search
Sections List
American Journal News

Trump's Treasury Department might be trying to obstruct Russia probe

Newly revealed emails show staffers in the financial crimes unit are concerned the Treasury Department is deliberating trying to obstruct the Senate’s Russia investigation.

By Caroline Orr - August 15, 2018
Share
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin

Since the start of the Russia probe, the phrase “follow the money” has taken center stage — and for good reason.

With such a complex investigation involving a large number of individuals and organizations, scattered bits of evidence, and a variety of confirmed and potential crimes, the money trail is the thread that helps weave all of these pieces together.

Thus, having access to the information needed to follow that trail is considered to be a critical part of the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and potential coordination with the Trump campaign.

But according to a new report, the U.S. Treasury Department is failing to comply with key inquiries from the Senate Intelligence Committee, leaving investigators without the resources they need to carry out the probe — and some Treasury employees from within the department’s financial crimes division fear it could be a deliberate attempt to obstruct the investigation.

Buzzfeed reported on Tuesday that the Treasury Department has delayed and in some cases refused to turn over critical financial records requested by Senate investigators. The department has also refused to provide an expert to help senators understand the complicated money trail, which is what the Treasury Department’s financial crimes investigators specialize in.

And according to Buzzfeed, some of the department’s own employees are questioning whether the Treasury may be intentionally trying to impede the investigation by delaying and refusing to comply with the committee’s requests.

A trove of new emails and interviews obtained by Buzzfeed show that the Treasury Department has systematically put up barriers in response to each new request by the Senate panel for bank records that could reveal key information about the flow of Russian money, and particularly whether any of that money made its way to Trump, his inner circle, or related business interests.

As Buzzfeed notes, the Treasury has been reluctant since the early stages of the Senate probe to comply with investigators’ requests for assistance, even when those requests are for records pertaining to information that is crucial to the financial side of the Russia investigation.

“Last year, Treasury rejected the committee’s request for help from one of its experts, even as Treasury officials have speculated — behind closed doors — that the Senate committee would not be able to follow the twisting financial trail laid out in the documents they had turned over, a path that often passes through offshore shell companies or untraceable cash transactions,” Buzzfeed reported.

In other words, the Treasury thought the Senate panel wouldn’t be able to piece together information from the documents on its own, but the department nonetheless refused to authorize its financial crimes investigators to assist the committee.

Furthermore, emails obtained from within the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) revealed concern among some employees that the Treasury Department as a whole may be trying to sabotage the Senate probe.

Interestingly, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-NC) told Buzzfeed that the committee has received “every financial document” requested from the Treasury Department, but sources inside FinCEN said that even to this day, not all records requested had been turned over to Senate investigators.

Those same sources within FinCEN told BuzzFeed that they were initially instructed not to hand over financial documents on certain U.S. individuals.

Most of the requested information pertains to records that track large financial transactions that may raise suspicions of money laundering or other financial crimes. This information, which is passed from banks to the Treasury Department, is where the Senate Intelligence Committee has focused most of its energy.

These financial documents “play a part of a very important roadmap just like every other piece of evidence,” Burr told BuzzFeed. “They tell us whether you turn right or you turn left.”

But based on the new report, it appears that senior officials within the Treasury Department, which is run by Steve Mnuchin, may be deliberately trying to thwart efforts to track down the financial records of key players and to make it difficult, if not impossible, to “follow the money.”

This revelation is particularly alarming given that the Senate probe is widely viewed as the one congressional Russia investigation that has not been tainted by partisanship or shut down by Trump’s allies.

The Senate Intelligence Committee made its first request for information from FinCEN in May 2017, just after then-FBI Director James Comey was fired. According to the Wall Street Journal, Senate investigators asked for all records that may shed light on any financial ties between Trump and Russia, including any relevant information about Trump, his family, his businesses, and his associates.

At the time, NBC News reported that the Senate Intelligence Committee was probing potential investments in Trump’s real estate empire by Russian individuals and those close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The committee was also looking for evidence of possible money laundering.

