AP SOURCES: MANAFORT TIED TO UNDISCLOSED FOREIGN LOBBYING
WASHINGTON (AP) - An Associated Press investigation finds that Donald Trump's campaign chairman helped a pro-Russian political party in Ukraine secretly route at least $2.2 million to two prominent Washington lobbying firms. The project was structured in ways that obscured the foreign party's efforts to influence U.S. policy.
The revelation was described to the AP by people directly knowledgeable about the effort. It comes at a time when Trump has faced criticism for his praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
It also casts new light on the business practices of Paul Manafort. Under federal law, U.S. lobbyists must tell the Justice Department if they represent foreign leaders or their political parties.
Under federal law, U.S. lobbyists must tell the Justice Department if they represent foreign leaders or their political parties. A violation is a felony and can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
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