Donald Trump ally Tom Barrack acquitted of foreign agent charges
- The California billionaire was accused of using his personal access to the former president to secretly promote the interests of the United Arab Emirates
- The verdict is another setback for the US Justice Department, after a suit seeking to make casino magnate Steve Wynn register as an agent of China was dismissed
Donald Trump’s inaugural committee chair, Tom Barrack, was acquitted of all counts on Friday at a federal trial in which he was accused of using his personal access to the former president to secretly promote the interests of the United Arab Emirates.
The jury in Brooklyn deliberated three days before finding Barrack not guilty of acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government, obstruction of justice and making false statements. Barrack had vehemently denied the charges.
Barrack, a 75-year-old California billionaire, is an old friend of Trump and chaired the Republican’s inaugural committee. He was among a long line of Trump associates to face various criminal charges.
The verdict touched off a tearful celebration among Barrack and his supporters, who took group photos in the courtroom. “I’m so thankful for this system,” Barrack said, expressing appreciation for the jury.
One of Barrack’s assistants, Matthew Grimes, was also acquitted.