But according to Buzzfeed, the Senate panel did not actually ask the Treasury for financial records on Trump or his family members. No clear rationale has been given by Republicans as to why they don’t want to look into Trump’s finances or seek any records such as tax returns, but it reflects a broader move by Republicans to steer clear of Trump and his family’s financial history.

The Senate committee did request financial information on at least 45 people or entities from the Treasury Department, including several of the individuals involved in the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting, as well as former Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak and a number of his associates, a slew of Russian businessmen and bankers, and a few individuals who have not yet been named as part of the Russia investigation.

Senate investigators have also obtained so-called “suspicious activity reports” on several individuals linked to the NRA, including Russian banker Alexander Torshin, alleged Russian spy Mariia Butina, and Butina’s boyfriend Paul Erickson, a longtime GOP operative.

According to Buzzfeed, the Senate Intelligence Committee has renewed its unfulfilled requests for information in recent weeks but FinCEN has been slow to respond.

Perhaps while they’re waiting they could go ahead and start looking into Trump’s financial history, given that we know he has financial ties to Russia — and they’re not going to disappear just because Republicans don’t want to look.

Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


Read More
Despite criticizing economy, Ohio GOP U.S. Sen. nominee Moreno bought five homes last year

Despite criticizing economy, Ohio GOP U.S. Sen. nominee Moreno bought five homes last year

By Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal - August 20, 2024
Biden calls for expanded child tax credit, taxes on wealthy in $7.2 trillion budget plan

Biden calls for expanded child tax credit, taxes on wealthy in $7.2 trillion budget plan

By Jennifer Shutt, States Newsroom - March 11, 2024
December jobs report: Wages up, hiring steady as job market ends year strong

December jobs report: Wages up, hiring steady as job market ends year strong

By Casey Quinlan - January 05, 2024
Biden’s infrastructure law is boosting Nevada’s economy. Sam Brown opposed it.

Biden’s infrastructure law is boosting Nevada’s economy. Sam Brown opposed it.

By Jesse Valentine - November 15, 2023
Biden infrastructure law helps Pennsylvania’s small manufacturers

Biden infrastructure law helps Pennsylvania’s small manufacturers

By Oliver Willis - October 20, 2023
GOP senators try to stop EPA rule projected to save consumers millions of dollars

GOP senators try to stop EPA rule projected to save consumers millions of dollars

By Oliver Willis - October 20, 2023
AJ News
Latest
Chavez-DeRemer’s pro-union views will be lonely in Trump’s anti-union White House

Chavez-DeRemer’s pro-union views will be lonely in Trump’s anti-union White House

By Jesse Valentine - November 26, 2024
Twice-impeached Trump eyes impeached Texas Attorney General for top DOJ role

Twice-impeached Trump eyes impeached Texas Attorney General for top DOJ role

By Jesse Valentine - November 13, 2024
Minnesota House candidates take far-right stances on birth control and vaccines

Minnesota House candidates take far-right stances on birth control and vaccines

By Jesse Valentine - November 04, 2024
 Competitive Michigan House races feature anti-labor Republican candidates

 Competitive Michigan House races feature anti-labor Republican candidates

By Jesse Valentine - November 01, 2024
In her words: At age 17, DakotaRei escaped Texas to get an abortion

In her words: At age 17, DakotaRei escaped Texas to get an abortion

By Bonnie Fuller - October 31, 2024
Republican Larry Hogan takes in thousands from big pharma in final months of campaign

Republican Larry Hogan takes in thousands from big pharma in final months of campaign

By Jesse Valentine - October 30, 2024
Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer spent campaign funds on hotel stays, limo services

Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer spent campaign funds on hotel stays, limo services

By Jesse Valentine - October 30, 2024
Republican Bernie Moreno floats gutting “all” government investments for child care

Republican Bernie Moreno floats gutting “all” government investments for child care

By Jesse Valentine - October 30, 2024
Republicans campaign with Georgia’s Mike Collins despite racially charged remarks

