Top Trump aide hit with new charges

US prosecutors brought new charges against a Donald Trump campaign chief just hours after his fellow former aide pleaded guilty to conspiracy and lying to investigators.

Paul Manafort denied the allegations and said he has no plans to strike a deal with special counsel Robert Mueller, who finalised an agreement with Rick Gates on Friday.

Mr Gates is now the third associate of President Trump to strike a cooperation agreement with Mueller, who is investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible ties to the campaign.

The charges against Mr Manafort include an allegation he secretly recruited and funded a group of former European politicians to lobby in the United States on behalf of Ukraine.

It is alleged that he paid the politicians two million euros from offshore accounts in 2012 and 2013 to lobby members of Congress and other US officials. It is illegal for Americans to direct foreigners to lobby the US without informing the Justice Department.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr Manafort said: “I continue to maintain my innocence.”

White House lawyer Ty Cobb said: “The White House, as it has said from the outset, will not be commenting on matters involving Mr Manafort or Mr Gates.”

President Trump has called the investigation a “witch hunt” and insists there was no collusion between his campaign and the Russians.