Shades of Michael Flynn. Is it possible that Donald Trump associated with anybody who wasn’t a crook? Probably not. In all events, Thomas Barrack, who chaired Trump’s inauguration committee, was arrested in Los Angeles Tuesday on foreign lobbying charges related to his dealings with the United Arab Emirates. Washington Post:
He and two other defendants are accused of acting and conspiring to act as agents of the UAE between April 2016 and April 2018. Officials also alleged that Barrack lied to FBI agents in 2019 during an interview about his dealings with the UAE. He did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday.
A real estate titan who became wealthy buying out-of-favor assets, Barrack was one of Trump’s closest associates during the campaign and in office, regularly speaking to the former president, visiting him and channeling him to others, including business officials and leaders in foreign countries.
He chaired Trump’s inaugural committee, which also faced federal investigation for its spending and activities, and at one point was considered as a candidate to become ambassador to Mexico.
Barrack joins a long list of friends, campaign associates and other Trump advisers who have faced criminal charges, including his former campaign chairman; the chief financial officer at his company; the former Trump Organization lawyer; Trump’s former White House strategist; and his former national security adviser.
Never lose sight of the fact that 74 million people voted for four more years of this. And worse.
Is there any former or current Trump associate who isn’t a criminal?
No.
Maybe the kid who mowed the White House lawn?
How could they get to be an associate without being a criminal?
Wonder how many of those 74 million Americans are now dead or crippled for life thanks to the COVID Trump’s wrecking crew unleashed. Regardless, none of the charges against Barrack are lightweight. He either flips or he finds himself behind the 8 ball.