Republicans campaign with Georgia’s Mike Collins despite racially charged remarks

By Jesse Valentine - October 28, 2024
Republican Michigan Legislature candidates backed unpopular abortion restrictions

Republican Michigan Legislature candidates backed unpopular abortion restrictions

By Jesse Valentine - October 28, 2024
Republican Kelly Ayotte’s record shows strong opposition to public school funding

Republican Kelly Ayotte’s record shows strong opposition to public school funding

By Jesse Valentine - October 23, 2024
Texas lawmakers backing school vouchers also pushed far-right education policies

Texas lawmakers backing school vouchers also pushed far-right education policies

By Jesse Valentine - October 23, 2024
Republican Rob Bresnahan endorsed controversial school choice policies

Republican Rob Bresnahan endorsed controversial school choice policies

By Jesse Valentine - October 22, 2024
Indiana Republican Micah Beckwith compared abortion to slavery and the Holocaust

Indiana Republican Micah Beckwith compared abortion to slavery and the Holocaust

By Jesse Valentine - October 16, 2024
Rick Scott’s new ad could land him in hot water with the Department of Defense

Rick Scott’s new ad could land him in hot water with the Department of Defense

By Jesse Valentine - October 15, 2024
Dan Bishop’s tough on crime talk clashes with his votes to deny police funding

Dan Bishop’s tough on crime talk clashes with his votes to deny police funding

By Jesse Valentine - October 08, 2024
Republican Rob Bresnahan invested thousands in company with ties to Chinese military

Republican Rob Bresnahan invested thousands in company with ties to Chinese military

By Jesse Valentine - October 07, 2024
More recordings show Sheehy disparaging Natives, federal government, Tester

More recordings show Sheehy disparaging Natives, federal government, Tester

By Darrell Ehrlick, Daily Montanan - October 04, 2024
Jacky Rosen targeted by GOP groups over discredited stock allegations

Jacky Rosen targeted by GOP groups over discredited stock allegations

By Jesse Valentine - October 04, 2024
Bernie Moreno backed plan to raise health care costs, reward hospital executives

Bernie Moreno backed plan to raise health care costs, reward hospital executives

By Jesse Valentine - October 01, 2024
Two Georgia Moms Are First Women to Die From Abortion Bans

Two Georgia Moms Are First Women to Die From Abortion Bans

By Bonnie Fuller - September 23, 2024
McCormick’s firm invested millions in Iran-linked companies, including weapons manufacturer

McCormick’s firm invested millions in Iran-linked companies, including weapons manufacturer

By Jesse Valentine - September 18, 2024
Senate hopeful Hung Cao backed plan that puts Social Security, veterans’ benefits at risk

Senate hopeful Hung Cao backed plan that puts Social Security, veterans’ benefits at risk

By Jesse Valentine - September 18, 2024
Senate candidate Eric Hovde’s bank financed nursing homes facing abuse accusations

Senate candidate Eric Hovde’s bank financed nursing homes facing abuse accusations

By Jesse Valentine - September 18, 2024
Gov. Gianforte’s mission to ban abortion could be impeded by state referendum

Gov. Gianforte’s mission to ban abortion could be impeded by state referendum

By Jesse Valentine - September 13, 2024
Republican Kelly Ayotte’s opposition to ACA clashes with most voters

Republican Kelly Ayotte’s opposition to ACA clashes with most voters

By Jesse Valentine - September 04, 2024
Laurie Buckhout calls China a threat while holding thousands in China-linked investments

Laurie Buckhout calls China a threat while holding thousands in China-linked investments

By Jesse Valentine - August 23, 2024
Sen. Rick Scott leaves hurricane-ravaged Florida to fundraise and campaign for Trump

Sen. Rick Scott leaves hurricane-ravaged Florida to fundraise and campaign for Trump

By Jesse Valentine - August 21, 2024
Wealthy U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno wants more tax cuts for the rich

Wealthy U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno wants more tax cuts for the rich

