Page:Report On The Investigation Into Russian Interference In The 2016 Presidential Election.pdf/338

 On August 17, 2018, as jury deliberations continued, the President commented on the trial from the South Lawn of the White House. In an impromptu exchange with reporters that lasted approximately five minutes, the President twice called the Special Counsel's investigation a "rigged witch hunt." When asked whether he would pardon Manafort if he was convicted, the President said, "I don't talk about that now. I don't talk about that." The President then added, without being asked a further question, "T think the whole Manafort trial is very sad when you look at what's going on there. I think it's a very sad day for our country, He worked for me for a very short period of time. But you know what, he happens to be a very good person. And I think it's very sad what they've done to Paul Manafort." The President did not take further questions. In response to the President's statements, Manafort's attorney said, "Mr. Manafort really appreciates the support of President Trump."

On August 21, 2018, the jury found Manafort guilty on eight felony counts. Also on August 21, Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to eight offenses, including a campaign-finance violation that he said had occurred "in coordination with, and at the direction of, a candidate for federal office." The President reacted to Manafort's convictions that day by telling reporters, "Paul Manafort's a good man" and "it's a very sad thing that happened." The President described the Special Counsel's investigation as "a witch hunt that ends in disgrace." The next day. the President tweeted, "I feel very badly for Paul Manafort and his wonderful family. 'Justice' took a 12 year old tax case, among other things, applied tremendous pressure on him and, unlike Michael Cohen, he refused to 'break'—make up stories in order to get a 'deal.' Such respect for a brave man!"

In a Fox News interview on August 22, 2018, the President said; "[Cohen] makes a better deal when he uses me, like everybody else. And one of the reasons I respect Paul Manafort so much is he went through that trial—you know they make up stories. People make up stories. This