Donald Trump’s Problems Going Bigger, Deeper

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D onald Trump can’t tweet his way out of this one.

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The president’s tried and tested political defense mechanism is to whip up chaos to tip his enemies off balance and launch a fierce counter attack. He’ll also take cover with his ultra-loyal political base, rely on Republicans who are too cowed to repudiate him and fog an issue with alternative facts, Stephen Collinson wrote in CNN.

But Robert Mueller’s first big splash Monday suggested that Trump’s methodology —which has helped him defy all the normal rules of electoral politics and the presidency— will face its sternest test yet with the relentless special counsel.

As the events of a dramatic day unfolded, there was a sense that the White House was being forced to engage on Mueller’s home turf rather than in the wild and whirling political environment where Trump feels most at home.

Mueller’s first indictments of former Trump campaign aides, the unveiling of a surprise guilty plea by a former campaign foreign policy adviser and the manner in which he set out his case suggest his probe is sweeping, strategic and steeped in detail. And it’s clear he’s just getting started.

“The criminal justice interest being vindicated here is there’s a large-scale ongoing investigation of which this case is a small part,” said Aaron Zelinsky of the special counsel’s office in a plea hearing for former campaign foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos that was unsealed on Monday.

In fact, Mueller’s methodical performance suggests that Trump’s orbit has much to fear from Mueller, a foe who is far more consequential than his folding GOP primary rivals, a tainted Hillary Clinton or the “fake” media —all of which have struggled to find answers to his unorthodox approach.

Master of Disruption, Diversion

Mueller’s command of the Washington game and mechanics of the law, on show in his first salvo against the Trump team, also represent a test for Trump’s instinctive mastery of disruption and diversion.

“This was an impressive strategy that played out,” Frank Figliuzzi, former assistant director of the FBI’s counter intelligence division, told CNN.

Figliuzzi said Mueller, by unveiling a sealed plea deal with Papadopoulos, was sending a message to other potential targets in the case that if they wanted to play hardball, he had people cooperating with him.

Of course, if Trump has nothing to hide, then he has nothing to fear from Mueller, who has still yet to prove any clear evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia —the most explosive allegation facing those around the president.

But faced with his resourceful new adversary, Trump’s go-to mode of defense —a tweet in capital letters— seemed hardly adequate.

“There is NO COLLUSION!” the president wrote on Twitter.

As it sought to find its balance, the White House was quick to seek out vulnerabilities in Mueller’s initial gambit. But it was also immediately clear that its efforts, while serviceable in a political context, were much less suited to the constraining legal reality that is now facing Trump.

“Today’s announcement has nothing to do with the president, has nothing to do with the president’s campaign or campaign activity,” White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said.

People close to the White House, meanwhile, set about undermining the credibility of cooperating witness Papadopoulos, describing him as an overzealous low-level adviser who was a “zero” in terms of campaign seniority.

Even if the timeline of the charges against Manafort and Gates, related to their work for a formerly pro-Russian government in Ukraine, covers a period before they worked for Trump, the pair might pose a threat to the White House in other ways —a possibility that Sanders did not address.

Incentive to Cooperate

Given the gravity of the charges against them which carry long potential prison terms, and their treatment —both are now under house arrest— each man has a strong incentive to cooperate with Mueller’s investigation.

“If I was representing Paul Manafort, unless I was sure my client was getting a pardon, I would be talking to him about potentially cooperating with Mr. Mueller,” said former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti on CNN.

Peter Okafor
Peter Okaforhttp://Naija247news.com
Peter Okafor Financial Journalist | Editor | Contributor Overview: Peter Okafor is a seasoned Financial Journalist, astute Editor, and valued Contributor at Naija247news Media Group. With an unwavering passion for dissecting complex financial landscapes, Peter has become a trusted name in delivering incisive and insightful coverage of economic events, market trends, and corporate dynamics. Professional Journey Peter's journey in financial journalism has been marked by a commitment to excellence. Joining the ranks of Naija247news, he has consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of the intricate interplay between finance and the global socio-economic fabric. Expertise: Specializing in financial markets, economic analyses, and business developments, Peter Okafor has honed his expertise over the years. His ability to unravel intricate financial narratives and present them in a comprehensible manner sets him apart in the world of financial journalism. Contributions As an Editor and Contributor, Peter has played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of Naija247news. His contributions extend to thought-provoking articles, in-depth market analyses, and coverage of key events that impact the financial landscape. Educational Background: Peter holds a degree in Journalism, complemented by specialized courses in Finance and Business Reporting. His educational foundation has provided him with the tools to navigate the intricate world of financial journalism. Innovation and Adaptability: In an era of evolving media landscapes, Peter Okafor exemplifies innovation and adaptability. Leveraging digital platforms and emerging technologies, he ensures that financial insights reach a diverse audience, fostering financial literacy and awareness. Awards and Recognition: Peter's commitment to journalistic excellence has not gone unnoticed. He has been the recipient of several awards, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of financial journalism. Vision for the Future: Looking ahead, Peter Okafor envisions a future where financial journalism continues to empower individuals, shape economic policies, and drive positive change. His dedication to staying at the forefront of financial news underscores his commitment to this vision. Connect with Peter Okafor: - LinkedIn: [Peter Okafor](#) - Twitter: [@PeterOkafor_N247](#) In the dynamic realm of financial journalism, Peter Okafor stands as a stalwart, combining experience, expertise, and a forward-looking vision to illuminate the path of financial understanding for a global audience.

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