Mike Pence Forced To Lawyer Up In Russia Investigation
Vice President Mike Pence has hired outside legal counsel to represent him in the federal government’s expanding Russia probe, according to The Washington Post.
Pence hired former U.S. Attorney Richard Cullen who is now with the firm McGuire Woods.
Pence’s office told The Washington Post that his choice to hire outside counsel shows that he wants to cooperate with the government’s investigation.
The vice president has claimed that he was misled by former national security advisor Michael Flynn regarding Flynn’s contacts with Russian officials — a lie that ultimately led Trump to fire Flynn.
However, many have pointed out the inconsistencies in Pence’s story and timeline. “As Trump’s No. 2 and as head of the transition team, Pence has increasingly found himself drawn into the widening Russia investigation,” according to the report.
The Washington Post report notes that “Pence’s move to hire an outside attorney could set off a scramble among other West Wing aides — many of whom are already bracing for subpoenas — to do the same, even if only as a protective measure.”
Cullen has several notable previous clients including “Tom DeLay, the former Republican majority leader who was investigated by the Department of Justice for his relationship with Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff” the Post notes.
[image via screengrab]