By Jesse Valentine - August 21, 2024
Voter registrations in Maine spiked after Harris announced candidacy

Voter registrations in Maine spiked after Harris announced candidacy

By Emma Davis, Maine Morning Star - August 14, 2024
No, Sen. Bob Casey did not invest in a Chinese fentanyl company

No, Sen. Bob Casey did not invest in a Chinese fentanyl company

By Jesse Valentine - August 14, 2024
Republican Eric Hovde’s company drove small businesses into bankruptcy

Republican Eric Hovde’s company drove small businesses into bankruptcy

By Jesse Valentine - August 13, 2024
GOP Rep. Ryan Zinke’s campaign spent cash on fine dining, luxury stays

GOP Rep. Ryan Zinke’s campaign spent cash on fine dining, luxury stays

By Jesse Valentine - August 12, 2024
U.S. House candidate Rob Bresnahan said anti-abortion ruling “did what it should do”

U.S. House candidate Rob Bresnahan said anti-abortion ruling “did what it should do”

By Jesse Valentine - August 06, 2024
Caught on camera: Migrants working on anti-Immigration hardliner Greg Gianforte’s property

Caught on camera: Migrants working on anti-Immigration hardliner Greg Gianforte’s property

By Jesse Valentine - August 05, 2024
Republican Rep. Ken Calvert opposes abortion access for military personnel

Republican Rep. Ken Calvert opposes abortion access for military personnel

By Jesse Valentine - July 29, 2024
Kelly Ayotte hired consultant who pushed controversial Project 2025 agenda

Kelly Ayotte hired consultant who pushed controversial Project 2025 agenda

By Jesse Valentine - July 26, 2024
Trump, MAGA campaign against Harris already laced with misogyny, racism

Trump, MAGA campaign against Harris already laced with misogyny, racism

By Dana Gentry, Nevada Current - July 24, 2024
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz doesn’t want to talk about Texas’ restrictive abortion ban

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz doesn’t want to talk about Texas’ restrictive abortion ban

By Jesse Valentine - July 23, 2024
Republican Tim Sheehy often brags about his business record. His company is in the red.

Republican Tim Sheehy often brags about his business record. His company is in the red.

By Jesse Valentine - July 22, 2024
Big investors are buying up single-family homes. Sen. Sherrod Brown has a plan to stop them.

Big investors are buying up single-family homes. Sen. Sherrod Brown has a plan to stop them.

By Jesse Valentine - July 09, 2024
New Mexico Senate nom Nella Domenici earned up to $1 million renting out Connecticut home

New Mexico Senate nom Nella Domenici earned up to $1 million renting out Connecticut home

By Jesse Valentine - July 08, 2024
GOP’s Mark Robinson blames bad fathers for social ills despite own son’s criminal record

GOP’s Mark Robinson blames bad fathers for social ills despite own son’s criminal record

By Jesse Valentine - July 03, 2024
Kelly Ayotte’s history of backing Medicare cuts could be hurdle in governor’s race

Kelly Ayotte’s history of backing Medicare cuts could be hurdle in governor’s race

By Jesse Valentine - July 02, 2024
Texas Republican Ken Paxton enlisted outside group to gut rights for pregnant workers

Texas Republican Ken Paxton enlisted outside group to gut rights for pregnant workers

By Jesse Valentine - June 24, 2024
Ted Cruz leverages Trump conviction on podcast for own personal gain

Ted Cruz leverages Trump conviction on podcast for own personal gain

By Jesse Valentine - June 11, 2024
Arizona Republican Kari Lake proposes massive cuts to Medicaid and Medicare

Arizona Republican Kari Lake proposes massive cuts to Medicaid and Medicare

By Jesse Valentine - June 10, 2024
Virginia U.S. Senate candidate Hung Cao says workplace diversity is ‘Marxism’

Virginia U.S. Senate candidate Hung Cao says workplace diversity is ‘Marxism’

By Jesse Valentine - June 06, 2024
Republican Bernie Moreno’s rags-to-riches story exposed as a lie

Republican Bernie Moreno’s rags-to-riches story exposed as a lie

By Jesse Valentine - May 24, 2024
What happens to clinics after a state bans abortion? They fight to survive.

