Replies

I see a small piece of a WaPo story ...

Ellis suggested that if he ruled in Manafort's favor, the case could simply be returned to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. It is precisely because the probe into Manafort's financial dealings began years ago with federal prosecutors in that office, Manafort's defense attorneys argued, ...

I don't think Manfort had been indicted within that pre-existing probe.

Reuters article covers the bases in enough detail to suit me for now ...

U.S. judge questions special counsel's powers in Manafort case

"I don't see what relationship this indictment has with anything the special counsel is authorized to investigate," U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III in the Eastern District of Virginia said. ...
None of the charges relate, however, to Trump's 2016 presidential campaign or possible collusion with Russia. Trump has denied any collusion.
Manafort's attorney Kevin Downing has argued that the charges must dismissed because the FBI investigation dates back to 2014, and therefore did not arise from Mueller's probe. ...
The federal judge in Washington, Amy Berman Jackson, has not yet ruled on the request to dismiss that indictment.

Pres announces intent to nominate actor/fitness trainer Lou Ferrigno to the President's Council on Sport, Fitness and Nutrition for term of 2 years. Names 18 others to the Council at same time.

Mark Knoller first called Air Force Two..One. VP and Mrs Pence. Flying same type plane as Air Force One today. Should put labels on it.

Air Force One steward has umbrella at the ready for Pres Trump to grab on deplaning.

"I'm a card-carrying member of the NRA," proclaims VP Pence as he begins speech to @NRA convention in advance of Pres Trump. Says he and @POTUS both stand "without apology" for the 2nd Amendment. Declares the right to keep and bear arms "will not be infringed."

"And I’m gonna make you a promise," @VP tells @NRA: "When it comes to that big border wall, we’re gonna build it all.

"Pence says @POTUS urging state and local leaders to allow qualified school personnel to carry concealed firearms. "The quickest way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun," says @VP."Law-abiding gun owners save lives," says @VP. "It’s the truth." Goes on to say that firearms in the hands of law-abiding citizens make our communities more safe, not less.

"Charging the press with an anti-gun agenda, @VP calls on the national media to "start telling the whole story to the American people about firearms.” Says its time to give American heroes as much attention as its villains.Pence urges @NRA members to "stay in the fight and exercise all your fundamental rights. Says its what makes the @NRA "one of the most potent forces for good."