Former Trump Inauguration Committee Chair Arrested on Illegal Lobbying Charges

Charged with Obstruction of Official Duties
Exerted Influence on US Foreign Policy for UAE

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Thomas Barrack, former chairman of Donald Trump's presidential transition team and one of his closest aides, has been arrested on charges of illegal lobbying.

According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 20th (local time), the U.S. federal prosecutors have indicted Barrack on charges of illegal lobbying for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), obstruction of official duties, and perjury.

Barrack is accused of conducting illegal lobbying against the U.S. government for the diplomatic interests of the UAE.

He is reported to have abused his friendship with former President Trump to carry out lobbying activities. According to foreign media, Barrack flaunted his close relationship with Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign and sought to influence the Trump administration's foreign policy on behalf of the UAE.

Prosecutors confirmed that he also asked a senior UAE official to provide a list of actions the Trump administration should take.

Additionally, Barrack conveyed information related to the U.S. Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and the nominee for CIA Director to the UAE.

Furthermore, he reportedly exerted influence to have the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic political organization hostile to the UAE, listed as a terrorist organization and to ensure that UAE-preferred individuals were appointed to key U.S. government positions such as ambassador posts.

Prosecutors added that former President Trump was unaware of Barrack's lobbying activities and appeared to have been betrayed by Barrack.

Moreover, Barrack is charged with perjury during an FBI investigation in 2019.

However, Barrack denies all the charges against him. His attorney stated, "Barrack has voluntarily cooperated with the investigation and maintains his innocence."