Donald Trump's personal lawyer hires his own lawyer amid Russia investigation
The President says his administration is the victim of a 'witch hunt'
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Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Mmm. Not very good optics here.
As the federal probe into possible collusion with Russia expands and members of the White House staff rush to get legal representation, it has emerged that Donald Trump’s personal lawyer has felt the need to retain his own attorney.
NBC reporter Katy Tur said that Michael Cohen, who advises Mr Trump on many personal issues, had hired Washington attorney Stephen Ryan.
“Exclusive: Trump personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, has hired his own counsel: Stephen Ryan, of McDermott, Will & Emery - source w knowledge,” Ms Tur wrote on Twitter.
She added: “Cohen will testify in front of House Intel on Sept 5. House intel source says the delay is due to scheduling and logistics.”
Mr Ryan’s law firm said in a statement to The Independent: "Steve Ryan of McDermott Will & Emery has been retained to represent Michael Cohen, Esq of NYC in all aspects of the government’s inquiries regarding the Russia investigations. Mr Cohen intends to cooperate with all governmental inquiries.”
The report comes amid revelations that many members of the senior White House staff have retained lawyers to assist them with any queries from the federal probe, being headed by special counsel Robert Mueller.
Mr Trump has retained Marc Kasowitz to assist him with the inquiry. Meanwhile, earlier this week it was confirmed that Vice President Mike Pence had also hired a lawyer, Richard Cullen, a former United States attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
“The vice president is focused entirely on his duties and promoting the president’s agenda and looks forward to a swift conclusion of this matter,” Mr Pence’s communications director, Jarrod Agen, said in confirming the hiring.
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