Pres. Trump believed his new counterparts could be persuaded to help him pursue a longstanding fixation: discrediting the Russia probe. Trump raised the matter in phone conversations with both Boris Johnson and Scott Morrison over the summer, sources say.
Washington When two key US allies -- the United Kingdom and Australia -- elevated conservative prime ministers, President Donald Trump didn't just see a diplomatic opening. He also saw a political one.
His new counterparts, Trump believed, could be persuaded to help him pursue a longstanding fixation: discrediting the Russia investigation. Trump raised the matter in telephone conversations with both Britain's Boris Johnson and Australia's Scott Morrison over the summer, according to people familiar with the calls.
This Australian reporter was stunned when she watched Trump 05:16On Monday, an official familiar with Trump's phone call with Morrison said Barr has asked the President to request the help of several countries, including Australia, with a review of the early stages of the Russia investigation. That review is being led by US Attorney John Durham.
Source: Trump pushed Australian leader to help investigate Russia probe 01:29The notion Trump should raise the unsubstantiated claim during his meeting with his British counterpart did not appear to faze British officials, who acknowledged that meetings with the President often proceed in unpredictable directions."We heard what the President said, and if he raises it that's fine," one UK official said at the time.
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