George Papadopoulos reportedly lied to the FBI to protect Trump

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President Trump's former foreign policy adviser, George Papadopoulos, reportedly lied to the FBI about his contact with Russian agents out of "loyalty" to the White House, a person familiar with the investigation told ABC News. Papadopoulos was charged with making false statements after being arrested in July, and he has reportedly been cooperating with government officials since.

Former FBI Director James Comey testified over the summer that Trump told him: "I need loyalty, I expect loyalty." But as Special Counsel Robert Mueller has moved forward in his ongoing Russia probe, lawyers have reportedly warned their clients that attempting to cover up for the president makes things "worse for everybody."

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.