Trump advised not to contribute to aides’ legal fund for Russia probe expenses: report

Aides have reportedly advised President Trump not to contribute to a legal defense fund set up for White House and Trump campaign staffers to help defray the legal costs associated with special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe.

Bloomberg News reported Monday that those involved in the process have told the president not to give money to the fund after reviewing how the account is set up. Trump had previously expressed a desire to help with staffers’ legal bills associated with Mueller’s investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

{mosads}Bloomberg reported that the law does not prevent the president from giving gifts to those who report to him. However, Trump’s case raises questions about whether his donations might influence testimony.

The Patriot Legal Expense Fund Trust, LLC accepts donations and distributes funds to those associated with the ongoing probes being conducted by the Department of Justice and congressional panels. 

Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns that because the fund does not disclose who receives money or how much they get, it could be ripe for abuse and mismanagement.

The fund said it will not provide money to anyone who has been accused of or admitted to a crime. So far, three former Trump associates have pleaded guilty or been indicted. 

In addition, the fund said it will not cover expenses incurred by Trump or his immediate family members.