Justice Department Releases Alternative Version Of Mueller Report Exploring Manafort’s Russia Ties

The Justice Department has revealed an alternative version of special counsel Robert Mueller‘s report regarding allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election and President Donald Trump‘s ties to the country.

The newly released version of the report is heavily redacted, from 448 pages to 37 pages, citing “ongoing investigation” and “internal deliberations.” Large parts of information regarding the alleged wrongdoings of Trump administration officials appear to be blacked out, raising the question as to why the Biden administration is hiding the information from the public.

The report focused on Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort and his dealings with pro-Russia politicians and businessmen. It alleges that Manafort knew he would gain financially if Trump were to become President. The report explores Manafort’s contacts and how they had communicated the idea of using Trump to set up a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, which actually would have allowed Russia to seize eastern Ukraine.

Manafort was later convicted on eight charges but was granted a full pardon by Trump in December 2020.