A Ukrainian-born American billionaire with business ties to Russian oligarchs is one of several wealthy donors who contributed to the Republican National Committee’s account that is helping to pay President Trump’s legal fees in connection with the Russia investigation.
In addition to approximately $200,000 to other RNC accounts, billionaire Len Blavatnik contributed $12,700 to the RNC’s legal fund in April. Last year, he contributed $100,000 to the RNC’s legal fund, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday.
Blavatnik was born in Ukraine and accrued a fortune conducting business in Russia prior to moving to the U.S. in his early 20’s after the Soviet Union collapsed. Additionally, he has a business partner named Viktor Vekselberg who has connections to the Kremlin.
Although Blavatnik has contributed to Republican presidential campaigns in the past, including campaigns for Gov. Scott Walker, R-Wis., and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., he did not contribute to the Trump campaign.
Trump is using funding from his re-election campaign in addition to RNC assistance to help pay for lawyers in the Russia investigation.
The RNC does have a legal funds account to specifically handle legal expenses, which are typically used for Election Day matters, such as recounts. This is separate from the general fund.
Although the Federal Election Commission permits candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds for legal bills, Trump would be the first president in modern campaign finance to use the campaign funds to cover such an investigation, Reuters reported.
Vice President Mike Pence has chosen to not have the campaign or the RNC help pay legal fees concerning the Russia probe.
Special counsel Robert Mueller is currently investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election and whether the Trump campaign had any ties to the Kremlin.
