Thomas Barrack pursued nuclear deal while also pursuing role in administration.
"In an email to Stephen K. Bannon, Mr. Trumps strategist, Mr. Barrack promoted what he called an elegant thought about how American companies, possibly including Mr. Barracks own private equity firm, could help Saudi Arabia build nuclear power plants. The plan, Mr. Barrack said, would be backed immediately by the Saudis and would balance the current noise caused by the furor over the travel restrictions.
A few weeks later, Mr. Barrack texted a friend and business associate who had close ties to the ruling family of the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Barrack told the friend, Rashid al-Malik, that he wanted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, the de facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates widely known by his initials, M.B.Z., to intervene with Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and senior adviser, to push Mr. Barracks appointment as a special envoy to the Middle East."