The apparent plot to #MeToo Robert Mueller by pro-Trump conservatives seems clownishly inept

Jacob Wohl has some explaining to do
(Image credit: Screenshot/YouTube/MSNBC)

On Tuesday, Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office announced that it asked the FBI to investigate an apparent plot to pay women to falsely accuse Mueller of sexual misconduct, but it turns out, that's probably the most boring part of the story. Several reporters — yes, even #MeToo juggernaut Ronan Farrow — were tipped off to the story over the past few weeks by a woman, "Lorraine Parsons," who nobody can confirm actually exists, though a second woman, Vermont law professor Jennifer Taub, said Tuesday that she was offered compensation by a firm called Surefire Intelligence for stories about Mueller, whom she says she has never met.

Earlier Tuesday, at least two conservative personalities known for spreading conspiracy theories — GOP lobbyist Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl, a Gateway Pundit writer most famous for consistently responding first to President Trump's tweets — had promoted a coming story about Mueller and sexual misconduct. Burkman told The Daily Beast he will "prove that [Mueller] is a drunk and a sexual abuser" but denied paying anyone for information.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.