May 17, 2022 11:51am EDT
Sussmann-Durham trial: Prosecution says Clinton lawyer used FBI to create an 'October surprise' against Trump
The prosecution and defense delivered opening arguments in the case against Sussmann on Tuesday
By Brooke Singman , Jake Gibson , David Spunt | Fox News
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Special Counsel John Durham’s team in its opening argument Tuesday alleged that former Clinton campaign lawyer Michael Sussmann used the FBI as "a political tool" to "manipulate" the bureau on the eve of the 2016 presidential election to create an "October surprise" against then-candidate Donald Trump — a plan that "largely succeeded."
Sussmann is charged with making a false statement to the FBI when he told former FBI General Counsel James Baker in September 2016 — less than two months before the presidential election — that he was not doing work "for any client" when he requested and attended a meeting with Baker where he presented "purported data and ‘white papers’ that allegedly demonstrated a covert communicates channel" between the Trump Organization and Alfa Bank, which has ties to the Kremlin.
Durham’s team alleges Sussmann was, in fact, doing work for two clients: the Hillary Clinton campaign and a technology executive, Rodney Joffe. Following the meeting with Baker, Sussmann billed the Hillary Clinton campaign for his work.
Sussmann has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/sussmann-durham-trial-prosecution-clinton-lawyer-fbi-october-surprise-trump
