REUTERS/Carlos Barria
Qatari officials claim they have evidence of illicit influence conducted by United Arab Emirates authorities on Jared Kushner and others within the Trump inner circle, NBC News reports. Citing three sources close to official discussions, NBC says that evidence includes proof of secret meetings—but the Qataris opted to not give that information to special counsel Robert Mueller “for fear of harming relations with the Trump administration.” Lebanese-American intermediary George Nader and GOP donor Elliott Broidy both reportedly participated in the meetings, and Qatari officials are said to have weighed speaking to Mueller during a trip to Washington in late January-early February to share “details about Nader and Broidy working with the UAE to turn the Trump administration against Qatar.” Despite Qatari officials believing it had the Trump administration’s support during the June blockade on their emirate, they ultimately decided against taking the information to Mueller because they “felt the meetings with top advisers had been productive.” The Qataris also reportedly met with FBI Director Chris Wray during the trip, but did not share any information. Kushner’s support of the blockade of Qatar has come under scrutiny for being related to his business dealings, and as Nader is reported to be cooperating with the special counsel.