The investigation into Russian meddling and possible collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russian government may have started with a tip given after heavy drinking, according the New York Times. In May 2016, young foreign policy adviser to then-candidate Trump, George Papadopoulos, revealed to a top Australian diplomat that the Russian government had compromising information on Trump’s opponent, Hillary Clinton.
Exactly what was said remains unclear but Australian officials would pass the information on to American law enforcement officials several months later when leaked emails from the DNC as well as the Clinton campaign itself, began to appear online. The revelation, if accurate, would shed new light on how the Russia investigation started. Many in the White House have alleged the investigation began because of an uncorroborated dossier created by former British intelligence officer, Christopher Steele.