Feature Photo By: Karina Estrada – Senior Evangaline Benitez views an article that reports the news of Paul Manafort’s arrest on CNN. Paul Manafort’s arrest became a huge focal point in the mainstream media.
Paul Manafort, a former campaign manager for President Donald Trump, was ordered to surrender to the FBI on Monday, October 30th.
After Trump fired FBI director James Comey at the beginning of his term, people started to ask questions. Comey said that he was fired because he didn’t “pledge his loyalty” to Trump.
Prosecutors thought this was suspicious.
In the 2016 presidential race, there was speculation that Russia was involved in the hackings of the Democratic National Convention, and was also responsible for hacking the voting booths to sway the vote in favor of Donald Trump.
“Is he guilty? Yes. Is he guilty of treason? That’s what a court of law is for,” Civics teacher Mike Hamilton said. “In a sense, he didn’t sell military secrets but he did sell the possibility of opinions through money and elections.”
Trump has both confirmed and denied that he has met Putin; however, it has been confirmed that he has, leading to accusations of lying.
“No, [there won’t be a hearing for Trump] but they’re trying to [have one]. It’s a pretty low level deal. He funneled in a lot of money. They’re trying to get Manafort to get to Trump and I don’t think they’ll find it, I’m just saying it’s going to be very difficult,” said Hamilton.
As even more questions and speculation began to swirl around, Trump– while still in his campaign days– said, “I have no relationship with Putin, only that he called me a genius.”
In late April of 2016, the DNC reported “suspicious computer activity” to the FBI, according to CNN.com
Social studies teacher Stephanie Walsh says, “Manafort is probably not guilty of treason, but hard to tell with the global business that so many of Trump’s cabinet and staff come from. Most of these crimes are white collar and conspiracy, losing jobs and paying fines is the most they will get.”
As the arrest loomed close, Trump tweeted, “There is so much GUILT by Democrats/Clinton, and now the facts are pouring out. DO SOMETHING!” as first reported by BBC.com
Over the past year, CNN reported that Trump has tried to identify the Democrats as the party who is conspiring with Russia. He has tweeted and said that there is more evidence suggesting that the Democrats are involved with Russia.
Currently, Paul Manafort is under house arrest and appeared in court on Monday, October 30th.
As of now, according to theguardian.com, Manafort is being considered as a serious flight risk as he has three passports, millions in assets, and ties to Russian oligarchs.
According to Manafort’s lawyer, he should not be considered a flight risk because he is, “one of the most recognizable people on the planet.”
Something as serious as treason could get Trump impeached, and that could affect not only Colorado, but the entire nation.
Senior Evangaline Benitez said, “I think he should go to prison for life if he is [convicted].”
If Paul Manafort does get convicted, it will most likely lead to the investigation of others in the Republican Party and the Trump Administration.
