WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump is coming to the defense of his former campaign manager Paul Manafort, who surrendered to federal authorities Monday as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign.

In a tweet, Trump said, "Sorry, but this is years ago, before Paul Manafort was part of the Trump campaign. But why aren't Crooked Hillary & the Dems the focus?????"

He followed up with, "...Also, there is NO COLLUSION!"

Manafort, along with former Trump business associate Rick Gates, are facing a slew of charges, including conspiracy against the United States.

Gates was also expected to turn himself in Monday.

The 12 count indictment says Manafort and Gates didn't fully disclose to the Justice Department the work or payments received while working for Ukraine.

It also says Manafort laundered $18 million, while $75 million flowed through an off shore account.

In the indictment, Manafort is accused of failing to report money used to purchase two New York City properties - 377 Union Street in Brooklyn and 29 Howard Street in Manhattan - as well as a home in Virginia.

The investigation, led by Robert Muller focuses on alleged ties between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin during the 2016 presidential election.

Meantime, another Trump campaign adviser, George Papadopolus has plead guilty to making false statements to FBI agents.

Read the full indictment at https://www.justice.gov/file/1007271/download.