Transcript for Trump praises judge who blasted special counsel probe at Manafort hearing

President trump expressing his angle at the scope of the special investigator. The judge at a hearing for Paul manafort. That judge also asking about the scope of the Mueller investigation, something the president pounced on. Here's Pierre Thomas tonight. Reporter: Former Donald Trump campaign manager Paul manafort arriving in federal court today to try to get this one case thrown out. Inside the court rroom special counsel's investigation judge T.S. Ellis, a Reagan appointee, asking what Robert Mueller's indictment of Paul manafort for alleged financial crimes has to do with Mueller's primary mission, investigating whether trump associates colluded with the Russians. "Trump's prosecution or impeachment," Ellis told prosecutors. "That's what you are really after." Ellis said Mueller's indictment on a number of charges. Including tax evasion and bank fraud related to work abroad before the campaign is really intended to get manafort to quote, "Sing" or become a cooperating witness. The government arguing the special counsel's mandate is broad, and includes looking at manafort's work overseas the but several hours later, on stage, the president gave his verdict, praising that judge. Judge T.S. Ellis, who is really "How does this have anything to do with the campaign" the judge asks. Let me tell you folks we're all fighting battles. But I love fighting these battles. It's really a disgrace. Pierre Thomas with us live tonight. The judge did not rule on whether manafort's case will move forward. Despite what he said in court, judges often do this, it could still go either way. That's right David. Sources tell us the judge's challenges are not often a sign how he rules. Thank you, Pierre. Word of an earthquake another one. That volcano on the big island

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