@CyrusToulabi's Threads
#BREAKING: TRUMP DIRECTED COHEN TO LIE TO CONGRESS.
He told Cohen to give FALSE testimony about building a Trump Tower Moscow, aka the Moscow Project.
There's a reason Mueller had Cohen plead guilty to THIS crime.
It's #WitnessTampering + #Obstruction.
buzzfeednews.com/article/jasonl…
He told Cohen to give FALSE testimony about building a Trump Tower Moscow, aka the Moscow Project.
There's a reason Mueller had Cohen plead guilty to THIS crime.
It's #WitnessTampering + #Obstruction.
buzzfeednews.com/article/jasonl…
#WATCH: Barr said a President suborning perjury would be #Obstruction.
Q: "A president persuading a person to commit perjury would be obstruction. Is that right?"
Barr: "Yes."
Q: "...a president...convincing a witness to change testimony would be obstruction...?"
Barr: "Yes."
Q: "A president persuading a person to commit perjury would be obstruction. Is that right?"
Barr: "Yes."
Q: "...a president...convincing a witness to change testimony would be obstruction...?"
Barr: "Yes."
#REDFLAG: Mueller's Office takes the rare step of PUSHING BACK on Buzzfeed News' reporting.
They seem to dispute the "description" and "characterization" of corroborating documents and testimony in the article.
But not necessarily the central premise...
They seem to dispute the "description" and "characterization" of corroborating documents and testimony in the article.
But not necessarily the central premise...
#FLAG: I'm convinced, Rick Gates is a critical witness to #Collusion/Conspiracy.
He was involved in handing over Trump campaign polling data to Konstantin Kilimnik, along w/ Manafort.
But late in the campaign when data would be most critical, Manafort wasn't around.
Gates was.
He was involved in handing over Trump campaign polling data to Konstantin Kilimnik, along w/ Manafort.
But late in the campaign when data would be most critical, Manafort wasn't around.
Gates was.
#FLAG: Not to mention, Gates worked on the Inauguration.
We know foreign money — specifically from a pro-Russia Ukrainian oligarch — made its way into the huge inaugural fund...that was admitted to in a guilty plea by Sam Patten.
I bet Gates knows more.
We know foreign money — specifically from a pro-Russia Ukrainian oligarch — made its way into the huge inaugural fund...that was admitted to in a guilty plea by Sam Patten.
I bet Gates knows more.
#MORE: Here's more on Gates also working with Manafort to share Trump Campaign polling data with Konstantin Kilimnik, who has ties to Russian Intelligence.
This received remarkably less press than it should have...as usual when it comes to Gates coverage.
This received remarkably less press than it should have...as usual when it comes to Gates coverage.
#UPDATE: Trump announced he was withdrawing troops from Syria, on the same day that the Treasury Dept announced they were lifting sanctions off of Oleg Deripaska's companies.
We can be pretty sure BOTH were discussed in Helsinki.
#WhatHappenedInHelsinki?
We can be pretty sure BOTH were discussed in Helsinki.
#WhatHappenedInHelsinki?
#BREAKING: “Trump has gone to extraordinary lengths to conceal details of his conversations w/Putin, including...taking possession of his interpreter’s notes and instructing him not to discuss what had transpired w/other officials”
#WhatHappenedInHelsinki
washingtonpost.com/world/national…
#WhatHappenedInHelsinki
washingtonpost.com/world/national…
#REDFLAG: "U.S. officials said there is NO DETAILED RECORD, even in classified files, of Trump's face-to-face interactions with Putin at FIVE locations over the past two years. Such a gap would be unusual in any presidency..."
#WhatHappenedInHelsinki?
#WhatHappenedInHelsinki?
#REDALERT: Treasury Dept. to LIFT SANCTIONS on Oleg Deripaska's companies.
Treasury's OFAC has notified Congress it intends to terminate sanctions on Deripaska's companies — the oligarch close to Putin w/ ties to Manafort and the Mueller Investigation.
