Presidential Request Quotes
Fleischer had asked that the White House be given advance notice of any stories the New York Times might be covering in the future dealing with national security. As outlandish as this request may seem given the first amendment, it is a good illustration of the level of concern and panic of the George W. Bush White House who saw the situation as so fearful that that they initiated many constitutionally questionable practices. See {642527} for Fleischer’s request. New York Times has had a practice over the years of holding stories then they were persuaded that damage to the nation or to individuals would ensue as the result of publication at that time. However, the government has at times abused this policy as in the Pentagon Papers Case.
FBI Director James Comey had testified that in his single one-on-one meeting with President Donald Trump, the President told him to cease the FBI investigation of his National Security Director. Trump however claimed that he was not giving Comy an order or instruction but was just making an informal suggestion. Trump then fired Comey who did not terminate the investigation and the National Security Director was found to have committed several felonies and turned states evidence and then pled guilty to one. Some accused President trump of trying to obstruct justice but the President claimed that he had just made a suggestion to Director Comey and he fired him for other reasons.
