February 22, 2017

Warren Requests Update from Treasury on Investigation of Trump Advisor's Meeting with CEO of Sanctioned Russian Entity

Sen. Warren Encouraged by Initial Commitment from Treasury Secretary Mnuchin

Text of the letter is available here (PDF)

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin asking him to follow through on his commitment to investigate reports that Anthony Scaramucci, while acting as a "Trump translator" during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, engaged in direct talks regarding potential business transactions with the head of a Russian entity subject to sanctions by the Treasury Department.

Today's letter follows a January 19th request by Senators Warren and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) to then-Treasury Secretary-Designate Mnuchin, asking him to investigate the conduct of Scaramucci. Mnuchin responded on January 30th, agreeing, pending his confirmation, to "ensure the appropriate Department components assess whether further investigation of this matter is warranted." Secretary Mnuchin was confirmed by the Senate on February 13, 2017.

"Now that you have been confirmed as the head of the agency with primary responsibility for the enforcement of our Russia financial sanctions, I ask that you follow through on your commitment to investigate whether Mr. Scaramucci engaged in discussions to facilitate prohibited transactions with a sanctioned entity in violation of federal law, and whether other Trump Administration transition officials were aware of or approved his activities," wrote Senator Warren. She added that, "The Department must vigorously pursue this investigation regardless of Mr. Scaramucci's employment status with the Trump Administration."

While attending the WEF, Scaramucci acted as an informal "Trump translator" and member of then-President-elect Trump's advisory team. According to reports, Scaramucci met in person with Kirill Dmitriev, the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund to discuss potential U.S.-Russian business dealings in the event that current U.S. sanctions on Russian entities are lifted during the Trump Administration.

The full text of the letter sent today is available here. Text of the initial letter sent by Senators Warren and Cardin is available here. Secretary Mnuchin's response is available here

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