House Intel chairman: Paul Manafort volunteered to interview in Russia probe

Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said Friday that Paul Manafort, President Donald Trump’s onetime campaign chairman, has volunteered to be interviewed during the committee’s investigation of Russia’s efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election.

Politico reported that Manafort “has come under scrutiny” following revelations about lobbying work he has done on behalf of clients associated with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government.

"The counsel for Paul Manafort contacted the committee yesterday to offer the committee the opportunity to interview his client," Nunes told reporters at a news conference. "We thank Mr. Manafort for volunteering and encourage others with knowledge of these issues to voluntarily interview with the committee."

BREAKING: House Intelligence Committee chair Nunes says Trump's former campaign chairman has volunteered to be interviewed by the committee. pic.twitter.com/yb8OJnwETW

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Nunes indicated that House investigators are still negotiating when Manafort will testify and whether the testimony will take place in an open hearing, according to CNN.

The Associated Press reported that prior to joining the Trump campaign, Manafort worked for a Russian billionaire on a plan to "greatly benefit the Putin Government.”

Manafort worked with billionaire Oleg Deripaska, a close ally of Putin, for several years on a multimillion dollar contract.

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