CNN: Top Trump campaign official closing in on cooperation deal with Mueller

CNN reported that former President Donald Trump campaign adviser Rick Gates is closing in on a cooperation deal with special counsel Robert Mueller in his investigation into Russian collusion and election interference.

Here's what the report says:

Gates has already spoken with Mueller's team, but he's looking at a plea deal to cooperate with the investigation, according to a CNN report.

Gates could testify about the actions of Trump officials before the election and also into the inauguration. He currently faces 10 or more years for the eight charges leveled against him.

"Queen for a day"

CNN described an interview process Gates underwent, referred to as "Queen for a day," where the defendant "answers any questions from the prosecutors' team, including about his own case and other potential criminal activity he witnessed."

Gates could also "admit to crimes with little additional consequences," unless he lies in the interview.

White House reaction

CNN sought a comment from the White House on the possibility that Gates might cooperate with the Russian investigation. A White House official told them "There'd be no anxiety here," if that happened.

Democrat reaction

Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) responded to the report on his Twitter account, saying, "If Rick Gates story is accurate, at least 3 witnesses have now flipped against the @realDonaldTrump campaign."

"Gates was the Deputy Campaign Manager for Trump & may have seen criminality. His plea also puts pressure on [Paul] Manafort to plea because Gates would testify against Manafort," he added.

Manafort faces up to 15 years in prison if found guilty of nine charges and is still under house arrest.