Treasury's OFAC has notified Congress it intends to terminate sanctions on Deripaska's companies — the oligarch close to Putin w/ ties to Manafort and the Mueller Investigation.
#REDFLAG: As predicted earlier in this thread...
Deripaska's companies only qualified for sanctions relief assessment BECAUSE Deripaska "stepped down."
But OBVIOUSLY Deripaska installed board members that reported directly to him.
So why lift sanctions?
Deripaska's companies only qualified for sanctions relief assessment BECAUSE Deripaska "stepped down."
But OBVIOUSLY Deripaska installed board members that reported directly to him.
So why lift sanctions?
#FLAG: The answer to that question is Treasury is being WILLFULLY IGNORANT.
They've directed Deripaska's companies to "undertake significant
restructuring and corporate governance," determine why the moles were installed, and reduce his influence.
LOL.
They've directed Deripaska's companies to "undertake significant
restructuring and corporate governance," determine why the moles were installed, and reduce his influence.
LOL.
#BREAKING: Maria Butina PLEADS GUILTY to acting as an agent of the Kremlin — agreeing to cooperate w/ Federal Prosecutors.
The "Russian gun-rights activist" is the first Russian national convicted for conspiring to influence U.S. Policy.
She infiltrated the NRA and GOP in 2016.
The "Russian gun-rights activist" is the first Russian national convicted for conspiring to influence U.S. Policy.
She infiltrated the NRA and GOP in 2016.
#RELATED: Russia, Dark Money, the NRA, and the 2016 election.
Thankfully, the Senate just overturned the Trump administration rule change that would've allowed orgs like the NRA to keep donors secret...
...a rule changed the same day Butina was charged.
Thankfully, the Senate just overturned the Trump administration rule change that would've allowed orgs like the NRA to keep donors secret...
...a rule changed the same day Butina was charged.
#RELATED: The wife of a former NRA president offered Maria Butina 1 million dollars to secure tons of Russian jet fuel for an American middleman. The scheme would've violated sanctions.
Clearly, those around the NRA knew Butina wasn't just an "activist."
Clearly, those around the NRA knew Butina wasn't just an "activist."
#KEYTHOUGHTS: Some things to note on Michael Cohen's guilty plea today for lying to Congress about his efforts to negotiate a Trump Tower Moscow deal w/ Russia during 2016.
1/ It's no coincidence that this comes TWO DAYS before Trump's next scheduled meeting w/ Putin at the G20.
1/ It's no coincidence that this comes TWO DAYS before Trump's next scheduled meeting w/ Putin at the G20.
2/ This new move by Mueller is perfectly-orchestrated. This isn't only about lying to Congress and cooperation...
It directly IMPLICATES Trump himself...and his children.
According to Cohen, he gave each of them regular briefings throughout the process.
It directly IMPLICATES Trump himself...and his children.
According to Cohen, he gave each of them regular briefings throughout the process.
3/ Cohen admits (with CORROBORATION thru documentary evidence seized by the FBI and Mueller) that Moscow Project negotiations lasted thru JUNE 2016.
That's months after the timeline Trump, Cohen, and those around them, have claimed.
That's months after the timeline Trump, Cohen, and those around them, have claimed.
#FTR: ALL THESE STORIES HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON.
1/ Trump stands by the Saudi Crown Prince MBS who MURDERED Jamal Khashoggi, his perceived POLITICAL ENEMY, and a U.S. Resident.
And now, Trump smeared Khashoggi as an "enemy of state," without evidence.
washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/…
1/ Trump stands by the Saudi Crown Prince MBS who MURDERED Jamal Khashoggi, his perceived POLITICAL ENEMY, and a U.S. Resident.
And now, Trump smeared Khashoggi as an "enemy of state," without evidence.
washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/…
2/ Trump has been looking into handing over U.S. Resident Fetullah Gulen — Turkish Autocrat Erdogan's perceived POLITICAL ENEMY, who he calls a "terrorist" — to Turkey to prosecute (and likely kill) w/o evidence...
