With the recent development of Jeff Sessions “secret conversations” with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, President Trump and his administration are under new scrutiny concerning Russia’s involvement in U.S. foreign and domestic affairs.  

Russia first came into the media’s eye when national news broke on June 14, 2016 that the The Democratic National Committee servers were hacked by “Guccifer 2.0”. U.S. government officials reported saying, “Russian-linked cyber-spy group had likely compromised its computer network.”

When asked about Russia’s suspected involvement during the first presidential debate, President Trump (via USA Today) responded, “I mean it could be Russia, but it could also be China. It could also be lots of other people. It could be somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds, ok?”

During a conference in Doral, Florida, President Trump stated his concerns regarding the alleged hacking by the Russian government. “Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing.” His statement was directed at the Presidential nominee at the time, Hillary Clinton. In response to Trump’s comments, Mrs. Clinton’s Chief Foreign Policy Adviser, Jake Sullivan, released a statement saying, “This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent.”

In September, during the initial hacking, the U.S. Government launched a full investigation. On October 7, 2016, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, John Kelly , called out Russia on the hack of the DNC servers.  The formal accusation of Russian hackers led to the sanctions opposed by former President Barrack Obama. On December 29, 2016, sanctions of Russia are approved by Obama, which included the expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats.

After the FBI’s accusation of Russia and its involvement in the election, many media outlets looked into other areas of concern that involved Russia. This investigation by the media took a closer look at many in President Trump’s cabinet, which include Michael Flynn.

Michael Flynn, a National Security adviser for President Trump, resigned on February 13, 2017. Flynn was caught lying to President Trump about recent Russian sanctions with Russian Ambassador, Sergey Kislyak. When asked about the resignation of Flynn, Trump responded Flynn had to resign due to an “erosion of trust”.   

Most recently Jeff Sessions, an Alabama senator, has been accused of having two meetings with Russian officials in the past year. The development of the meetings has many in congress doubting the authenticity of Republicans involvement in the DNC hacking’s. Nothing illegal has occurred within the meetings, but they could help congress to further investigate Russia’s involvement in the 2016 election. Sessions is on record saying that he “never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false.”