In Russia probe, Robert Mueller's first charges a show of force

Mueller was given the mandate to probe potential collusion and "any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation."

President Donald Trump brushed off the first indictments in the probe of his campaign’s ties to Russian election meddling, but the charges sent a clear signal to the White House and other Trump associates: Robert Mueller means business.

By going after Trump’s campaign manager and another aide on money-laundering charges and securing a guilty plea from a third campaign adviser, the special prosecutor showed he would delve deeply into the past in search of criminal activity and use his broad powers aggressively.

That left some Trump associates worried about what or whom Mueller would target next, despite the White House’s public dismissal