Blumenthal Statement on Rick Gates Guilty Plea

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement after Rick Gates, the former deputy chairman of the Trump campaign, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of lying to federal investigators:

“Securing a guilty plea from Rick Gates, Paul Manafort’s right-hand man, is a significant step forward for the Special Counsel’s investigation. Special Counsel Mueller is clearly pursuing a longstanding prosecution strategy – collecting convictions as he climbs the ladder of criminal culpability - and potentially paving a path to the White House. Gates apparently is engaged in significant cooperation, as indicated by his guilty pleas to only two of the thirty-two possible counts. The Special Counsel would insist on full cooperation and useful information from a key witness with extensive exposure,” Blumenthal said.