Several people close to the process said Manafort’s legal situation appears to be more precarious than that of anyone else currently under investigation by the special counsel. And unlike other former Trump associates who have caught the attention of congressional and Justice Department investigators — such as former adviser Carter Page, who played only a tangential role in the campaign — Manafort maintained a long and significant relationship with the president and his closest aides. His past proximity to Trump could cause the White House political headaches if Manafort ultimately faces criminal charges.

Special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigators appear to be focused on Manafort’s financial history and the political work he did for a now-exiled Ukrainian leader, people familiar with the matter told the Washington Examiner…

“No matter how much pressure Mueller brings to bear on Paul, nothing will make him manufacture evidence against President Trump,” said one person close to Manafort.