I’ve been following the Russia-Trump-Russia-Trump-yada-yada for some time. Josh Marshall over at TPM just posted a bit about how the FBI seems to be dragging its feet on the investigation, being late to accept and investigate what other parts of the intelligence community have known for a long time. Josh brings up the long interaction the Bureau has had with Trump business associates, such as Felix Sater actually being a long-term informant as well as felon himself. Trump appears to have a sordid relationship with a number of Russian mob types and money sources of at least questionable moral fiber.
Trump has been at the center of scuzzy stuff for a very long time. People come and go, sometimes die and Trump keeps getting money to pass through his small paws. He has his crew that includes his sons, son-in-law, daughter, and a list of people that could not get invited to a polite gathering of civilized people for tea.
The thought strikes me — is Trump Frank Costello? Under investigation by any number of law enforcement agencies, but underlying it all is protection as an FBI informant? Is that the special relationship with Rudy G? Were the New York Bureau office, New York Southern District Federal Attorneys and Trump in cahoots? If so, to what end? Information on money flows frozen by sanctions to Russians? Iranian money frozen by sanctions? Saudi money? Money from other Gulf states? The only thing Trump seems to know is how to funnel money around through a network of companies and cohorts. The chain, when it is revealed, will doubtless include Page, Manafort, Flynn, probably the Mercers, other big money people. Lots of people could wind up on Federal charges if this thing ever really breaks.
Trump may only be a guy outside the center of the action here, handling some of the money, but not all. On the other hand, he may be the wheel man on this circle jerk, and the FBI is reticent to lose their prime informant on what, prior to November 6, was bigger fish to fry. Now, the Bureau is in an odd spot — their informant is out of the shadows of business and in the White House. Dang. There’s a dilemma.