WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:

“Today, President Trump’s former lawyer pleaded guilty in federal court to committing felonies at the behest of and to benefit then-candidate Donald Trump. 

“Every American, regardless of their politics, should be outraged that President Trump is an unindicted co-conspirator in a criminal case like this.  We as a nation cannot lose sight of our shared values and respect for the rule of law.  We must not be distracted by slanderous attacks on independent law enforcement, intelligence, and national security professionals who continue to gather the facts.

“This goes beyond hush money and illicit payments.  So far President Trump’s campaign chairman, deputy campaign chairman, lawyer, national security adviser, and foreign policy advisers have all plead guilty to or been convicted of a long list of serious crimes.

“And President Trump still refuses to take needed steps to prevent Russian interference in upcoming elections. 

“Nobody is above the law.  The American people deserve the truth and the independent investigation must continue free from political influence.  Any attempt to sideline the investigation now would be a direct attack on the rule of law.”