Trump confidant Thomas Barrack faces trial for allegedly acting as foreign agent
CBSNov 27, 2022
Trial Begins for Trump Ally Accused of UAE Lobbying
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Image copyright: Associated Press [via Politico]
The Facts
On Wednesday, opening statements were made in Thomas Barrack's trial. The former Pres. Trump adviser is charged with "espionage-like or clandestine behavior," supposedly acting at the direction of the UAE.
He was indicted in 2021 with his assistant Matthew Grimes on conspiracy and acting as a foreign agent without notifying the Dept. of Justice (DOJ) for allegedly taking advantage of his Trump ties to promote UAE interests. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in jail.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
While foreign governments have long attempted to influence US politics, they've never found a friendlier administration than Trump's. Both the president and his top aides had little foreign policy experience and could be easily influenced. Trump and his associates made it easier for wealthy Gulf nations to advance their agenda in American politics.
Pro-Trump narrative
It's no coincidence that Tom Barrack is among several former Trump officials accused of violating FARA - even though around two-thirds of FARA registrants fail to comply with the timelines. The Biden administration has weaponized the DOJ, prosecuting those who oppose him and using FARA as an excuse for this offensive.