...to appease Turkey and cover for MBS.
nbcnews.com/politics/natio…
...to appease Turkey and cover for MBS.
nbcnews.com/politics/natio…
3/ In July, Trump thought it was an 'incredible offer" to hand over U.S. Resident and former U.S. Ambassador Michael McFaul — Autocrat Vladamir Putin's perceived POLITICAL ENEMY — to Russia for interrogation and potential prosecution, without evidence.
washingtonpost.com/news/morning-m…
washingtonpost.com/news/morning-m…
#REDALERT: TRUMP REPLACES SESSIONS.
This comes the day after the midterms. It's unclear if Sessions was fired or if he resigned.
This comes the day after the midterms. It's unclear if Sessions was fired or if he resigned.
#REDFLAG: TRUMP FORCED SESSIONS TO RESIGN.
He couldn't even wait 24 hrs to obstruct justice.
Because Sessions resigned instead of getting fired, officially, Trump was able to appoint an acting AG.
nytimes.com/2018/11/07/us/…
He couldn't even wait 24 hrs to obstruct justice.
Because Sessions resigned instead of getting fired, officially, Trump was able to appoint an acting AG.
nytimes.com/2018/11/07/us/…
#REDFLAG: ACTING AG, MATT WHITAKER, HAS BEEN CRITICAL OF MUELLER.
He will take over the Russia investigation from Rosenstein. And likely end it or strongly curtail it.
Now with more seats in the Senate, confirming a new AG will be easier.
He will take over the Russia investigation from Rosenstein. And likely end it or strongly curtail it.
Now with more seats in the Senate, confirming a new AG will be easier.
#CONFESSION: I didn't vote in 2010.
I didn't understand the importance of midterms. I was in college in NY, away from my home state of IL. I didn't know how I'd vote.
I told myself it didn't matter b/c both IL + NY are blue states, so my vote wouldn't make a difference, right?
I didn't understand the importance of midterms. I was in college in NY, away from my home state of IL. I didn't know how I'd vote.
I told myself it didn't matter b/c both IL + NY are blue states, so my vote wouldn't make a difference, right?
#CONFESSION: I didn't vote in 2012.
Despite believing that presidential elections matter — in 2012, life got in the way. I lost my mom 1 month out.
Again, I didn't know how to vote while at college. Besides, both NY and IL are blue, so my vote wouldn't make a difference, right?
Despite believing that presidential elections matter — in 2012, life got in the way. I lost my mom 1 month out.
Again, I didn't know how to vote while at college. Besides, both NY and IL are blue, so my vote wouldn't make a difference, right?
#CONFESSION: I didn't vote in 2014.
Out of college, I had moved to LA, but I didn't know if I'd be there long, so where would I vote? Besides, I thought midterms didn't really matter. Besides, CA is a blue state, like IL and NY, so my vote wouldn't make a difference, would it?
Out of college, I had moved to LA, but I didn't know if I'd be there long, so where would I vote? Besides, I thought midterms didn't really matter. Besides, CA is a blue state, like IL and NY, so my vote wouldn't make a difference, would it?
With all due respect to the hosts on @MSNBC...but move over.
@BarbMcQuade, @JoyceWhiteVance and @JillWineBanks need their own show together, right now!
Love them so much! Could listen to the three of them forever.
@BarbMcQuade, @JoyceWhiteVance and @JillWineBanks need their own show together, right now!
Love them so much! Could listen to the three of them forever.
With the addition of @MimiRocah1, why has this show not yet been #Greenlit?
Maybe it needs a little @MayaWiley to seal the deal!
Maybe it needs a little @MayaWiley to seal the deal!
#FFS: IT'S. SPELLED. COUNSEL.
Umm, is that a threat?
"Anybody needing that much time when they know there is no Russian Collusion is just someone...looking for trouble."
"Anybody needing that much time when they know there is no Russian Collusion is just someone...looking for trouble."
Obstructing an investigation...even one that may not result in criminal charges...is still Obstruction of Justice.
