Michael Cohen 'to tell investigators Trump knew about 2016 campaign meeting with Russians'

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Donald Trump knew in advance about a June 2016 meeting where Russian officials offered to provide damaging information about Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, the president's former lawyer has reportedly said.

Such a claim from Michael Cohen would be a direct contradiction of Mr Trump’s assertion he was not aware of the meeting between his most senior aides – including his son Donald Jr and son-in-law – and Natalia Veselnitskaya, a known Kremlin informant.

Mr Cohen has said he is willing to testify to Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating possible collusion with Russia during the presidential campaign, according to a CNN report on Thursday night.

But Mr Trump hit back in his usual style - via Twitter - in the early hours of Friday morning.

"I did NOT know of the meeting with my son, Don jr," he broadsided, before making reference to the fact prosecutors are currently investigating Mr Cohen for possible bank and tax fraud. "Sounds to me like someone is trying to make up stories in order to get himself out of an unrelated jam (Taxi cabs maybe?)."

Mr Trump's current lawyer Rudy Giuliani also dismissed the claims.

"He cannot be believed," he said of Mr Cohen. "If they rely on him...it would destroy whatever case they have."

Mr Cohen has not responded to a request for comment. His attorney Lanny Davis declined to speak, as did Mr Mueller’s spokesman.

Federal prosecutors in New York are also investigating Mr Cohen for possible campaign law violations linked to a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels, who has claimed she had a brief affair with Mr Trump.

Mr Cohen has not been charged with any crime. Mr Trump has denied having had an encounter with Ms Daniels, real name Stephanie Clifford.

Previously Donald Trump Jr told investigators from the Senate Judiciary Committee that he did not tell his father about the Trump Tower meeting with Ms Veselnitskaya – also attended by his brother-in-law Jared Kushner – beforehand.

Alan Futerfas, a lawyer for the Trump Organization, said, "Donald Trump Jr has been professional and responsible throughout the Mueller and Congressional investigations. We are very confident of the accuracy and reliability of the information that has been provided by Mr. Trump, Jr, and on his behalf."

Additional reporting by agencies