Politics

Sarah Sanders Dismisses Manafort Verdict: ‘Totally Unrelated’

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Saagar Enjeti White House Correspondent
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White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders dismissed former Trump campaign Chairman Paul Manafort’s cooperation with Special Counsel Robert Mueller in a Friday statement.

“This had absolutely nothing to do with the president or his victorious 2016 presidential campaign. It is totally unrelated,” Sanders said.

Andrew Weissman, prosecutor for Mueller’s team, told D.C. circuit court that Manafort entered into a 17-page cooperation agreement with Mueller’s team. The details of the cooperation agreement have not yet been revealed, but it indicates he is likely to reveal more about his past actions on behalf of the Ukrainian government.

Manafort was facing several charges brought by Mueller’s team regarding years of illegal lobbying on behalf of the Ukrainian government. The charges also detailed how Manafort and his associates actively attempted to hide his illegal lobbying activity and accepted millions of dollars via indiscreet channels.

Manafort was previously convicted of several counts of tax evasion in Virginia but a mistrial was declared on others. Mueller’s team dropped remaining charges that Manafort was not convicted on in Virginia which resolves any outstanding criminal liability he may face.

The former Trump campaign chairman is likely now to spend significant time in federal prison.