the shutdown.

I know the timing suits the anti Trump agenda, but if you think it's just coincidence that a nothing report (meaning, nothing he hasn't been accused of before) is suspect....:shrug:

The media plays people like fiddles.

 

[holbritter]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

You can't argue two opposite positions. You can't say that without the investigation being complete, the FBI should arrest the president -- and also argue, as you have done in other posts, that there is a witch hunt against Trump; it's the deep-state out to get him; etc.

No, for law enforcement to charge a president with a crime, they better have all the ducks in a row. Their evidence must be ironclad and have no holes. They are doing EXACTLY what they should -- collecting all the evidence and presenting it to the Special Prosecutor, who is charged with investigating any Russian interference in 2016.

When did I say the deep state was out to get him? And yes, I can say and I do say, that if the FBI has evidence Trump is a Russian asset, there is no excuse not to arrest him immediately. You don't let a Russian asset stay in the position of the President of the United States while you continue to investigate other accusations. No way, no how.

Russian interference is much different, imo, than having a Russian asset as President and keep him in that position, while you get your ducks in a row.

 

[Mach]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

Exactly. If there is any evidence at all that Trump is an asset for a hostile power it needs to be made known immediately. That no such evidence has materialized shows that it either doesnt exist or the investigators are agents of the same foreign power.

You're not making any sense. There is plenty of evidence just in the public record, much of it available even at that time. Some is even listed in the article.


- Trump and his campaigns many, abnormal ties to Russians
- Trump and his campaigns hiding/obfuscating their ties to Russians
- Trump asking Russia to get Hillary's emails
- refusal to criticize Putin (ever), while being highly critical of nearly anyone/everyone else
- Republican platform softened in a way that benefited Russia
- Dossier
- Four Trump associates were already under active investigation for ties to Russia
- Russia was actively working to help Trump win he election, in the U.S.
- knowledge of how Russia operates (historically and present day)
- Trump - I fired Comey because of the Russia investigation
- Trump inexplicable invites Russians to a high-five in the Oval Office after the election, no U.S. reporters.
- Trump tells the Russians in the high-five meeting he eased pressure on the Russia investigation by firing the nut-job FBI director

You mean that no additional information that resulted from the ongoing investigation? They keep that secret unless they indict. They cannot indict Trump. What's your solution there, to pull a James Comey and blab to the press about it?

In contrast, what we have NOT seen is any evidence of, is that "additional evidence" will cause Trump supporters to change their public support for Trump.

 

[HumblePi]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

Wait, are the kids still crying about Comey being fired? Even though it's already been shown that there was no wrong doing when he did so?
Well, that's the desperation of left and to an extent, this who idiotic "resist" group as well.

I'll be here waiting to see if they can actually prove anything this time around. Though I'm not going to hold my breath on this one either.

FBI counterintelligence doesn't investigate anyone on a whim. When counterintelligence (CI) opens an investigation on someone it's because they have legitimate concerns for national security. Even the notion that the FBI counterintelligence is investigating the president of the United States is absolutely mind-boggling. They were trying to determine whether or not the president was a threat to national security! This is something that might have happened during the Cold War, not in 2017.

The United States, despite losing some of its status in world leadership is still one of the world's superpowers. Naturally it will be the constant target of jealousies, resentments, rivalries, and challenges to its economic well-being, security, and leadership in the world. This inevitably means that the United States will be the target of large-scale foreign espionage all the time and this is precisely where CI focuses their attention. If they were investigating the relationship between Trump and Russia then every little thing that Trump said or did that related directly to Russia would be noted, and of course we know there were plenty for them to take notice of. They were concerned about any undue influence that Russia may have had on Trump.

Keep in mind that this CI investigation was not based on any information from the Steele dossier, or from Lisa Page or Peter Strzok. This counterintelligence probe was ongoing alongside the Comey firing, not because of it, that's where the special counsel came into the picture. Both investigations eventually came under the umbrella of the special-counsel probe led by Robert Mueller.

I believe that our country should collectively prepare for some extremely damaging revelations in March because we're going to be shaken to our core. Unless we unite against a foreign adversary that tried to destroy us, this country is going to suffer irreparable damage.

 

[Tangmo]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

I can, have and will critique Putin on multiple fronts. So much for your dumb theory.

Your posts are predominantly critical attacks against critics of Putin-Trump.

Your evasions make Trump look honest by comparison. They make Putin look pure. You criticize neither as you demonstrate absolutely at this thread and topic. I look forward therefore to continuing to rely on your compulsive and oblivious self-expose.

 

[Athanasius68]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

And if there is any evidence and they are holding back for whatever reason, that shows they care nothing for the US, but for their own agendas. Makes them as guilty as anyone else.

The article isn't even saying that. It's that they were concerned about his behaviour.

And That isn't secret. We can look at 2017 at the same things the FBI looked at.
So what was it that caused the FBI such concern? The firing of Comey? Trumps doubt that Russia tried to interfere with the election?

 

[HumblePi]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

And what did this investigation uncover?

