A group of President Trump’s lawyers believe his son-in-law Jared Kushner should be removed from his role as senior White House adviser due to the legal ramifications of Russia’s interference in the 2016 election.
The lawyers voiced concern that Kushner was the adviser closest to Trump and interacted four times, more than any other adviser, with Russian officials throughout the campaign and during the administration transition. Some of these officials are currently being investigated by the federal government and congressional oversight panels.
Additionally, Kushner originally said he did not have any contact with foreign officials on his security clearance application, but later updated it to reflect contact with over 100 foreign officials, the Wall Street Journal reported.
These concerns about Kushner were voiced to Trump in June, but Trump dismissed them. Additionally, not all of Trump’s lawyers believe Kushner should be removed.
Kushner met with the Senate Intelligence Committee in July to discuss his meetings with Russian officials and released a statement saying he did not collude with Russia during the campaign.
“I did not collude, nor know of anyone else in the campaign who colluded, with any foreign government,” Kushner said. “I had no improper contacts.”
Donald Trump Jr. met with Senate Judiciary Committee last week to discuss his meeting with a Russian lawyer who had connections to the Kremlin. Kushner was present at that meeting.
Trump Jr. said he did not collude with Russia and did not know of anyone who had, following the meeting.
Special Counsel Robert Mueller and several congressional committees are investigating if Russia attempted to influence the 2016 election and if there are any connections between the Trump campaign and Russia.