#FTR: Nixon WH Counsel, John Dean, is pretty much universally considered a hero in the Watergate scandal.
While he wasn't an angel, his cooperation ultimately led to Nixon's impeachment and resignation.
Hmm, I wonder why Trump would call him a "RAT" and view him negatively...?
While he wasn't an angel, his cooperation ultimately led to Nixon's impeachment and resignation.
Hmm, I wonder why Trump would call him a "RAT" and view him negatively...?
#FLAG: Trump invokes McCarthyism, while hurling unfounded accusations at Democrats and the Special Counsel.
He claims he demands transparency, while his White House lies at every turn.
When he says "many lives have been ruined," he's setting up pardons.
He claims he demands transparency, while his White House lies at every turn.
When he says "many lives have been ruined," he's setting up pardons.
#FLAG: Trump and the Right Wing often say "No Collusion...except by Crooked Hillary and the Democrats."
It's a repeated counter-narrative about the FusionGPS commissioned #SteeleDossier, claiming it's collusion.
It's been debunked. But truth isn't truth.
It's a repeated counter-narrative about the FusionGPS commissioned #SteeleDossier, claiming it's collusion.
It's been debunked. But truth isn't truth.
#CORRECTION: Maria Butina was NOT CHARGED BY MUELLER.
The investigation and charges were brought by DOJ officials, not related to the Special Counsel.
The Washington Post has reported this correctly in the past.
The investigation and charges were brought by DOJ officials, not related to the Special Counsel.
The Washington Post has reported this correctly in the past.
The Washington Post knows this...
"The case, which is not part of the special counsel investigation into Russian interference..."
washingtonpost.com/local/public-s…
"The case, which is not part of the special counsel investigation into Russian interference..."
washingtonpost.com/local/public-s…
#UPDATE: Looks like the @WashingtonPost has updated their headline to reflect the fact that Butina was NOT charged by the Special Counsel.
(Only if you click the link...not yet in the preview on Twitter.)
washingtonpost.com/local/public-s…
(Only if you click the link...not yet in the preview on Twitter.)
washingtonpost.com/local/public-s…
We all saw this coming when Trump bragged about his multi-hundred billion dollar arms deal with the Saudis, shortly after taking office.
I hate to say it, but the U.S. has sadly been complicit in what has been described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
I hate to say it, but the U.S. has sadly been complicit in what has been described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
In May, Trump signs a "tremendous" $110B arms deal with Saudi Arabia. #YEMEN
abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump…
abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump…
#BREAKING: THE WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL, DON MCGAHN, HAS COOPERATED EXTENSIVELY W/ MUELLER'S OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE INVESTIGATION.
He has detailed the most damning episodes in at least 3 voluntary interviews that have totaled 30 hours over the past 9 months.
nytimes.com/2018/08/18/us/…
He has detailed the most damning episodes in at least 3 voluntary interviews that have totaled 30 hours over the past 9 months.
nytimes.com/2018/08/18/us/…
#FLAG: McGahn has disclosed details surrounding...
- The firing of former FBI Director James Comey.
- Trump's obsession with putting a loyalist in charge.
- Trump's repeated urging of Sessions to claim oversight of the investigation.
- Trump's attempts to fire Mueller himself.
- The firing of former FBI Director James Comey.
- Trump's obsession with putting a loyalist in charge.
- Trump's repeated urging of Sessions to claim oversight of the investigation.
- Trump's attempts to fire Mueller himself.
#FLAG: MCGAHN AND HIS LAWYER COOPERATED...BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT TRUMP WAS GOING TO SET HIM UP AS "THE FALL GUY."
They were suspicious when Trump didn't protest letting him be interviewed...
So McGahn cooperated extensively to cover to demonstrate that McGahn did nothing wrong.
They were suspicious when Trump didn't protest letting him be interviewed...
So McGahn cooperated extensively to cover to demonstrate that McGahn did nothing wrong.
