Paul Manafort is cooperating with special counsel Robert Mueller as part of his plea deal. It is not yet clear what the cooperation concerns, but just weeks ago President Donald Trump praised Manafort for not making a deal like Michael Cohen did:

I feel very badly for Paul Manafort and his wonderful family. “Justice” took a 12 year old tax case, among other things, applied tremendous pressure on him and, unlike Michael Cohen, he refused to “break” – make up stories in order to get a “deal.” Such respect for a brave man! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 22, 2018

The first reaction from the White House today to the plea deal came from Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, who said this has “absolutely nothing to do” with the President:

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders statement on Manafort provided to the Pool: "This had absolutely nothing to do with the President or his victorious 2016 Presidential campaign. It is totally unrelated.” — Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) September 14, 2018

And then Rudy Giuliani, the President’s lawyer, put out a statement saying the same thing:

Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani on Manafort plea deal: "Once again an investigation has concluded with a plea having nothing to do with President Trump or the Trump campaign. The reason: the President did nothing wrong and Paul Manafort will tell the truth.” https://t.co/0wzW0fcJ1V pic.twitter.com/0SbVft9uXB — Dan Linden (@DanLinden) September 14, 2018

[image via screengrab]

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