Manafort Conviction Emphasizes Need to Safeguard Ongoing Special Counsel Investigation

Statement of Common Cause President Karen Hobert Flynn

Paul Manafort joins a growing list of convictions stemming from Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation of Russia’s attack on the 2016 presidential election. Congress must be prepared to act swiftly and decisively if President Trump attempts to subvert the justice system by pardoning Paul Manafort or otherwise undermining the Special Counsel’s investigation. Today’s jury conviction and the continuing threats from President Trump and his attorneys against the Special Counsel hammer home the need for Congress to protect the investigation.

Justice must be allowed to run its course through the Special Counsel’s investigation. Americans expect Congress to put country before party and exercise its oversight responsibilities to allow the full truth to be unearthed and shared with the nation.

No American is above the law, not even the President. Congress must ensure that the rule of law is upheld, the investigation is completed, and the American people learn the full truth.