Manafort trial to begin as Trump calls for end to Russia investigation

Paul Manafort.
(Image credit: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

The first trial in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference begins this week, as President Trump faces ongoing scrutiny of his cozy relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort has already pleaded not guilty to money laundering, bank fraud, conspiracy against the U.S., failure to register as a foreign agent, and lying to the FBI. Manafort is being tried in Virginia starting Wednesday, when jury selection begins, reports Bloomberg. His attorneys have argued that his charges have nothing to do with campaign work, and Trump has distanced himself from Manafort, saying he only worked with him for a "very short period of time."

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Summer Meza, The Week US

Summer Meza has worked at The Week since 2018, serving as a staff writer, a news writer and currently the deputy editor. As a proud news generalist, she edits everything from political punditry and science news to personal finance advice and film reviews. Summer has previously written for Newsweek and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, covering national politics, transportation and the cannabis industry.