Wikileaks’ bold idea

Assange offered up to Trump camp as ambassador to the US

WIKILEAKS reached out to Donald Trump’s camp after he won the US Presidency to ask the billionaire to use his newly acquired influence to suggest Julian Assange be appointed as the Australian Ambassador to America.

The incredible request was part of a series of private exchanges between WikiLeaks and President Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr during the presidential campaign and before the inauguration.

The messages have formed part of a congressional investigation looking into Russian interference in last year’s US election. According to The Atlantic after months of exchanges, the WikiLeaks Twitter account sent another missive to Mr Trump Jnr on December 16, when his father was President-elect.

“Hi Don. Hope you’re doing well!” the message read.

“In relation to Mr. Assange: Obama/Clinton placed pressure on Sweden, UK and Australia (his home country) to illicitly go after Mr. Assange. It would be real easy and helpful for your dad to suggest that Australia appoint Assange ambassador to [Washington,] DC.”

Wikileaks even suggested how Mr Trump might approach the matter.

“That’s a real smart tough guy and the most famous australian [sic] you have!’ or something similar,” WikiLeaks wrote.

“They won’t do it but it will send the right signals to Australia, UK + Sweden to start following the law and stop bending it to ingratiate themselves with the Clintons.”

Mr Trump Jr ignored the request from Wikileaks.

Wikileaks did not respond to The Atlantic for comment.

Mr Assange founded Wikileaks in 2006. The organisation has been accused of helping Russia spread hacked information during the Presidential campaign.

Hillary Clinton has described WikiLeaks as a “tool of Russian intelligence”.