The Atlantic

Trump Proves Indefensible

John Dowd is the president’s second personal lawyer to leave the job and it’s the second major change to his legal team this week.
Source: Brendan McDermid / Reuters

Updated on March 22 at 1:15 p.m.

John Dowd announced he will depart his position as President Trump’s lead personal lawyer in the Russia investigation, the second person to leave that job in less than a year.

Dowd announced his exit late Thursday morning. The specifics of the decision remain obscure—described it, somewhat paradoxically, as “”—but the departure comes amid rising frustration from the president with his legal team and frustration from the legal team over Trump’s refusal to follow advice. Dowd had been a particularly strong voice arguing against Trump testifying to Special Counsel Robert he spoke for the president, then later insisting he spoke only for himself.

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