U.S.

Former Trump Lawyer Reportedly Discussed Pardoning Manafort And Flynn

A New York Times report suggests the alleged talks were meant to influence their testimonies in the Russia investigation.

Former Trump Lawyer Reportedly Discussed Pardoning Manafort And Flynn
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President Donald Trump's former lawyer John Dowd discussed the idea of Trump granting pardons for two of his former top advisers, Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, according to The New York Times. 

Dowd doesn't represent Manafort or Flynn. Some have theorized Dowd's possible discussion of pardoning them may have been a way to influence special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.

The alleged talks happened as Mueller was building a case against the former aides before they were charged. 

Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about conversations he had with a Russian ambassador. Manafort was charged with money laundering and making false statements to investigators. According to CBS, he's planning to get a pardon.

The Times article suggests Dowd wanted to influence what Manafort and Flynn told Mueller in their testimonies in order to protect Trump. 

The White House says no such talks took place.