NeverTrumpers’ have long touted their supposed opposition to Russia’s authoritarian government.
Today’s bombshell, involving blatant hypocrisy from one of their leaders, reveals a chink in their armor.
Politico reports:
John Weaver, the top strategist for John Kasich’s presidential campaign in 2016, has registered as a foreign agent and plans to lobby against potential sanctions on Russia.
Weaver signed a contract last month to lobby on behalf of the Tenam Corporation, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the Russian state-owned nuclear energy company. [emphasis mine]
The six-month contract is worth $350,000, plus expenses, with an option to extend if necessary. “Time is of the essence in the Agreement,” the contract reads, according to a copy filed with the Justice Department.
It’s not clear exactly what sanctions Weaver will be lobbying against. Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) introduced legislation in February to beef up sanctions on Russia, which would curtail the amount of uranium that could be imported from Russia starting in 2021, among other provisions. The bill hasn’t made it out of committee.
Weaver remains a close confidant of John Kasich after serving as his chief strategist during the 2016 GOP presidential primary. The consummate insider told the press Kasich remains inclined to challenge Donald Trump in 2020.
However, Weaver is best known for advising John McCain’s presidential campaigns.
UPDATE: Shortly after this article’s publication, John Weaver – who spent the past two years referring to Trump as Putin’s puppet – decided he would turn down his lucrative lobbying deal with a Russia-owned uranium company.
Nothing is more vital to America & the world than dispatching @realDonaldTrump & his low travelers from the WH. While I fear the dangers of nuclear proliferation & know a stable uranium market is important to the USA’s national & economic security — & experts urged this —
— John Weaver (@jwgop) May 16, 2019
my laser focus is on 2020 & playing any role — major or minor — in ensuring Trump serves only 1 term. To allow anything to distract from that is a mistake. And I can recognize a mistake when I make it. My attorney has contacted Tenam this morning & informed them
— John Weaver (@jwgop) May 16, 2019
I must reject this agreement. No funds were transferred, no actions taken. Now, I’ve got to get back to the barricades. Apologies for the momentary distraction.
— John Weaver (@jwgop) May 16, 2019
AAN Staff
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