Rick Gates, once the man in the corner, becomes central to Mueller investigation

Reporting cited here

1. reported

   After Gates surrendered on the Mueller indictment, Colony NorthStar terminated his consulting contract. Trump friend and inaugural chairman Tom Barrack had hired Gates after Gates served as deputy chair of Trump's inauguration; Gates advised on Washington-facing opportunities and digital infrastructure. The termination is a documented employment consequence, while the charges were still allegations that day.

   Post-inauguration Barrack relationship, Colony consulting role, October 30 surrender, and same-day contract termination

   Colony NorthStar terminates Gates's consulting contract after his indictment · Consulting contract terminated; charges later resolved by guilty plea