Trump Org hires former WH ethics lawyer to deal with congressional probes

The Trump Organization has reportedly hired former White House lawyer Stefan Passantino to assist with congressional inquiries into President Trump’s personal business and potential conflicts.

Passantino served as White House deputy counsel in the Trump administration until September, when he left to join a private law firm in Milwaukee run by former White House chief of staff Reince Priebus.

CNN reported Friday that Passantino, who oversaw compliance with ethics and conflict-of-interest rules while serving in the White House, has been hired by the Trump Organization.{mosads}

News of the hire came after he responded to a request from Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), who now heads the House Oversight and Reform Committee, regarding information related to the company receiving foreign payments, CNN reported. Friday was the deadline to respond to Cummings’s request.

CNN reports that Passantino will recuse himself from any issues related to his work in the White House under Trump.

The Trump Organization did not immediately respond to request for comment from The Hill on Friday night.

Democrats, who now hold subpoena power in the House, have made clear that they intend to dive deep into Trump’s past business dealings and will go after his tax returns.

Trump broke tradition by declining to release his tax records during the 2016 campaign.

The Trump Organization is currently being operated by Trump’s adult sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.