Jolyon@jolyon

Follow

David Milstein cash gift request

The QR codes were already in guests' hands by the time David Milstein walked it back. His message said the whole thing had been an error, that only close relatives and friends received it, and that no presents should be taken. But the request itself had gone out to Israeli attendees at his wedding, and it was for cash. Milstein serves as a senior adviser to Huckabee and reportedly can reach some of the most sensitive intelligence held at the U.S. embassy. Accepting money from foreign nationals in that position creates leverage: you owe them, they ask for secrets, and the exposure threat does the rest. Intelligence sources have reportedly labeled him a giant walking counterintelligence red flag. Politico's question was whether the State Department and the White House had approved any of it. Hours after that inquiry, the retraction arrived. Sources also say people hesitate to speak up because Milstein's stepfather is Mark Levin, who is close to Trump. Where the State Department and White House go from here is still unclear.

1d

Jolyon@jolyon

Follow

David Milstein cash gift request

The QR codes were already in guests' hands by the time David Milstein walked it back. His message said the whole thing had been an error, that only close relatives and friends received it, and that no presents should be taken. But the request itself had gone out to Israeli attendees at his wedding, and it was for cash. Milstein serves as a senior adviser to Huckabee and reportedly can reach some of the most sensitive intelligence held at the U.S. embassy. Accepting money from foreign nationals in that position creates leverage: you owe them, they ask for secrets, and the exposure threat does the rest. Intelligence sources have reportedly labeled him a giant walking counterintelligence red flag. Politico's question was whether the State Department and the White House had approved any of it. Hours after that inquiry, the retraction arrived. Sources also say people hesitate to speak up because Milstein's stepfather is Mark Levin, who is close to Trump. Where the State Department and White House go from here is still unclear.

1d