- How much Russia-connected money has the NRA taken? After previously saying it had taken no Russia-affiliated donations during 2015-2016, the NRA later acknowledged receiving more than $2,500 from at least 23 Russia-connected individuals since 2015. The NRA’s relationship with Alexander Torshin — the Russian banker, politician and Putin ally who was recently sanctioned and has attracted scrutiny from the FBI — began earlier, in 2011.
- Why did the NRA send delegations to Moscow to meet with Russian government officials, Torshin and his longtime aide Maria Butina, who has claimed to have been a go-between connecting the Trump campaign and Russia? The NRA sent delegations to Moscow in 2013 and 2015, but has not explained the purpose of those trips.
- Why did the NRA host Torshin and Butina at multiple NRA conventions, allowing them access to its Golden Ring of Freedom high-dollar donor group? In a new CNN report, it was revealed that “Torshin and Butina had become fixtures at the NRA’s high-dollar donor events, according to attendees,” even attending a dinner for the NRA’s large donor program, known as the Golden Ring of Freedom. The NRA has recently claimed that no Russian individuals were members of Golden Ring of Freedom.
- Did NRA officials ever discuss the 2016 election with Torshin, Butina or other Russian officials in the lead up to the 2016 election?
- Is the NRA still in contact with Alexander Torshin, Maria Butina or other individuals connected to the Kremlin? The NRA said in a recent letter to Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) that it was reviewing its relationship with Alexander Torshin.
Five Questions the NRA Should Answer About its Russia Ties During the NRA Convention
May 2, 2018
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