Trump defends Giuliani after report of federal probe
U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday defended his attorney Rudy Giuliani after the New York Times reported that prosecutors were investigating whether Giuliani broke lobbying laws in his dealings with Ukraine...
In a tweet Trump said quote: "So now they are after the legendary "crime buster" and greatest Mayor in the history of NYC, Rudy Giuliani. He may seem a little rough around the edges sometimes, but he is also a great guy and wonderful lawyer. Such a one sided Witch Hunt going on in USA. Deep State. Shameful!"
Late Friday, the New York Times reported that federal prosecutors in Manhattan were investigating Giuliani's actions including his efforts to undermine U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch...
Giuliani has accused Yovanovitch of blocking efforts to persuade Ukraine to investigate former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden and his businessman son Hunter Biden over past dealings in that country.
When asked about the New York Times report, Giuliani said quote "I never did any lobbying for anyone. If they want to ask me I'm happy to prove it. But they havent'."
Earlier this week, two foreign-born Florida businessmen - Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman who helped Giuliani investigate the Bidens - were arrested over what U.S. prosecutors called a scheme to illegally funnel money to a pro-trump election committee and other political candidates…
U.S. lawmakers have sought to question the pair about their involvement in Giuliani's investigation as part of the impeachment inquiry.
Parnas, a Ukrainian-American businessman, and Fruman, --are also accused by prosecutors of acting on behalf of Ukrainian officials and using their political connections to get former Yovanovitch recalled.
Yovanovitch told a House of Representatives impeachment inquiry against Trump on Friday that the president ousted her based on "unfounded and false claims" after she came under attack by Giuliani.
Trump said he did not know her after he was questioned whether he put pressure to have her fired...
(SOUNDBITE) TRUMP SAYING:
"Well she may be a wonderful woman. I don't know her. But she be very much a wonderful woman. If you remember the call with the president, the new president. He didn't speak favorably, but I just don't know her. She may be a wonderful woman."