#FLAG: I don't want to read too far into it, but for the jury in the Manafort trial to be asking for the definition of "reasonable doubt," after one day of deliberation, is concerning, at least for me...
#TBH: I hate to say this, but I've been skeptical of this jury from the beginning.
How are there 12 individuals in the Alexandria, Virginia area (just outside of D.C.) who had never heard of Paul Manafort?
Either they are particularly ignorant individuals, or someone's lying...
How are there 12 individuals in the Alexandria, Virginia area (just outside of D.C.) who had never heard of Paul Manafort?
Either they are particularly ignorant individuals, or someone's lying...
#FTR: If Justice is not served at the conclusion of this trial...
No one is more to blame than Judge Ellis.
No one is more to blame than Judge Ellis.
Meanwhile, JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES with our allies in South Korea were "too expensive."
They act as a deterrent to North Korea, China and Russia, and are essential to ensure preparedness with our allies should Kim Jong Un launch an attack.
They would cost $14M...
They act as a deterrent to North Korea, China and Russia, and are essential to ensure preparedness with our allies should Kim Jong Un launch an attack.
They would cost $14M...
#REMINDER: The Trump Administration's position on the suspension of joint military exercises with South Korea was CONDITIONAL.
The annual August exercises were suspended...AS LONG AS North Korea acted in "GOOD FAITH" in working towards denuclearization.
washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-ca…
The annual August exercises were suspended...AS LONG AS North Korea acted in "GOOD FAITH" in working towards denuclearization.
washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-ca…
#FLAG: U.S. Officials, from the Military Intelligence Agency in the Pentagon to the Secretary of State, have ACKNOWLEDGED...
North Korea is ACCELERATING their nuclear program, continuing missiles production, and hiding assets from the U.S..
Good faith?
North Korea is ACCELERATING their nuclear program, continuing missiles production, and hiding assets from the U.S..
Good faith?
#TRUTHBOMB: You've heard it a million times.
"There was No Collusion except with the Democrats and Russia!"
It's an often-repeated right-wing counter-narrative pointing to the FusionGPS commissioned #SteeleDossier.
Here's why they're full of it and how to counter it.
[THREAD]
"There was No Collusion except with the Democrats and Russia!"
It's an often-repeated right-wing counter-narrative pointing to the FusionGPS commissioned #SteeleDossier.
Here's why they're full of it and how to counter it.
[THREAD]
#FLAG: Trump defenders say if it's illegal to get "opposition research" from a foreign national...
...then the Democrats are guilty of it, because they commissioned Christopher Steele, a former British spy and UK national, to gather intel that became the #SteeleDossier.
[2/7]
...then the Democrats are guilty of it, because they commissioned Christopher Steele, a former British spy and UK national, to gather intel that became the #SteeleDossier.
[2/7]
#FLAG: Let's look at the specific law...
52 USC 30121 - It's illegal to solicit, accept, or receive a contribution (opposition research) or donation of money or other thing of value from a foreign national in connection with an election.
But the fact is. STEELE WAS PAID.
[3/7]
52 USC 30121 - It's illegal to solicit, accept, or receive a contribution (opposition research) or donation of money or other thing of value from a foreign national in connection with an election.
But the fact is. STEELE WAS PAID.
[3/7]
#FTR: That's exactly what #TPP did.
But, of course, Trump pulled us out, instead of renegotiating from within.
But, of course, Trump pulled us out, instead of renegotiating from within.
As everyone applauds Republican Rep. Will Hurd tonight...
Remember, he's on the House Intelligence Committee. He's voted with Nunes and the GOP on each and every measure, including on their sham "Russia Investigation" findings and today's vote against subpoenaing the translator.
Remember, he's on the House Intelligence Committee. He's voted with Nunes and the GOP on each and every measure, including on their sham "Russia Investigation" findings and today's vote against subpoenaing the translator.
#FTR: We should applaud Republicans who break from Trump and their party.
At the same time, we should be aware of their actions, and how, even as recently as today, they contradict their words.
