On Wednesday morning, The Washington Post revealed that Kenneth I. Starr, the former independent counsel who investigated Bill Clinton, is now investigating a congressman, Blake Farenthold, and allegations that he used taxpayer money to settle a sexual harassment claim. Farenthold, who represents the state of Texas, expressed dismay at the turn of events in an interview with CNN, calling it an “overreach.”
President Trump returned to the Daily Briefing on Wednesday afternoon, two days after the night before during which he spent 18 minutes reviewing and commenting on the status of South Korea’s new president. The president, through spokesman Raj Shah, attempted to downplay questions of improper conduct, labeling the investigation “political.”
Last week, Trump promised that this briefing would be “much more concise.” On Wednesday, the president, again via spokesman Shah, shared his thoughts about the meeting. “From our very first meeting in the Oval Office, President Trump wanted a very quick briefing and the meeting went very quickly,” said Shah. “It was not a very technical briefing, it was a very brief briefing that focused on national security.”
According to Shah, the president viewed it as a “great” and “proud” accomplishment.
Though he was not present for the meeting, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also released a statement that noted “President Trump loves to be briefed on all aspects of national security issues. This has been his hallmark throughout his time as President,” according to Reuters.
Given the president’s involvement in the briefing’s content, it is likely this “quick” briefing will continue.
This post was updated to include quotes from the president’s spokesperson and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
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