Trump campaign under criminal investigation

The special prosecutor appointed to look into ties between Donald Trump's election campaign and Russia is conducting a criminal investigation.

According to Reuters, the above information was just announced by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. This investigation also includes considering whether there was any obstruction of justice, Mr. Richard Blumenthal added.

US Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. Photo: Reuters

Earlier the same day, US President Donald Trump criticized the investigation as "the greatest witch hunt" in US history. "This is the greatest witch hunt of a politician in US history," the head of the White House wrote on Twitter.

He insisted there was no “connection” with Moscow. Trump’s criticism came after former FBI Director Robert Mueller was appointed special counsel by the Justice Department.tmonitor the investigation above.

On May 17, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed Mr. Mueller as special prosecutor to lead the investigation. Mr. Mueller was FBI Director from 2001-2013. He served under both Democratic and Republican presidents and was highly regarded by both parties.

Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Mueller has been authorized to investigate "any contacts and/or collusion between the Russian government and individuals associated with the Trump campaign," according to an announcement by US Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

Former national security adviser Michael Flynn and other advisers to Mr Trump's campaign are said to have been in contact with Russian officials and people with ties to the Kremlin in at least 18 calls and emails in the final seven months of the 2016 election.

Reuters quoted current and former US officials familiar with the matter as saying that the 18 contacts took place between April and November 2016 when hackers carried out an attack that US intelligence said was part of a campaign by Russia to influence the election results.

According to Vietnamnet.vn