Trump-Mueller investigation: New Manafort hearing as President lashes out over chief of staff, border wall and Democrats
Potential successors to John Kelly rule themselves out of job as Russia probe moves closer to White House
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.President Donald Trump is scrambling to find a new chief of staff after his first choice to replace John Kelly rejected the role at the last minute and several other potential successors signalled they did not want the job.
Leading contender Nick Ayers, said to have been in talks over taking the position for several months, ruled himself out of the running amid mounting chaos at the White House.
Mr Trump is reported to have been “super pissed” by the development, which leaves him racing to fill a job described as “one of the toughest in DC” at a time when Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation is getting ever nearer to the Oval Office.
Five people linked to the president have pleaded guilty to federal charges as investigators probe whether Mr Trump’s campaign coordinated with the Kremlin in the 2016 election campaign.
Prosecutors in New York have also for the first time linked the president to a federal crime, accusing him of orchestrating hush-money payments by his long-time lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, to a porn star and a former Playboy model.
Mr Cohen is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, and is likely to face years in prison after admitting campaign finance offences.
As he continues to spearhead the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, Special Counsel Robert Mueller is being remembered for his service 50 years ago today during the battle of Mutter’s Ridge in Vietnam.
Mr Mueller received a Bronze Star for his work that day.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments