Scarborough: Manafort indictment happening because Trump fired Comey

MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough on Monday said the latest bombshell in the ongoing Russia probe, in which President Trump’s former campaign chairman surrendered himself to the FBI, is a direct result of Trump’s decision to fire former FBI Director James Comey.

“This is happening today because he fired Comey,” Scarborough said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

Scarborough’s comments came as Paul Manafort turned himself in to the FBI Monday after being indicted on 12 counts, including conspiracy against the United States.

During the show Monday, Scarborough also referenced the day Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from overseeing the Russia probe.

{mosads}”And then you go back to that extraordinary press conference, that extraordinary day, when [Deputy Attorney General] Rod Rosenstein appointed Bob Mueller,” he said.

“And those two guys, in doing something that enraged the president of the United States, they actually set in motion, actually, all of this that actually allows justice to be served.”

Scarborough said justice includes assuming Manafort is innocent until proven guilty.

“But this is why Donald Trump was so angry at Sessions and Rosenstein,” Scarborough said. 

Manafort was indicted Monday on 12 counts including conspiracy to launder money, false statements and seven counts of failing to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts.

They appear to be the first charges related to special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Manafort and business partner Rick Gates could make an initial court appearance on Monday to hear the charges against them and to be advised of their rights.

Trump fired Comey in May. After the firing, he told NBC News that he had the Russia investigation on his mind at the time.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in May announced the appointment of Mueller as special counsel to probe Russia’s involvement in the election.