While President Trump embarks on a nine day trip overseas, trouble continues to brew at home. On Monday, former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn indicated he would not cooperate with at least one investigation into Trump’s ties with Russia. Flynn’s attorney cited the 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination. We asked a few people in downtown Milwaukee what they think of the unfolding saga.
Lisa Frymark is standing near the Wisconsin Avenue Bridge, carrying her lunch in a paper bag. She says she’s been keeping an eye on developments in the Russia probes – two in Congress and one in the FBI.
“In the beginning I was horrified but at this point nothing really shocks me anymore. I just kind of look at the TV and shake my head.”
Frymark says the news coverage she’s seen so far concerns her, especially reports of possible collusion between Trump associates and Russia.
“That they know about the inner workings of our government, I think that’s the biggest concern for me and that they did possibly affect the outcome of the election,” Frymark says.
Frymark says she sometimes talks about developments and sometimes not.
“A lot of my family members are on the other side of the aisle from me, so I tend not to bring it up for family unity sake,” Frymark says.
Another person walking by is Michael Holloway. He says his main concern about possible Russia connections with President Trump is a lack of transparency.
“Release your tax returns so we know what kind of financial matters you may have with this country and possibly release the conversations that have occurred in your office and also get back to where, the White House used to keep a chart for people who came and met with the President. He stopped that, of course,” Holloway says.
Holloway says he enjoys talking with friends on both sides of the aisle about developments. Drew Webb lives in Waukesha County but works in downtown Milwaukee. He’s a Trump supporter and downplays the Russia saga, saying he hasn’t heard anything yet that concerns him.
“I think it’s a bunch of baloney and I think it’s a non-issue. Nothing has been proven or put out there saying that there was some sort of collusion, it’s just talk,” Webb says.
Webb calls the Russia probe a distraction for Trump, one that keeps him from addressing the more important issues Americans face, such as the need for jobs and health care. Yet, one person who thinks it’s important to get to the bottom of potential Russia meddling in the U.S. election and with the White House, is Willis Davis.
“Everybody that seems to be involved is either being fired or replaced. I would never trust Putin. I would never consider Putin as being a good man or somebody the American people should do business with,” Davis says.
Davis says he too, talks about the Russia investigations with friends and family members, and all are concerned about the future of the country.
