Manafort Resignation Comes Days After Shake-up
It appears that Donald Trump’s campaign chair Paul Manafort has resigned from his post. This comes after the campaign added former Breitbart CEO Steve Brannon and pollster Kelleyann Conway just a mere few days ago.
The campaign’s position on adding both members was that it was not a “shake-up but that it was to fill out the campaign” according to Trump spokesperson Katrina Pierson.
Manafort recently came under fire after it was reported that he allegedly helped a Ukraine, pro- Russian, lobbying group. Manafort could face prison time and a fine as it was also reported that he didn’t disclose he was working with a foreign interest group. Per the law, all lobbyists have to disclose to the government that they are representing foreign interest groups.
Manafort has denied the allegations and blasted the New York Times for it’s coverage of the event.
“Once again, the New York Times has chosen to purposefully ignore facts and professional journalism to fit their political agenda, choosing to attack my character and reputation rather than present an honest report,” Manafort said in a statement obtained by NBC News. “The suggestion that I accepted cash payments is unfounded, silly and nonsensical.”
More recently, the Associated Press obtained emails proving that Manafort and Rick Gate helped Ukraine’s pro-Russian political party to attempt to sway the American public in support. The AP’s report also showed that the lobbying attempts including trying to get positive press from the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press.
Donald Trump’s campaign has already issued a statement acknowledging the resignation, which was first reported by the Washington Post.
“This morning Paul Manafort offered, and I accepted his resignation from the campaign. I am very appreciated in his great work in helping to get us where we are today and in particular work guiding us through the delegate and the convention process,” the statement read. “Paul is a true professional and I wish him the greatest success.”
On Wednesday, the campaign added Conway and Brannon and there has already been a shift in how Trump has handled himself on the trail. He took to the cameras and apologized for his previous behavior on the trail.
“Sometimes, in the heat of debate, and speaking on a multitude of issues, you don’t choose the right words or you say the wrong thing. I have done that, and believe it or not I regret it,” Trump said in a press conference on Thursday. “I do regret it particularly where it may have caused personal pain.”
As for Manafort, there’s no reason to think this resignation comes due to the switchover. Per The Post, Manafort was all for adding Conway and Brannon and even though he is resigning from the campaign, he still supports Trump and it’s a parting on good terms.
