CHELSEA FABER
STAFF WRITER
The events surrounding the impeachment inquiry have captured the nation. However, there are more problematic revelations and verdicts plaguing the White House.
Two books have been a center of focus in recent weeks. One, written by an anonymous senior Trump Administration official entitled, A Warning, provides a look into the inner workings of Trump’s White House.
The anonymous author explains their experiences within the administration, citing concerning incidents regarding the President’s willingness to follow precedent or observe typical operating procedure. As the book is unsigned, there is room to doubt the credibility of the author, however this individual has previously published an op-ed in the New York Times.
The book focuses less on the impeachment inquiry, (as the book was fully written at the time that the process began,) and more on the inner workings of the cabinet and administration as a whole. They explain the exodus of cabinet members and the consideration of officials to revolt against the president en mass.
Also, recently in print, former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley released a memoir on Nov. 10 entitled With All Due Respect. Considering the negative news surrounding the president as of late, this book seemed to pose a more positive light.
In her book, Haley often sides with Trump while criticizing the rest of the administration. However, she admitted she did not agree with all of the decisions and actions made by Trump, particularly regarding foreign policy.
Haley seemed to concur with the speculation in A Warning, by explaining that multiple administration officials tried to convince her to act in a way different from her direction from the president in order to “save the country.”
Trump’s turbulent month was not limited to publications. A guilty verdict was announced on Friday for Rodger Stone, longtime aide to the president. Stone was charged with seven felonies, including lying under oath and obstruction of justice among others. He was found guilty on all counts and is expected to be sentenced to jailtime in February.
Stone is among several former Trump associates who have been found guilty on charges stemming from the 2016 campaign and other dealings with the president. While this verdict does not directly impact Trump, it has been bobbled by political pundits as a bad look overall.
Considering Donald Trump’s financial records legal battle, a Manhattan federal appeals court consisting of three judges, unanimously decided that the president must turn over financial records. Several parties have requested to see this data, as it pertains to hush money payments, potential conflicts of interest cases and more.
This fight is set to hit the Supreme Court Docket, likely this term, meaning a decision could be announced before the 2020 election. Trump’s lawyers have diligently fought the ruling, calling it politically motivated and an attack on the president.
The larger issue at stake in a Supreme Court hearing will be the extent of presidential immunity. The court has previously taken cases involving sitting presidents, however in both cases, the president in question felt losses (Nixon in 1974 and Clinton in 1997).
The months to follow will be pivotal in the future of the Trump Presidency. Considering the escalating impeachment inquiry and external troubles considering former cabinet members and associates, Trump’s efforts to damage control will be critical to his success moving forward.
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