Trump team says he backs disputed Dakota Access oil pipeline

President-elect Donald Trump supports completion of the disputed Dakota Access oil pipeline in the Midwest, a policy that a spokesman says is not related to Trump’s investments in a partnership building the $3.8 billion pipeline.

Spokesman Bryan Lanza says in a memo to supporters Trump’s backing for the pipeline near a North Dakota Indian reservation “has nothing to do with his personal investments” and is based on policy.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the memo.

Trump’s federal disclosure forms show he owned a small amount of stock in Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners, the pipeline builder, and at least $100,000 in Phillips 66, which owns one-quarter of the pipeline.

Spokeswoman Hope Hicks said it is her understanding that Trump recently sold his Energy Transfer stock but provided no details.