June 17,2020

Wyden Statement on Bolton Revelations Regarding Trump Political Interference on Behalf of Turkey

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today released the following statement in response to reported revelations in former National Security Advisor John Bolton’s book regarding Donald Trump’s political interference on behalf of Turkey:

“Reporting on John Bolton’s book confirms that Donald Trump attempted to interfere in a criminal investigation into the largest sanctions violations scheme in U.S. history as a favor to Turkish President Erdogan. State-owned Halkbank was not indicted by SDNY for violating Iran sanctions until Trump faced scrutiny over his prioritization of Turkish interests.

“I have been investigating potential political interference by Donald Trump as it relates to Turkey and sanctions enforcement, and this damning evidence corroborates what my investigation has uncovered to date. If John Bolton has an interest in serving his country, as opposed to selling books, he will respond promptly to my forthcoming request for more information about Donald Trump’s relationship with Turkey.”

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