President Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, has filed a lawsuit challenging the authority of special counsel Robert Mueller.
In a court filing, lawyers for Manafort argue that the order establishing Mueller's investigation is overly broad and not permitted under Justice Department regulations.
They said the special counsel's actions are "arbirtray, capricious and not in accordance with the law" and have asked a district court to set aside "all actions" that Mueller has taken against Manafort.
“The investigation of Mr. Manafort is completely unmoored from the Special Counsel’s original jurisdiction to investigate ‘any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump,’ ” the complaint reads.
“It has instead focused on unrelated, decade-old business dealings—specifically, Ukraine political campaign consulting activities of Mr. Manafort.”The lawsuit was filed against Mueller, the Justice Department and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein who gave the order last year that launched the special counsel investigation.
Manafort pleaded not guilty to multiple criminal counts in October, including conspiracy against the United States and money laundering related to his work for a pro-Russia political party in Ukraine.
A spokesperson for the Justice Department fired back at the suit.
"The lawsuit is frivolous but the defendant is entitled to file whatever he wants."
— Olivia Beavers contributed. This breaking news story will be updated.
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