What happens to clinics after a state bans abortion? They fight to survive.

By Chabeli Carrazana and Shefali Luthra - May 22, 2024
Former Sen. Kelly Ayotte took job at Caterpillar after tax fraud probe

Former Sen. Kelly Ayotte took job at Caterpillar after tax fraud probe

By Jesse Valentine - May 21, 2024
Alabama OB-GYN residencies dropped over 20% after Dobbs, state abortion ban, says analysis

Alabama OB-GYN residencies dropped over 20% after Dobbs, state abortion ban, says analysis

By Alander Rocha, Alabama Reflector - May 21, 2024
House GOP celebrates National Police Week while pushing to defund local law enforcement

House GOP celebrates National Police Week while pushing to defund local law enforcement

By Jesse Valentine - May 16, 2024
Evolution denier Mark Robinson could reshape North Carolina’s education system

Evolution denier Mark Robinson could reshape North Carolina’s education system

By Jesse Valentine - May 16, 2024
Republican Jay Ashcroft backs anti-abortion clinics that push lies and disinformation

Republican Jay Ashcroft backs anti-abortion clinics that push lies and disinformation

By Jesse Valentine - May 14, 2024
Republican Sam Brown’s assault on teacher unions could backfire

Republican Sam Brown’s assault on teacher unions could backfire

By Jesse Valentine - May 09, 2024
Florida abortion ban puts GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s anti-choice views in spotlight

Florida abortion ban puts GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s anti-choice views in spotlight

By Jesse Valentine - May 07, 2024
Trump leaves door open to banning medication abortion nationwide

Trump leaves door open to banning medication abortion nationwide

By Jennifer Shutt, States Newsroom - April 30, 2024
Republican Caroleene Dobson wants Alabama abortion ban to go nationwide

Republican Caroleene Dobson wants Alabama abortion ban to go nationwide

By Jesse Valentine - April 30, 2024
Ohio Gov. DeWine said he didn’t know of millions in FirstEnergy support. Is it plausible?

Ohio Gov. DeWine said he didn’t know of millions in FirstEnergy support. Is it plausible?

By Marty Schladen, Ohio Capital Journal - April 29, 2024
GOP Rep. Zach Nunn suggests laws against hate crime aren’t needed

GOP Rep. Zach Nunn suggests laws against hate crime aren’t needed

By Jesse Valentine - April 15, 2024
GOP Senate candidate Hung Cao blames racial equity for Baltimore bridge tragedy

GOP Senate candidate Hung Cao blames racial equity for Baltimore bridge tragedy

By Jesse Valentine - March 29, 2024
GOP Rep. Jennifer Kiggans donates thousands to far-right extremists

GOP Rep. Jennifer Kiggans donates thousands to far-right extremists

By Jesse Valentine - March 08, 2024
Ohio senate candidate Bernie Moreno: “Absolute pro-life no exceptions.”

Ohio senate candidate Bernie Moreno: “Absolute pro-life no exceptions.”

By Jesse Valentine - March 07, 2024
Anti-China Republicans pocket thousands from Chinese owned conglomerate

Anti-China Republicans pocket thousands from Chinese owned conglomerate

By Jesse Valentine - March 04, 2024
Republican Eric Hovde makes inconsistent statements about family history

Republican Eric Hovde makes inconsistent statements about family history

By Jesse Valentine - February 26, 2024
Republican David McCormick invests millions in website that platforms Holocaust denial

Republican David McCormick invests millions in website that platforms Holocaust denial

By Jesse Valentine - February 09, 2024
Lawmakers will again take up bills expanding, tightening gun laws

Lawmakers will again take up bills expanding, tightening gun laws

By Annmarie Timmins, New Hampshire Bulletin - January 31, 2024
UAW delivers rousing presidential endorsement for Biden over ‘scab’ Trump

