US: Special counsel seeks Trump organization documents

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The investigation being led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller has subpoenaed the Trump organization for documents, including some related to Russia, according to multiple reports Thursday.

The New York Times first reported the development, citing two people familiar with the matter.

It is the first known time Mueller has sought information directly from President Donald Trump's business empire. It is unclear how much information is being requested, as well as why Mueller did not simply ask the organization to hand over the documents, according to the Times.

The Special Counsel's office declined to comment when contacted by Anadolu Agency.

Trump previously said should Mueller probe his personal finances, that would be a "red line".

When asked about the matter, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders did not confirm or deny whether Trump still holds the assessment but said Trump will continue to fully cooperate with the investigation.

"There was no collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia," she told reporters. "For any specific questions about the Trump organization, I’d refer you there."

A Trump organization lawyer said the Times report was "old news", reiterating that the business has been fully cooperating.

"Since July 2017, we have advised the public that the Trump Organization is fully cooperative with all investigations, including the Special Counsel, and is responding to their requests," Alan Futerfas said in a statement carried by multiple news outlets.

He added that "our assistance and cooperation with the various investigations remains the same today”.