Mueller probe looking at possible influence of UAE adviser on Trump admin policy: report

Special counsel Robert Mueller’s team of investigators is looking into whether an adviser to the de facto leader of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has influenced White House policymaking.

The New York Times reported Saturday that Mueller’s team is looking into a Lebanese-American businessman and adviser to the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, the crown prince of the UAE. 

That businessman, George Nader, visited the White House frequently last year, according to the Times. That investigators are examining Nader’s role in the White House’s policymaking and asking about efforts by the Emiratis to influence the Trump administration suggests that Mueller’s probe has broadened beyond Russia’s election meddling. 

{mosads}

According to the Times, investigators have been asking witnesses about possible attempts by the Emiratis to buy influence in the White House by supporting President Trump’s 2016 campaign. 

The revelation that Mueller’s team is looking into possible Emirati influence and the role of Nader comes after Mueller unsealed indictments against 13 Russian nationals and three Russian groups for their role in an alleged plot to interfere in the 2016 election. 

Mueller also recently filed a superseding indictment against former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, and secured a guilty plea from Richard Gates, a former Trump campaign aide and associate of Manafort’s.

— Updated at 9:51 p.m.