National Security Lawyer Suggests Russian Oligarchs Could Offer Bailout to Donald Trump in 2024
Mary McCord, a national security lawyer, suggested on Saturday that amid Donald Trump‘s mounting legal challenges and debts, Russian oligarchs might be inclined to offer financial support to the former president.
In a lawsuit filed in September 2022, New York Attorney General Letitia James accused Trump, his two adult sons (Donald Jr. and Eric), The Trump Organization, and two executives (Allen Weisselberg and Jeff McConney) of fraudulent practices. These allegations include overvaluing assets to obtain more favorable bank loans and tax arrangements.\
Last week, Judge Arthur Engoron issued a ruling that entails Donald Trump being fined approximately $355 million and prohibited from conducting business in New York for three years. This verdict follows a protracted civil trial spanning from late last year into early January. Despite the ruling, Trump has consistently asserted his innocence in the matter, contending that it is politically motivated.
The judgment in New York comes in the wake of another legal setback for Trump, as he was recently directed to pay $83.3 million to former Elle columnist E. Jean Carroll. This ruling stemmed from her accusation that Trump sexually assaulted her during an incident in the 1990s, leading to damage to her reputation. Additionally, a separate jury last year awarded Carroll $5 million from Trump for sexual abuse and defamation. Trump has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing in this case as well.
In an interview with MSNBC’s The Weekend on Saturday, Mary McCord, who previously served as acting assistant attorney general for national security at the Department of Justice (DOJ), was queried by host Symone Sanders-Townsend about whether Trump’s financial predicament poses a national security threat.
Mary McCord highlighted the potential challenges Donald Trump might face in posting a nearly half-billion-dollar bond, suggesting that he may have various individuals, including foreign entities like Russian oligarchs, willing to offer financial assistance.
McCord expressed concern about Trump’s admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that other countries might view the possibility of Trump returning to the presidency as an opportunity to garner favors from him. She emphasized the danger of a presidential candidate or officeholder having financial indebtedness, particularly given Trump’s ongoing praise of Putin and his governing style.
Trump’s recent controversial remarks at a rally, where he appeared to encourage Russia to act as it pleased towards NATO members, also drew bipartisan criticism. This further underscores concerns about potential foreign influence on Trump.
Former national security adviser John Bolton echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Trump’s legal troubles render him unfit for office, with foreigners potentially seeking to exploit his vulnerabilities.
With the recent civil fraud ruling and judgments in E. Jean Carroll’s defamation case, Trump faces substantial financial liabilities amounting to approximately $542 million. Additionally, he must pay interest on some of the funds he’s been ordered to relinquish, with the interest accruing daily until settled.
Trump intends to appeal Judge Engoron’s decision and is also pursuing an appeal in Carroll’s case to reduce the $83.3 million awarded. He has 30 days to post a bond pending post-trial motions in the Carroll case.
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