Paul Manafort the former campaign chairman for President Trump is back inside an Alexandria, Virginia courtroom where Rick Gates, Manafort’s former business partner and also Trump campaign member is back on the stand for at least another hour of cross-examination by Manafort’s defense team, led by Kevin Downing.
The New York Times — Downing became cross-examination on Tuesday where he attempted to “hammer” at Gates credibility, wanting Gates to give exact details of “when he lied to the government,” and when exactly he “plead guilty to the charge of doing so.”
Pressed on the number of meetings Gates had with special counsel Robert Mueller’s office, Gates “estimated,” there were about twenty.
During the defense questioning Gates admitted to having an affair, about “a decade ago,” he flew first class to London, had his own apartment, “that he used for the trysts.”
Downing pressed Gates on his credibility, “After all the lies you’ve told and fraud you’ve committed, you expect this jury to believe you?” Gates replied, “Yes, I made a decision. I’m here to tell the truth. Mr. Manafort had the same path.”
Gates also testified on Tuesday that Manafort “sought favors,” from the Trump administration, while Gates was part of the transition team. An Email shown in court showed Manafort pushing for Stephen M. Calk, “the founder and chief executive of The Federal Savings Bank of Chicago,” who’s bank issued loans to Manafort totaling $16 million, be made the Secretary of Army, “we need to discuss Steve Calk for Secretary of Army.” Two other emails show that Manafort pushed for Calk to be on the economic team, plus be invited to the inauguration.
Gates also testified that he might have embezzled money from the inauguration of President Trump’s fund.
The Washington Post once again has the live blog feed.
