NEW: Giuliani urged Trump to eject the US, Fethullah Gulen, the Muslim cleric who Mike Flynn plotted to kidnap, a top priority of Erdogan. Trump wanted to do it, but appalled advisers blocked him. Aides worried Giuliani was doing Turkey’s bidding.
#Maddow wapo.st/2MhpsjO
#Maddow wapo.st/2MhpsjO
Giuliani brought up Gulen frequently with Trump during White House visits and was "so focused" on the issue, it worried senior officials. “We’re not going to arrest [Gulen] to do a solid for Erdogan.”
However, Trump was receptive to the idea
#Maddow
However, Trump was receptive to the idea
#Maddow
Trump asked frequently about why Gulen couldn’t be turned over to Turkey, referring to Erdogan as “my friend.”
Recall, in 2016, Trump campaign official Mike Flynn plotted to kidnap Gulen and return him to Turkey for a cool $15M.
#Maddow
Recall, in 2016, Trump campaign official Mike Flynn plotted to kidnap Gulen and return him to Turkey for a cool $15M.
#Maddow
Recall: In Nov 2018, Trump officials asked federal law enforcement agencies for a legal way to remove exiled Turkish cleric Gulen in an effort to persuade Erdogan to ease up on the Saudi government over Khashoggi's murder.
#Maddow
#Maddow
"Erdogan's govt began cultivating Trump's team before the election. Michael Flynn was hired as a pro-Turkey lobbyist and continued receiving Turkish money during the transition. After Flynn resigned, they began working with Trump adviser Giuliani."
#Maddow
#Maddow
