WASHINGTON (AP) – A former Trump campaign official who has been linked to the Russia investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller has withdrawn his nomination for an Agriculture post. Sam Clovis, a former professor at Morningside College in Sioux City, and a resident of Plymouth County, says in a letter to President Donald Trump dated Thursday that he does “not want to be a distraction or a negative influence.”
Clovis cites what he calls “relentless assaults on you and your team” that “seem to be a blood sport.” This week, it was revealed that Clovis had communications with George
Papadopoulos, who’s admitted to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russian intermediaries. Questions have been raised about Clovis’ qualifications to serve as the Agriculture Department’s chief scientist. He is a self-described skeptic of
climate change.
Don Kass serves as the chairman for the Plymouth County Republican party and has known Sam Clovis for several years. Kass says it is unfortunate that Clovis has withdrawn his name from nomination.
Kass was asked if he believes Clovis will remain a part of the Trump Administration in the background, or if because of the allegations surrounding Clovis, if the Trump Administration will want to distance themselves from Clovis?
Kass says he considers Sam Clovis to be a good friend, and will continue to support him. Kass describes Clovis as a “man with the highest integrity.”
