A longtime attorney for the National Rifle Association (NRA) is set to speak with the Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee over concerns that the controversial gun organization helped funnel Russian money to then presidential hopeful Donald Trump during his 2016 run for the White House.
According to McClatchy, Cleta Mitchell—a former NRA board member who has also done legal work for the organization—may have information pertaining to Russia’s involvement in the election through the NRA. And, the NRA spent millions buying the White House on Trump’s presidential campaign.
At one time Mitchell reportedly raised concerns about Russia ties to the NRA, but Mitchell told McClatchy that she has no knowledge of any underhanded dealings between Russia and the powerful gun group noting in an email that all of this was a “complete fabrication.”
“I have no knowledge of anything like this and zero concerns whatsoever about anyone — Russians or otherwise — who ‘funneled’ funds to / through NRA,” she told McClatchy.
She said the organization “ is meticulous about following all the rules.”
“Whether there was an effort by Russia to create a back channel or assist the Trump campaign through the NRA or gun-rights groups is an open question the committee’s minority has endeavored to answer for the past year,” Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, told McClatchy.
“Much work remains to be done concerning that thread of our investigation, including conducting witness interviews and receiving relevant documents from several organizations and individuals.”