By — Jeff Horwitz and Chad Day, Associated Press Jeff Horwitz and Chad Day, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-not-aware-paul-manaforts-work-russian-billionaire-white-house-says Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Trump was not aware of Paul Manafort’s work with Russian billionaire, White House says Politics Mar 22, 2017 3:49 PM EDT WASHINGTON — The White House is distancing itself from former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, saying his secret work for a Russian billionaire detailed in an Associated Press report happened during “the last decade.” White House press secretary Sean Spicer says nothing in Wednesday’s AP report references any action by the president, the White House or any Trump administration official. Spicer says Trump was not aware of Manafort’s clients from the past decade and there are “no suggestions” Manafort did anything improper. Spicer also says former presidential rival Hillary Clinton had her own Russia ties. He says Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta sat on the board of a Russian-based energy company and Hillary Clinton was “the face of a failed Russia reset policy.” READ MORE: Former Trump campaign chair Manafort secretly worked to advance Russian interests 10 years ago We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Jeff Horwitz and Chad Day, Associated Press Jeff Horwitz and Chad Day, Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The White House is distancing itself from former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, saying his secret work for a Russian billionaire detailed in an Associated Press report happened during “the last decade.” White House press secretary Sean Spicer says nothing in Wednesday’s AP report references any action by the president, the White House or any Trump administration official. Spicer says Trump was not aware of Manafort’s clients from the past decade and there are “no suggestions” Manafort did anything improper. Spicer also says former presidential rival Hillary Clinton had her own Russia ties. He says Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta sat on the board of a Russian-based energy company and Hillary Clinton was “the face of a failed Russia reset policy.” READ MORE: Former Trump campaign chair Manafort secretly worked to advance Russian interests 10 years ago We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now