Tuesday Morning Scoop: ‘Total Witch Hunt’
Welcome to the Morning Scoop for Tuesday, April 10. There is anger in the West Wing over something the FBI did (what a surprise), but he didn’t fire anyone last week. And Mark Zuckerberg proves he owns a tie, which is a good look when you’re saying sorry over and over again.
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President Trump is Furious That the FBI Raided His Lawyer’s Office
The FBI served a warrant on the president’s lawyer’s office yesterday, seizing privileged communications between Donald Trump and Michael D. Cohen, including documents connected to the $130,000 paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels over her alleged affair with the president.
The Washington Post reports, “Cohen is Trump’s virtual vault — the keeper of his secrets, from his business deals to his personal affairs — and the executor of his wishes.”
The raid infuriated Trump and has renewed speculation that the president will move to fire special counsel Robert Mueller, who reportedly had a hand in the raid, though it was not believed to be directly related to the Russia investigation.
“It’s a disgraceful situation. It’s a total witch hunt,” Trump said, according to NPR. “When I saw this, when I heard about it, that is a whole new level of unfairness.”
Danielle Germain has more details in her report for CMN.
Mr. Zuckerberg Goes to Washington
Mark Zuckerberg met behind closed doors yesterday with elected officials in Washington, giving a hint of the public apology he is expected to deliver today over the massive data breach connected to Cambridge Analytica. Facebook began alerting users yesterday if their personal data was compromised.
This is the first time the former Harvard student has appeared before Congress. Zuckerberg will testify before a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Commerce Committees today and be grilled by a House panel tomorrow.
And yes, he’s wearing a suit, not flip flops and a hoodie.
UT Professor Who Pleaded Guilty to Assault Found Dead
Richard Morrisett, a professor at The University of Texas at Austin was found dead in his home on Thursday. His death coincided with the university’s announcement of taking a tougher stance on employee misconduct.
This change in policy was created due to controversy over Morrisett being able to stay on staff despite pleading guilty to assaulting his girlfriend in 2016. UT received backlash for determining that the case wouldn’t affect Morrisett’s abilities as an employee, and will have decided to better consider the implications of faculty criminal records on their employment.
Caitlin Wills has a full report for CMN.
Last But Not Least: Catch up on Two Great CMN Columns
Natalia Kolenko went Inside the Ivy yesterday, our regular look at what’s happening inside America’s most elite academic conference. You’ll learn something about polar bears.
And Rachel Blandau wrapped up The Week in White House Drama, which, as usual, was pretty dramatic. Amazingly, President Trump didn’t fire anyone last week.
This Morning Scoop was compiled from contributions by Natalia Kolenko, Rachael Blandau, Danielle Germain and
