LEGAL/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT/TRUMP PEOPLE: “President Donald Trump and his allies are debating the value of political loyalty versus legal credentials in their search for a new White House counsel, a crucial decision ahead of a potential onslaught of congressional scrutiny following the midterm elections. Trump is ‘counting down the days’ until the departure of his current lead White House lawyer, Don McGahn, with whom he has clashed, according to a former White House official. The longtime Trump legal adviser is set to leave upon the expected Senate confirmation later this month of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. But Trump has not settled on a successor. The obvious candidate is Emmet Flood, an elite Washington lawyer respected by members of both parties for his expertise in handling Capitol Hill scrutiny and someone who could help stock the depleted ranks of the counsel’s office with top legal talent. Four sources close to the White House, including two former administration officials, said they believe Flood will get the job. Still, some members of the president’s inner circle — including his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are urging Trump to consider a more reliable political loyalist, even if that means settling for a lawyer with a less formidable reputation in Washington legal circles.”
–Darren Samuelsohn, “Trump’s search for a top scandal fighter pits resume against loyalty,” Politico, September 14, 2018 5:02 am