WASHINGTON—A top White House official for the first time linked President Trump’s decision to hold up aid to Ukraine to his desire for Kyiv to probe a Democratic National Committee server related to the 2016 election, then hours later issued a statement contradicting his own remarks.
The initial comments at a White House briefing by acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney caused alarm among senior White House aides and the president’s legal team. Mr. Trump has repeatedly denied there was any quid pro quo related to the aid. Late Thursday afternoon, Mr. Mulvaney issued a statement, reviewed by Mr. Trump, reversing his remarks and saying there was no connection.
WHATISAIDWASNOTWHATISAID (October 17)
What part of absolute do you not understand?
What Donnie does is the law of the land.
God put him in office (we all agree)
so he could rule over us by decree.
If Congress and Courts do not go along. . .
well, let's just say, that won't be for long.
We do still insist this is a democracy.
You got a problem with this hypocrisy?
Were I in your place, I would not let that be known,
I would keep my head low and bow down to the throne.
Winner take all is how we play the game,
and you suckers lost. Ain't that a shame?
(And, please, gracious leader, do not have me shot
or say I'm a “great guy” and you “like me a lot”.
We know every time you utter those words,
the “great guy” gets gone. Just like the Kurds.)
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