Nobody knows yet. We'll find out soon enough. But, for people such as you who will stand by Trump even if he shot someone on Fifth Avenue, it really doesn't matter much, does it? Don't even bother following the story about how Trump may have sold out this country. Don't believe anything even if you see a smoking gun in your hand. This country will continue to go on without your help or support.

 

[Somerville]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) - please note the R - a former FBI agent speaking on CNN

“Two things you want to look for there,” Fitzpatrick explained. “I haven’t seen the New York Times story yet. But there are assessments and preliminary inquiries, which have limited scope and full field investigations. That’s the first thing. The second thing is, any time an investigation is opened on an elected official, member of the media, member of the clergy, they are put in a sort of a separate category called SINS, sensitive investigations that require the highest level of approval.”

“In this case, it would have been, in all likelihood, the deputy director at the time, Andy McCabe and requires coordination with the DOJ and the deputy attorney general, at which point it would have been Rod Rosenstein,” he continued. “So it sort of raises more questions.”

Oh, so many questions. Obviously, this investigation was kicked into operation by those "deep-state operatives" McCabe and Rosenstein who really, really hate Trump.

 

[holbritter]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

You're not making any sense. There is plenty of evidence just in the public record, much of it available even at that time. Some is even listed in the article.


- Trump and his campaigns many, abnormal ties to Russians
- Trump and his campaigns hiding/obfuscating their ties to Russians
- Trump asking Russia to get Hillary's emails
- refusal to criticize Putin (ever), while being highly critical of nearly anyone/everyone else
- Republican platform softened in a way that benefited Russia
- Dossier
- Four Trump associates were already under active investigation for ties to Russia
- Russia was actively working to help Trump win he election, in the U.S.
- knowledge of how Russia operates (historically and present day)
- Trump - I fired Comey because of the Russia investigation
- Trump inexplicable invites Russians to a high-five in the Oval Office after the election, no U.S. reporters.
- Trump tells the Russians in the high-five meeting he eased pressure on the Russia investigation by firing the nut-job FBI director

You mean that no additional information that resulted from the ongoing investigation? They keep that secret unless they indict. They cannot indict Trump. What's your solution there, to pull a James Comey and blab to the press about it?

In contrast, what we have NOT seen is any evidence of, is that "additional evidence" will cause Trump supporters to change their public support for Trump.

What all your points above could be proof of is Trump being a corrupt businessman using the office of the President to further his business interests. I don't believe Trump has much care for 'politics' at all, and is in way over his head when it comes to anything other than business.
It's not proof of being a Russian asset. Is there proof he is reporting back to Russia anything that has to do with our national security, our classified top secrets, information about any of our defense programs?

Maybe my definition of a Russian asset is different than yours.

 

[JackA]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

Trump always wanted to be first and foremost among Presidents in something significant. Now he is: first President ever to be investigated as secret agent for an adversarial foreign power.

 

[holbritter]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

The article isn't even saying that. It's that they were concerned about his behaviour.

And That isn't secret. We can look at 2017 at the same things the FBI looked at.
So what was it that caused the FBI such concern? The firing of Comey? Trumps doubt that Russia tried to interfere with the election?

Exactly. Then why is it a 'bombshell' report being released at such a convenient time?

 

[What if...?]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

Red:
LOL...To whom? LOL

Her target demographic.

Who will believe her to keep the neurochemicals flowing.

Which is the explanation why people continue to follow leaders everyone else knows are no good.

Following is rewarded. Admitting to yourself that your chosen leader is no good means those rewards end. And are replaced by anxiety chemicals. Stemming from loss of confidence in their ability to choose a leader. Will the next one betray them too?

IMO, modern conservatism is based on this phenomenon. The human resistance to admitting they have been fooled.

 

[Tangmo]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

Exactly. If there is any evidence at all that Trump is an asset for a hostile power it needs to be made known immediately. That no such evidence has materialized shows that it either doesnt exist or the investigators are agents of the same foreign power.

Wow what a roundhouse to yourself that was.

 

[Hawkeye10]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

Trump always wanted to be first and foremost among Presidents in something significant. Now he is: first President ever to be investigated as secret agent for an adversarial foreign power.

Trump is a one for the Record Books....A REAL MARVEL!

One of the best politicians of his generation.

 

[Xelor]

Re: F.B.I. Opened Inquiry Into Whether Trump Was Secretly Working on Behalf of Russia

Her target demographic.

Who will believe her to keep the neurochemicals flowing.

Which is the explanation why people continue to follow leaders everyone else knows are no good.

Following is rewarded. Admitting to yourself that your chosen leader is no good means those rewards end. And are replaced by anxiety chemicals. Stemming from loss of confidence in their ability to choose a leader. Will the next one betray them too?

IMO, modern conservatism is based on this phenomenon. The human resistance to admitting they have been fooled.

The only thing dumber than being fooled is denying that one has been fooled.

When a man deceives me once, says the Italian proverb, it is his fault; when twice, it is mine.
-- George Horne and William Jones, The Works of the Right Reverend George Horne, Vol. 3​