Trump aide expected to appear before House Intelligence panel

White House communications director Hope Hicks' appearance before the committee is scheduled for 10am (11pm Tuesday Singapore time). PHOTO: THE WASHINGTON POST

WASHINGTON (BLOOMBERG) - White House communications director Hope Hicks is scheduled to be interviewed privately on Tuesday (Feb 27) by the House Intelligence Committee, which is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, according to two House officials familiar with the matter.

Her appearance before the committee is scheduled for 10am (11pm Tuesday Singapore time), said the officials, who asked for anonymity to discuss the plans.

On Jan 31, the New York Times reported that a former spokesman for President Donald Trump's legal team, Mark Corallo, was prepared then to tell Special Counsel Robert Mueller about his concerns about a comment Hicks made during a phone call with him and the president.

According to the Times, Corallo said Hicks said during the call that e-mails written by Donald Trump Jr about a June, 9, 2016, meeting with Russians at Trump Tower would "never get out."

Corallo was concerned that Hicks might be considering obstructing justice, the Times reported, citing sources. Her lawyer, Robert Trout, denied Hicks made such a statement or suggested documents or e-mails would be concealed, the Times reported.

Trout on Monday didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

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