WASHINGTON – Rep. Grijalva released the following statement after Paul Manafort, former campaign manager to Trump and his associate, Rick Gates surrendered to federal custody. Manafort and Gates have been charged in 12-counts including conspiracy against the U.S., conspiracy to launder money and providing false statements.

“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and where there are alleged tax cheats and conspirators, there’s the Trump campaign,” said Rep. Grijalva. “The immediate question is whether President Trump allows our justice system to work, or if he attempts to help his henchmen, Paul Manafort, Rick Gates, and others skirt accountability and consequence for their crimes against the American people and our democracy. I urge President Trump to keep his tiny orange thumb off the scales of justice and let Special Counsel Mueller continue his investigation, prosecution, and pursuit of justice without obstruction.”