U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement in response to reports of Paul Manafort's work with the Russian government:
“I am alarmed by reports that former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort created and then sold the Russians what appears to be a game plan to undermine democracy and further the interests of the Russian government – including inside the United States. His reported recommendation to use political campaign tactics, establish front groups, and manipulate the press are strikingly similar to the actual tactics we know the Russians employed to undermine our presidential election. The Trump Administration’s attempt to now distance itself from its former campaign chairman is indicative of how serious and disturbing these revelations are and raises serious questions about Russia’s relationship with the Trump campaign.
“I am calling for Paul Manafort to appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee and give the American people the answers they deserve.”