UAW delivers rousing presidential endorsement for Biden over ‘scab’ Trump

By Ashley Murray, States Newsroom - January 24, 2024
Republicans Sam Brown and Jeff Gunter sling mud in Nevada senate primary

Republicans Sam Brown and Jeff Gunter sling mud in Nevada senate primary

By Jesse Valentine - January 17, 2024
A Young Texas Woman Almost Died Due To The Texas Abortion Bans – Now She’s Battling To Save Other Women

A Young Texas Woman Almost Died Due To The Texas Abortion Bans – Now She’s Battling To Save Other Women

By Bonnie Fuller - January 10, 2024
Health care legislation preview: Maryland advocates want to focus on access, patients in 2024 session

Health care legislation preview: Maryland advocates want to focus on access, patients in 2024 session

By Danielle J. Brown, Maryland Matters - January 08, 2024
How GOP senate hopefuls try to excuse the  January 6 insurrection

How GOP senate hopefuls try to excuse the  January 6 insurrection

By Jesse Valentine - January 05, 2024
NH lawmakers will be taking up major voting bills this year. Here are some to watch for.

NH lawmakers will be taking up major voting bills this year. Here are some to watch for.

By Ethan DeWitt, New Hampshire Bulletin - January 04, 2024
Republican US Senate candidates want to make Trump’s tax cuts permanent 

Republican US Senate candidates want to make Trump’s tax cuts permanent 

By Jesse Valentine - December 22, 2023
Rand Paul went all in on the Kentucky governor’s race. It didn’t work.

Rand Paul went all in on the Kentucky governor’s race. It didn’t work.

By - December 15, 2023
Texas governor and attorney general do little to curb state’s chemical plant crisis

Texas governor and attorney general do little to curb state’s chemical plant crisis

By Jesse Valentine - December 08, 2023
Likely GOP Senate candidate Eric Hovde proposed tax hike for poorer workers and retirees

Likely GOP Senate candidate Eric Hovde proposed tax hike for poorer workers and retirees

By Jesse Valentine - December 07, 2023
Whitmer signs specific criminal penalties for assaulting health care workers into law

Whitmer signs specific criminal penalties for assaulting health care workers into law

By Anna Liz Nichols, Michigan Advance - December 06, 2023
105 Republicans voted to expel Santos for things Trump has also done

105 Republicans voted to expel Santos for things Trump has also done

By Jesse Valentine - December 05, 2023
For Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, another Trump term is another chance to kill Obamacare

For Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, another Trump term is another chance to kill Obamacare

By Jesse Valentine - December 04, 2023
Florida Sen. Rick Scott backs Donald Trump in revived push to repeal Obamacare

Florida Sen. Rick Scott backs Donald Trump in revived push to repeal Obamacare

By Jesse Valentine - November 30, 2023
Tate Reeves took donations from power company that hiked customer rates

Tate Reeves took donations from power company that hiked customer rates

By Jesse Valentine - November 06, 2023
Daniel Cameron ran on depoliticizing the Kentucky AG’s office. He made it more political.

Daniel Cameron ran on depoliticizing the Kentucky AG’s office. He made it more political.

By Jesse Valentine - November 03, 2023
Republican operatives sound every alarm on current trajectory of 2023 governor’s race

Republican operatives sound every alarm on current trajectory of 2023 governor’s race

By Adam Ganucheau, Mississippi Today - October 24, 2023
Adjudicated sex abuser Donald Trump appoints several alleged sex criminals to cabinet

Adjudicated sex abuser Donald Trump appoints several alleged sex criminals to cabinet

By Jesse Valentine - November 18, 2024
PEN America: Florida removed more library books than any state last year

PEN America: Florida removed more library books than any state last year

By Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix - November 01, 2024
Trump more than ever mixes anger, fear and insults to stir supporters, say researchers

Trump more than ever mixes anger, fear and insults to stir supporters, say researchers

By Ashley Murray, States Newsroom - November 01, 2024