Trump labels aide at centre of probe ‘a liar’

INVESTIGATION: President claims big story is resignation of Democrat lobbyist

President Donald Trump has said a former campaign aide thrust into the centre of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe “has already proven to be a liar”.

On Twitter, Mr Trump sought to dismiss George Papadopoulos, who has provided key evidence in the first criminal case connecting Mr Trump’s team to alleged intermediaries for Russia’s government.

Mr Trump said yesterday: “Few people knew the young, low level volunteer named George, who has already proven to be a liar. Check the Dems!”

Papadopoulos was approached by people claiming ties to Russia and offering “dirt” on Hillary Clinton in the form of thousands of emails, according to court documents unsealed on Monday.

Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to lying to FBI agents about the conversations and has been cooperating with investigators, the documents said.

Meanwhile, the president has said the “biggest story” out of the charges announced on Monday in the Russia investigation is the resignation of Democratic lobbyist Tony Podesta from his eponymous firm.

Mr Podesta announced he would step aside from Democratic firm the Podesta Group after coming under investigation by Mr Mueller.

Court papers unsealed on Monday revealed an indictment against Mr Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort.

George Papadopoulos has pleaded guilty to lying to FBI agents.