WASHINGTON—A former Trump campaign official linked to the Russia investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller has withdrawn his nomination as the Agriculture Department’s chief scientist. Sam Clovis, a former Trump campaign national co-chairman and chief policy adviser, wrote in a letter Thursday to U.S. President Donald Trump that he does “not want to be a distraction or a negative influence.” Questions had been raised about Clovis’ qualifications for the administration post. Read more: Papadopoulos claims Trump campaign officials agreed to pre-election meeting with Russia ‘Low level volunteer’ George Papadopoulos sought high profile as Trump adviserArticle Continued BelowRepublicans were preparing to hold a hearing on his nomination next week. But it was revealed this week that Clovis had communications with George Papadopoulos, a former Trump campaign foreign policy adviser who has admitted to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russian intermediaries last year. He would have helped set the research priorities for the department and ensure that research is conducted with integrity.

Source: thestar November 02, 2017 16:30 UTC