Rick Gates takes the witness stand, devastates Paul Manafort in crippling blow to Donald Trump

| 5:24 pm EDT August 6, 2018
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Up to now, Rick Gates has been such a background character in the Trump Russia scandal that most observers didn’t even know what he looked like. The former Trump campaign deputy chairman cut a plea deal this spring, but didn’t come to the forefront until he was called as a witness today in the trial of his longtime partner Paul Manafort. Gates promptly delivered a dagger that’ll send Manafort to prison and will send Donald Trump reeling as well.

The prosecutor from Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s team asked Rick Gates this question: “Were you involved in any criminal activity with Mr. Manafort?” Gates answered “Yes.” The prosecutor then asked “Did you commit any crimes with Mr. Manafort?” Gates again answered “Yes.” Then he went on to detail the various financial schemes the two committed together. He also testified, according to the numerous reporters who were present, that Manafort specifically instructed him to commit these crimes.

It was such a profound moment, “Mr. Manafort” promptly began trending on Twitter. But it’s not just Paul Manafort who has to worry about this. Yes, this testimony is enough to send him to prison for the rest of his natural life. But Manafort’s bookkeeper also delivered damning testimony last week, and legal experts like John Dean felt that alone was enough to sink Manafort. The real upshot is that this is just the beginning.

If Paul Manafort is convicted and sentenced to prison, it’ll solidify Robert Mueller’s standing, and he can use it as a springboard for prosecuting the biggest of fish in the Trump-Russia scandal. It’ll also mean that Donald Trump will have to worry about Manafort cutting a plea deal. Even if Manafort decides to rot instead, we learned last week (courtesy of Rudy Giuliani) that Rick Gates can tie Trump to his son’s illegal meeting with the Russians.