The White House counsel's office is reportedly in desperate need of staffers
Republicans close to the Trump administration told Politico on Monday that the White House counsel's office is woefully understaffed, and once Democrats take control of the House, the few people working there will have a difficult time dealing with subpoenas for documents.
There are about 25 lawyers now working in the office, down from a high of 35 and well below the 40 needed to deal with investigation requests, Politico reports. Democrats are expected to launch investigations into everything from President Trump's business dealings to his tax returns, and a former White House official said they "don't think anyone who is paying attention" believes the office is "prepared for a Democratic takeover."
Since former White House Counsel Don McGahn left in October, the office hasn't had a permanent leader, and Annie Donaldson, the deputy counsel, is expected to leave within a few weeks, Republicans with knowledge of the matter told Politico. McGahn's replacement, former Justice Department official Pat Cipollone, is still undergoing a background check.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
The holidays need an array of dishes. These 7 recipes to the delicious rescue.
The Week Recommends New Year's Eve, post-gathering brunch and a healthy vegetable contrast are all present.
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - November 26, 2024
Cartoons Tuesday's cartoons - Hong Kong, a big bird, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Methanol poisoning: how Laos horror happened
The Explainer Recent 'tainted-alcohol' deaths expose 'dangerous incentives driving backpacker-focused tourism'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Trump completes Cabinet selections
Speed Read The president-elect's latest picks include Scott Bessent and Lori Chavez-DeRemer
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Global court issues arrest warrant for Netanyahu
Speed Read The International Criminal Court issued warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who stand accused of war crimes
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Gaetz bows out, Trump pivots to Pam Bondi
Speed Read Gaetz withdrew from attorney generation consideration, making way for longtime Trump loyalist Pam Bondi
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
GOP's Mace seeks federal anti-trans bathroom ban
Speed Read Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina has introduced legislation to ban transgender people from using federal facilities
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Ukraine fires ATACMS, Russia ups hybrid war
Speed Read Ukraine shot U.S.-provided long-range missiles and Russia threatened retaliation
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
New York DA floats 4-year Trump sentencing freeze
Speed Read President-elect Donald Trump's sentencing is on hold, and his lawyers are pushing to dismiss the case while he's in office
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Wyoming judge strikes down abortion, pill bans
Speed Read The judge said the laws — one of which was a first-in-the-nation prohibition on the use of medication to end pregnancy — violated the state's constitution
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US sanctions Israeli West Bank settler group
Speed Read The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on Amana, Israel's largest settlement development organization
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published