Newly released State Department emails help reveal how a major Clinton Foundation donor was placed on a sensitive government intelligence advisory board even though he had no obvious experience in the field, a decision that appeared to baffle the department’s professional staff.
The emails further reveal how, after inquiries from ABC News, the Clinton staff sought to “protect the name” of the Secretary, “stall” the ABC News reporter and ultimately accept the resignation of the donor just two days later.
Copies of dozens of internal emails were provided to ABC News by the conservative political group Citizens United, which obtained them under the Freedom of Information Act after more the two years of litigation with the government.
A prolific fundraiser for Democratic candidates and contributor to the Clinton Foundation, who later traveled with Bill Clinton on a trip to Africa, Rajiv K. Fernando’s only known qualification for a seat on the International Security Advisory Board (ISAB) was his technological know-how. The Chicago securities trader, who specialized in electronic investing, sat alongside an august collection of nuclear scientists, former cabinet secretaries and members of Congress to advise Hillary Clinton on the use of tactical nuclear weapons and on other crucial arms control issues.
Newly released State Department emails help reveal how a major Clinton Foundation donor was placed on a sensitive government intelligence advisory board even though he had no obvious experience in the field, a decision that appeared to baffle the department’s professional staff.
The emails further reveal how, after inquiries from ABC News, the Clinton staff sought to “protect the name” of the Secretary, “stall” the ABC News reporter and ultimately accept the resignation of the donor just two days later.
Copies of dozens of internal emails were provided to ABC News by the conservative political group Citizens United, which obtained them under the Freedom of Information Act after more the two years of litigation with the government.
A prolific fundraiser for Democratic candidates and contributor to the Clinton Foundation, who later traveled with Bill Clinton on a trip to Africa, Rajiv K. Fernando’s only known qualification for a seat on the International Security Advisory Board (ISAB) was his technological know-how. The Chicago securities trader, who specialized in electronic investing, sat alongside an august collection of nuclear scientists, former cabinet secretaries and members of Congress to advise Hillary Clinton on the use of tactical nuclear weapons and on other crucial arms control issues.
Newly released State Department emails help reveal how a major Clinton Foundation donor was placed on a sensitive government intelligence advisory board even though he had no obvious experience in the field, a decision that appeared to baffle the department’s professional staff.
The emails further reveal how, after inquiries from ABC News, the Clinton staff sought to “protect the name” of the Secretary, “stall” the ABC News reporter and ultimately accept the resignation of the donor just two days later.
Copies of dozens of internal emails were provided to ABC News by the conservative political group Citizens United, which obtained them under the Freedom of Information Act after more the two years of litigation with the government.
A prolific fundraiser for Democratic candidates and contributor to the Clinton Foundation, who later traveled with Bill Clinton on a trip to Africa, Rajiv K. Fernando’s only known qualification for a seat on the International Security Advisory Board (ISAB) was his technological know-how. The Chicago securities trader, who specialized in electronic investing, sat alongside an august collection of nuclear scientists, former cabinet secretaries and members of Congress to advise Hillary Clinton on the use of tactical nuclear weapons and on other crucial arms control issues.
UNCLASSIFIED U.S, Department of State Case No. F-2014-15277 Doc No; C05889321 Date: 10/28/2015
Hartman, Richard W_
From: Haraman, Richard W
Sent: ‘Monday, August 25, 2012 5:34 PM
To: "Raj Fernando’
e [RELEASE W PART
: bs
Working
UNCLASSIFIED
REVIEW AUTHORITY: Archie Bolster, Senior Reviewer
‘Thelma informs me that you received a cal from an ABC news investigative journalist. | doubt that his
call hes anything to.clo with these proceedings but I don't have any special knowledge of that
eiffier. I do know that at Isast one other ISAB member, Joe Cincione, also received a call from
Matthew Mosk asking about quatfications for ISAB membership. Mr. Crincione gave him no
comment ond suggested that he contact the Department of Stale for any information related to the
SAB.
I fhink you and Mr, Girincione hondled his coll correctly. There wos o media noje released on 12 July
thot may have prompted his interest. it can be found af ihe following link:
hllp-Liww.stale cov/i/pa/orsins/2011/07/168120.hln, ithe cals me. | wilzefer him to the public
offairs officers here at State.
Bes! wishes;
‘Chip Horan .
Richard W. Hartman Tt
‘Senlor Advisor for Strategic issues and
Executive Director, International Security Advisory Board
‘Acins Control, Verification and Compliance Bureau
US, Deparrment of State
(202)
This emailis UNCLASSIFIED,
rom: Raj Femando (maitad
Sent: Moniday, August 15, 2017 5:
a
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of Stato Case No, F-2014-15277 Doc No; COS889321., Date: 10/28/2015‘Sent: Monday, August 15, 2017 5:38 PM
To: Monnina, Jamie F
Subject Raj Fernando
HiJamie,
Per our conversation, looking for background/bio information about Mr, Femnando relative to his appointment
tothe SAB.
‘Thais so much for your quick retuim call and willingness to help,
Allthe best,
Matt
Matthew Mosk
Producer, ABC Nevis
From: Manning, Jamie F
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2011 $:41 PM
‘To: Hartman, Richard W
‘Subject: PW: Raj Femando
‘You're correct on your suspicion. He's working on something where Rej Fernando came up, and he's trying t figure out
hhow/what le to him being placed on the ISAB.
He is requesting his Biography, prepared for the ISAB. Can we dig up a:short paragraph about his distinguished career,
land a sentence about our selection and approval process? tld him we should be able to get him a response,
a‘UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-15277 Doc No. C05889322 Date: 10/28/2015
Hartman, Richard W
Hartman, Richard W
‘Monday, August 25, 2011 5:57 PM
Mannina, Jamie F
Bio and Selection for SAB
|SAB membership balence plen (3).