5/3/2018

LEGAL/MEDIA/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT/TRUMP PEOPLE/WOMEN: “Rudy Giuliani’s cable rollout as a member of President Donald Trump’s legal team, and the torrent of statements he made Wednesday [5-2-18] night, caught many in the White House offguard and flat-footed, highlighting the continued chaotic nature of the President’s communications strategy. Giuliani told CNN Thursday [5-3-18] he and Trump are in sync…The former New York City mayor said he spoke to Trump before and after his explosive announcement on Fox News Wednesday [5-2-18] night when he said the President had reimbursed his attorney Michael Cohen for the $130,000 payment to the porn actress Stormy Daniels…Several White House officials were also taken aback by Giuliani’s dramatic interview Wednesday night. One White House aide said Giuliani’s interview ‘stunned and shocked’ communications staff, most of whom weren’t expecting it. One White House official remarked that Giuliani undermined the administration’s entire defense strategy when it came to not just Daniels, but also former FBI Director James Comey and the special counsel, all in the span of a single interview…Two White House officials told CNN managing the situation is now out of their control, with several others pointing to how Giuliani and Trump have their own conversations before Giuliani goes on cable news, further proving that the President is his own communications director.”

-Dana Bash and Kaitlan Collins, “Trump, Giuliani strategizing leaves White House in the dark,” CNN Politics, CNN.com, May 3, 2018 1:37 pm