Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, said the conviction of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort proves the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller is legitimate.

Manafort was found guilty on eight counts relating to bank fraud and tax evasion, which had nothing to do directly with his management of Trump’s campaign.

Mueller is investigating alleged Russian collusion with the Trump campaign.

“This verdict makes it absolutely clear that the Mueller probe is not a ‘witch hunt,’" Warner said in a statement. "It is a serious investigation that is rooting out corruption and Russian influence on our political system at the highest levels. The president’s campaign manager was just convicted of serious federal crimes by a jury of his peers, despite the president’s continued attempts to undermine the investigation which has brought Mr. Manafort to justice."

“Any attempt by the president to pardon Mr. Manafort or interfere in the investigation into his campaign would be a gross abuse of power and require immediate action by Congress," he added.