Some of Donald Trump's lawyers wanted Jared Kushner to step down in June because of potential legal complications regarding his Russia probe, but the president was not convinced his son-in-law needed to resign from his post as senior White House adviser, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.
The issues with Kushner stem from his four meetings with Russian officials, interactions he failed to mention on his security clearance forms, and concerns he might speak to investigators and the president without a lawyer present.
The lawyers were so worried about the situation their press aides drafted a statement explaining Kushner's departure, but Trump was convinced Kushner had not done anything wrong and he did not need to leave his post.
Kushner appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee in July where he publicly denied he colluded with Russia during and after the election.
"Let me be very clear: I did not collude with Russia, nor do I know of anyone else in the campaign who did so," Kushner said then. "I had no improper contacts. I have not relied on Russian funds for my businesses. And I have been fully transparent in providing all requested information."
John Dowd, who heads Trump's legal team, did not agree with Trump's other lawyers.
"I didn't agree with that view at all – I thought it was absurd," Dowd said. "I made my views known."
He told the Journal that Kushner was "absolutely terrific" and "a great asset, real gentleman, a pleasure to work with."
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