Tag: John F. Kelly

Trump sought release of classified Russia memo, putting him at odds with Justice Department

The following article by Ashley Parker, Rosalind S. Helderman, Josh Dawsey and Carol D. Leonnig was posted on the Washington Post website January 27, 2018:

President Trump on Jan. 24 suggested that he could be investigated for obstruction of justice for his decision to “fight back” against the Russia probe. (Video: David Nakamura/Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

On Wednesday, as Republicans were clamoring to make public a secret document they think will undercut the investigation into Russian meddling, President Trump made clear his desire: Release the memo.

Trump’s directive was at odds with his own Justice Department, which had warned that releasing the classified memo written by congressional Republicans would be “extraordinarily reckless” without an official review. Nevertheless, White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly relayed the president’s view to Attorney General Jeff Sessions — although the decision to release the document ultimately lies with Congress. Continue reading “Trump sought release of classified Russia memo, putting him at odds with Justice Department”

Political Guardrails Gone, a President’s Somber Duty Skids Into Spectacle

The following article by Michael D. Shear was posted on the New York Post website October 21, 2017:

President Trump did not do what any of his predecessors almost certainly would have done: apologize for words that failed to bring comfort to a grieving Army widow. Credit Tom Brenner/The New York Times

WASHINGTON — Blame it on these bitter political times.

The feud over President Trump’s call to the widow of a fallen soldier might never have escalated had Mr. Trump done what any of his predecessors almost certainly would have done: quickly apologize for words that failed to bring comfort.

Likewise, the nasty back-and-forth with Frederica S. Wilson, a Democratic congresswoman who is close to the soldier’s family, might have dissipated had she not repeatedly disparaged Mr. Trump’s intentions on national television, failing to extend him the benefit of the doubt that previous presidents had received. Continue reading “Political Guardrails Gone, a President’s Somber Duty Skids Into Spectacle”