Kushner denies Russia collusion

Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and trusted adviser, detailed four meetings with Russian officials but refuted claims of collusion Monday. Kushner released an 11-page document to congressional committees pleading innocence to any alleged Russian attempts to influence the 2016 presidential election. “I did not collude, nor know of anyone else in the campaign who colluded, with any foreign government,” Kushner wrote. “I had no improper contacts. I have not relied on Russian funds to finance my business activities in the private sector.” Kushner said he met with several Russian officials, including Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak, during the post-election transition period but he never compromised the integrity of American ballots. Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., found himself in hot water earlier this month after he released an email chain about a June 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer. The correspondence showed he took the meeting with the intent of getting dirt on his father’s opponent, Hillary Clinton. Kushner attended, as well, but said Monday he joined briefly and did not read the email explaining the purpose of the meeting. Kushner will meet privately with the Senate Intelligence Committee on Monday and will take questions from the House Intelligence Committee behind closed doors Tuesday.