We must encourage them to take those words and turn them into concrete action.
At the same time, we should be aware of their actions, and how, even as recently as today, they contradict their words.
We must encourage them to take those words and turn them into concrete action.
We should welcome Rep. Hurd's words and encourage matching action.
I've feared we wouldn't see Republicans like Sen. Edward Brooke — the first (of many that followed) to break w/ the GOP and call for Nixon's resignation.
I hope those fears are unfounded.
I've feared we wouldn't see Republicans like Sen. Edward Brooke — the first (of many that followed) to break w/ the GOP and call for Nixon's resignation.
I hope those fears are unfounded.
#BREAKING: TWO WEEKS BEFORE INAUGURATION TRUMP WAS SHOWN PROOF PUTIN PERSONALLY ORDERED U.S. ELECTION HACK AND INTERFERENCE.
Trump was shown messages from Russian Military.
Each time he's cast doubt, he lied to cover up Russia's attack on our democracy.
nytimes.com/2018/07/18/wor…
Trump was shown messages from Russian Military.
Each time he's cast doubt, he lied to cover up Russia's attack on our democracy.
nytimes.com/2018/07/18/wor…
#OBVIOUSLY: None of this is surprising. But would love to hear what Republicans have to say now...
What about the House Intel Republicans who claimed that they did not believe Putin personally ordered election interference to help Trump and hurt Hilary?
What about the House Intel Republicans who claimed that they did not believe Putin personally ordered election interference to help Trump and hurt Hilary?
#RELATED: Trump and Clinton were both warned by the FBI in Summer 2016 that Russia COULD TRY TO INFILTRATE or SPY ON THEIR CAMPAIGNS.
Trump has claimed multiple times that the FBI and Obama Administration didn't warn him and did nothing to stop Russia...
Trump has claimed multiple times that the FBI and Obama Administration didn't warn him and did nothing to stop Russia...
#REDFLAG: SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP DO NOT WANT TRUMP'S INTERPRETER TO TESITFY BEFORE CONGRESS.
@SenJohnThune is "not sure what this accomplishes."
Trump and Putin met alone for 2 hours. Russia is already saying they're eager to act on agreements made...
WHAT WAS DISCUSSED?
@SenJohnThune is "not sure what this accomplishes."
Trump and Putin met alone for 2 hours. Russia is already saying they're eager to act on agreements made...
WHAT WAS DISCUSSED?
#WhatHappenedInHelsinki?
The Translator must be brought before Congress. What was agreed upon? What was discussed?
Call your Members of Congress!
☎️ (202) 224-3121
The Translator must be brought before Congress. What was agreed upon? What was discussed?
Call your Members of Congress!
☎️ (202) 224-3121
#WhatHappenedInHelsinki?
We don't know what deals were struck, but Russia does...
The Russian Military claims they're "ready for practical implementation of the agreements reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump..."
cnn.com/2018/07/17/pol…
We don't know what deals were struck, but Russia does...
The Russian Military claims they're "ready for practical implementation of the agreements reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump..."
cnn.com/2018/07/17/pol…
#FTR: The ONLY time in NATO's history where a member country invoked Article 5's collective defense which says that an attack on one ally is an attack on all...
...was by the United States after 9/11.
The United States benefits from NATO. All allies do.
...was by the United States after 9/11.
The United States benefits from NATO. All allies do.
#RELATED: JUST YESTERDAY, German Chancellor Angela Merkel called upon NATO to refocus on the threat Russia poses and defending its alliance.
24 hours later, Trump launches his attack on NATO.
24 hours later, Trump launches his attack on NATO.
Hey @RubenGallego, you're right -- Both Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren have said "rebuild," "start again," "assess," and "reform" ICE.
They don't just want to "Abolish ICE" and not replace it with any enforcement.
@Acosta was mistaken on @CNNSitRoom.
They don't just want to "Abolish ICE" and not replace it with any enforcement.
@Acosta was mistaken on @CNNSitRoom.
