Author Archive

Matt Ford

Matt Ford

Matt Ford writes for and produces The Atlantic's Global channel.
Matt Ford writes for and produces The Atlantic's Global channel.
Management

Michael Flynn Pleads Guilty to Lying to the FBI

The former national-security adviser is the fourth Trump-campaign official to be charged in Robert Mueller’s inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Management

Inside Trump's Newest Travel Ban

The administration enacted new restrictions on foreign travel on Sunday as key parts of its previous order expired.

Management

The Bruising Experience of Testifying Before a Grand Jury

Veterans of the Whitewater and Valerie Plame scandals recall what it was like—and offer advice to Team Trump.

Management

The Senate Overwhelmingly Confirms Christopher Wray as FBI Director

The new chief starts his job with a bipartisan mandate to preserve the bureau’s independence from the White House.

Management

Trump Trains His Sights on Mueller's Investigation

The president’s lawyers are looking at multiple ways to undermine or curtail the Russia inquiry, including his issuing pardons.

Management

Why Trump Probably Hasn't Spooked the Justice Department

It seems to be business as usual for top federal law-enforcement officials one day after receiving harsh criticism from the president.

Management

Trump Criticizes Sessions Over Russia Recusal

In an interview with The New York Times, the president said he never would have chosen his attorney general if he knew he would end up recusing himself from the ongoing federal inquiry into the 2016 election.

Management

Did Donald Trump Jr. Break the Law?

The answer could come down to a provision in campaign-finance regulation.

Management

Was Donald Trump Jr. Told the Kremlin Was Behind the Leak?

The New York Times reported that an email received by the president’s son indicated the information had come from the Russian government.

Oversight

The Supreme Court Partially Unblocked Trump's Travel Ban

The Supreme Court announced Monday it will review the president’s controversial executive order next term. But in the meantime, the administration can enforce some of its provisions.

Management

Trump Sees Big Boost in Income From Properties He Frequents As President

The president’s submission to the U.S. Office of Government Ethics claims tens of millions of dollars in income from his real-estate empire.

Oversight

Will Rod Rosenstein Recuse Himself From the Russia Probe?

President Trump directly criticized the deputy attorney general on Friday, and some reports indicate he could soon remove himself from overseeing the special counsel’s investigation.

Oversight

Why Is Robert Mueller Probing Jared Kushner's Finances?

A Washington Post report Thursday left unclear whether the special counsel’s inquiry represents a cursory check or something more serious for the president’s son-in-law.

Management

Mike Pence Lawyers Up

The vice president has hired former federal prosecutor Richard Cullen to represent him as the Russia investigation gathers steam.

Oversight

Report: Trump Is Under Investigation for Obstruction of Justice

The Washington Post reports the probe led by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election has widened to include a closer look at the president’s actions.

Oversight

A Brief History of Violence Against Members of Congress

Attacks on federal legislators are rare, but they’re not unknown in the 200-year history of the deliberative branch.

Management

The Questions Sessions Left Unanswered

Testifying on Capitol Hill Tuesday, the attorney general defended himself against what he called “scurrilous and false allegations” related to Russia. But he repeatedly refused to answer senators’ queries.

Oversight

James Comey Finally Tells His Side of the Story

In his opening statement to Senate lawmakers, prepared for a Thursday hearing, the former FBI director describes multiple conversations he had with President Trump about the Russia investigation.

Oversight

Intel Chiefs Dodge Questions on Alleged Trump Interference in Russia Investigation

They felt comfortable saying they hadn’t felt pressure from administration officials to influence the probe. But they declined to answer direct queries from senators about their interactions with the president.

Oversight

Trump's Efforts to Curtail the FBI's Investigation Spill Into View

The president’s anger towards a probe into his campaign is poisoning his relationships with top intelligence and law-enforcement officials.