IG report puts 'Sharpiegate' in a new, relevant, u
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Posted On: 07/11/2020 2:12:09 PM
IG report puts 'Sharpiegate' in a new, relevant, unflattering light
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/ig-r...t-n1233491
New "Sharpiegate" evidence offers a case study in Team Trump prioritizing public-relations considerations over reality-based assessments from experts.
July 10, 2020, 4:09 PM EDT
By Steve Benen
snip//
An independent investigation conducted on the NOAA's behalf found that its leaders "violated codes of the agency's scientific integrity policy," which was hardly a surprising conclusion.
The Commerce Department's inspector general went further and shined a light on the White House's direct involvement in the mess. From the Washington Post's report:
According to the inspector general’s report -- which does not include redactions, not even for presidential privilege -- then-acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney instructed Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Sept. 5 to have the public record corrected in favor of the president, and Mulvaney and Ross were involved in the statement approval process.
Outraged that the National Weather Service had told the public the truth, Mulvaney wrote on Sept. 5 to the cabinet secretary, “As it currently stands, it appears as if the NWS intentionally contradicted the president. And we need to know why." Apparently in reference to the president, Mulvaney added, “He wants either a correction or an explanation or both."
snip//
But taking a step back, "Sharpiegate" also offers a case study in the White House prioritizing public-relations considerations over reality-based assessments from experts and government scientists.
We couldn't have known it at the time, but it was a precursor to Team Trump's handling of the coronavirus crisis that unfolded soon after.
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/ig-r...t-n1233491
New "Sharpiegate" evidence offers a case study in Team Trump prioritizing public-relations considerations over reality-based assessments from experts.
July 10, 2020, 4:09 PM EDT
By Steve Benen
snip//
An independent investigation conducted on the NOAA's behalf found that its leaders "violated codes of the agency's scientific integrity policy," which was hardly a surprising conclusion.
The Commerce Department's inspector general went further and shined a light on the White House's direct involvement in the mess. From the Washington Post's report:
According to the inspector general’s report -- which does not include redactions, not even for presidential privilege -- then-acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney instructed Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Sept. 5 to have the public record corrected in favor of the president, and Mulvaney and Ross were involved in the statement approval process.
Outraged that the National Weather Service had told the public the truth, Mulvaney wrote on Sept. 5 to the cabinet secretary, “As it currently stands, it appears as if the NWS intentionally contradicted the president. And we need to know why." Apparently in reference to the president, Mulvaney added, “He wants either a correction or an explanation or both."
snip//
But taking a step back, "Sharpiegate" also offers a case study in the White House prioritizing public-relations considerations over reality-based assessments from experts and government scientists.
We couldn't have known it at the time, but it was a precursor to Team Trump's handling of the coronavirus crisis that unfolded soon after.
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