Letter to Charles Cooper, Cooper & Kirk, PLLC - Wyden Continues Investigation Into Trump Administration Interference in Turkish Bank Scandal

Letter

Dear Mr. Cooper,

As the Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, I am investigating matters related to U.S. Government policy towards Turkey, in particular the prosecution of the Turkish state-owned bank Halkbank related to its assistance to Iran in evading U.S. sanctions. In his recent book, former National Security Advisor John Bolton has asserted that he has personal knowledge of information relevant to these matters. I am therefore writing to request that Amb. Bolton provide assistance in my ongoing Finance Committee investigation of allegations that President Trump improperly obstructed the U.S. Department of Justice's prosecution of Halkbank. It is my understanding that you represent former National Security Advisor John Bolton with regard to these matters.

Amb. Bolton asserts in his recent book that he was concerned that President Trump was granting personal favors to the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In particular, Amb. Bolton asserts that President Trump promised Erdogan he would use his authority to halt any further enforcement actions against the bank, and that President Trump consequently instructed Treasury Secretary Mnuchin to interfere in the matter. Further, Amb. Bolton asserts that on more than one occasion the Department of Justice was aware of Secretary Mnuchin's efforts to halt the investigation and prosecution of Halkbank. Halkbank has been accused of one of the largest sanctions evasion schemes in history, and these Executive Branch actions may have affected the integrity of that U.S. investigation and related trade and tariff policies.

In connection with this investigation, I request that Amb. Bolton provide all relevant records--including, but not limited to, notes, documents, and electronic communications--related to these matters and the allegations made in his book concerning them. I also request that he participate in a voluntary, transcribed, staff interview at a mutually convenient date and time.

If you have any questions about this request, please contact my Finance Committee staff. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

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