A federal judge on Wednesday ruled that special counsel Robert Mueller Robert (Bob) MuellerCNN's Toobin warns McCabe is in 'perilous condition' with emboldened Trump CNN anchor rips Trump over Stone while evoking Clinton-Lynch tarmac meeting The Hill's 12:30 Report: New Hampshire fallout MORE's probe into alleged collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign cannot be discussed at the upcoming trial of former campaign chairman Paul Manafort Paul John ManafortOur Constitution is under attack by Attorney General William Barr Bannon trial date set in alleged border wall scam Conspicuous by their absence from the Republican Convention MORE.

Reuters reports that the judge ruled in a pre-trial hearing that Mueller's Russia investigation could not be discussed in Manafort's second criminal trial, which is slated to begin later this month in Washington, D.C.

ADVERTISEMENT

Manafort faces seven charges, including illegal foreign lobbying and conspiracy to launder money. The charges have no direct links to the Russia-oriented accusations against Trump.

Sam Patten, a former associate of Manafort, pleaded guilty last week to illegally acting as a foreign agent. He is now cooperating with the federal government.

Manafort was convicted last month on eight counts of bank and tax fraud.

Opening statements for Manafort's second trial are scheduled for Sept. 24, a week after jury selection begins.