Some Trump Lawyers Wanted Kushner Out

Aides, worried about complications arising from Russia probe, drafted statement explaining departure

By

Peter Nicholas ,Rebecca Ballhaus and Erica Orden
Sept. 11, 2017 8:22 p.m. ET

Some of President Donald Trump’s lawyers earlier this summer concluded that Jared Kushner should step down as senior White House adviser because of possible legal complications related to a probe of Russia’s involvement in the 2016 presidential election and aired concerns about him to the president, people familiar with the matter said.

Among their concerns was that Mr. Kushner was the adviser closest to the president who had the most dealings with Russian officials and businesspeople during the campaign and transition, some of which are currently being examined by federal investigators and congressional oversight panels. Mr. Kushner, Mr. Trump’s son-in-law and confidant, has said he had four such meetings or interactions.

Another issue was Mr. Kushner’s initial omission of any contacts with foreign officials from the form required to obtain a security clearance. He later updated the form several times to include what he has said were more than 100 contacts with foreign officials.

More: https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/some-trump-lawyers-wanted-kushner-out-1505175772