Donald Trump knew his son was meeting a Russian, says ex-lawyer Michael Cohen

Donald Trump knew about his son's discussions, his ex-lawyer claimed
REUTERS
David Gardner27 July 2018

Donald Trump’s former lawyer claims the president knew in advance about a meeting between his son and a Russian lawyer who was allegedly offering campaign “dirt” on election rival Hillary Clinton , according to reports.

Michael Cohen is said to be willing to testify to Special Counsel Robert Mueller that Mr Trump, then still a presidential candidate, gave his blessing for the June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower.

The claim, by someone who was the president’s personal lawyer and close confidant, would effectively brand the president a liar. Mr Trump has repeatedly denied knowing anything about the meeting until he was asked about it by the New York Times over a year later.

But according to CNN, Mr Cohen alleges he was present when Mr Trump was told about the Russians’ offer by his son, Donald Jr — and gave the meeting the go-ahead.

Mr Trump Jr, attended the meeting with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya, who is said to have ties to the Kremlin, after he was told she had damaging information about Mrs Clinton.

Michael Cohen hs spoken out on the issue
AP

They were joined by the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort.

Mr Cohen, who is under investigation over his business dealings and alleged campaign finance violations, reportedly has no proof, such as audio recordings, to corroborate his claims, but is willing to tell his version to Mr Mueller’s team, who are probing Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Last year he had proclaimed: “I’m the guy who would take a bullet for the president.”

Mr Trump’s current lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, said of Mr Cohen: “He’s been lying all week, he’s been lying for years. I don’t see how he’s got any credibility ... Why would you expect it would be true from someone like Cohen?”

Earlier this year Mr Trump Jr told the Senate judiciary committee that he could not remember discussing the Russia probe with his father. But he said the president “wasn’t aware” of the Trump Tower gathering.

His lawyer Alan Futerfas said: “We are very confident of the accuracy and reliability of the information that has been provided by Mr. Trump, Jr, and on his behalf.” Mr Cohen’s lawyer was unavailable for comment.

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