The Mueller Report: Presented with Related Materials by The Washington Post

by The Washington Post

Cohen recalled that around May 2016, he again raised with candidate Trump the possibility of a trip to Russia to advance the Trump Tower Moscow project.2214 At that time, Cohen had received several texts from Sater seeking to arrange dates for such a trip.2215 On May 4, 2016, Sater wrote to Cohen, “I had a chat with Moscow. ASSUMING the trip does happen the question is before or after the convention. . . . . Obviously the premeeting trip (you only) can happen anytime you want but the 2 big guys [is] the question. I said I would confirm and revert.”2216 Cohen responded, “My trip before Cleveland. Trump once he becomes the nominee after the convention.”2217 On May 5, 2016, Sater followed up with a text that Cohen thought he probably read to Trump: Peskov would like to invite you as his guest to the St. Petersburg Forum which is Russia’s Davos it’s June 16-19. He wants to meet there with you and possibly introduce you to either Putin or Medvedev. . . . This is perfect. The entire business class of Russia will be there as well. He said anything you want to discuss including dates and subjects are on the table to discuss.2218 Cohen recalled discussing the invitation to the St. Petersburg Economic Forum with candidate Trump and saying that Putin or Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev might be there.2219 Cohen remembered that Trump said that he would be willing to travel to Russia if Cohen could “lock and load” on the deal.2220 In June 2016, Cohen decided not to attend the St....