News
The Trump-Russia investigation thickens with a new name. On Wednesday, The New York Times dropped what could possibly be a big lead in the investigation: Mark Corallo, President Trump's former legal spokesman, is expected to tell special counsel Robert Mueller that Trump adviser Hope Hicks allegedly concealed incriminating emails from Donald Trump Jr. about that mysterious 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer. Corallo's account reportedly details a previously undisclosed conference call in which Hicks reportedly promised that Trump Jr.'s emails "will never get out."
If Corallo's reported story is true, then Hicks could face legal repercussions for obstructing justice. Robert P. Trout, a lawyer representing Hicks, denied the claims, which came through various sources to The New York Times.
As most reporters know, it's not my practice to comment in response to questions from the media. But this warrants a response. She never said that. And the idea that Hope Hicks ever suggested that emails or other documents would be concealed or destroyed is completely false.
The New York Times' Jo Becker, Mark Mazzetti, Matt Apuzzo, and Maggie Haberman went on to explain Corallo's concerns:
[Corallo] told colleagues that he was alarmed not only by what Ms. Hicks had said — either she was being naive or was suggesting that the emails could be withheld from investigators — but also that she had said it in front of the president without a lawyer on the phone and that the conversation could not be protected by attorney-client privilege.
People following the Trump-Russia investigation are now speculating that Mueller will target Hicks next, and under pressure, Hicks will ultimately betray Trump to protect herself. Here's what some Twitter users say:
One Way Out
Should the justice system find Hicks guilty of obstructing justice, she could face a prison sentence unless her lawyer can help her strike a plea deal.
Flipping On Trump
If Hicks does decide to admit what she knows, she won't be the first White House staffer (or former staffer) to spill on Trump.
Mueller has reportedly sent Steve Bannon, the former White House chief strategist, a subpoena and prosecutors are expected to interview Bannon at an unknown date.
A Turning Tide
Some tweets suggest that a Hicks tell-all will spell the end of Trump.
Who Is Mark Corallo?
Corallo left his job as spokesperson for the White House legal team in the summer reportedly over a statement drafted by President Trump aboard Air Force One. The reported statement concerned the June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between Russians and three top members of the Trump campaign: his eldest son Donald Trump Jr., his son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner, and then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort.
The group of Russians reportedly promised opposition research about Hillary Clinton, but Trump Jr. denied the collusion occurred. Regarding the the emails with a publicist who set up the meeting, Trump Jr. said:
I had no way to gauge the reliability, credibility or accuracy of any of the things he was saying.
Likelihood Trump Will Be Impeached
Depending on what Mueller's Russia probe concludes, Trump could face the possibility of impeachment.
Hope Hicks, Thrust In The Public Eye
Trump's 28-year-old communications adviser replaced the former communications director Anthony Scaramucci as an interim figure. But unlike The Mooch, Hicks is much more private — she says little to the press, stays off television, and doesn't appear to be on Twitter.
Trump Might Not Stand Up For Her
As indicated with his falling out with Bannon and other former White House staffers, Trump isn't afraid to ditch those that no longer serve a helpful purpose to him. Trump is all about loyalty and which people in the Mueller investigation are on his team.
Possible Prison Sentence
Some expressed sympathy for Hicks, a young millennial woman who might be facing the end of her political career. Others pointed out that she's an adult who knew what she was getting into when she signed up for the Trump team.
Cards Stacked Against Her
Hicks has the choice between staying "loyal" to Trump or cooperating with Mueller, should he come for her. And some people think the decision is clear. Considering how private Hicks has been in the past, it'll be downright fascinating to watch this scenario unfold.
