Thomas Barrack, Trump Fund-Raiser, Is Indicted on Lobbying Charge

Thomas J. Barrack Jr., a close friend of former President Donald J. Trump and one of his top 2016 campaign fund-raisers, was arrested in California on Tuesday morning on federal charges of failing to register as a foreign lobbyist, obstruction of justice and lying to investigators.

A seven-count indictment accused Mr. Barrack, 74, of using his access to Mr. Trump to advance the foreign policy goals of the United Arab Emirates and then lying about his activities during a June 2019 interview with federal agents.

Federal prosecutors said that Mr. Barrack used his position as an outside adviser to Mr. Trump’s campaign to publicly promote the U.A.E.’s agenda while soliciting direction, feedback and talking points from senior U.A.E. officials.