Politics

Trump's Top Aide Repeated a Massive Lie

December 4th 2016

President-elect Donald Trump's proposed chief of staff, former GOP Chairman Reince Priebus, repeated one of Trump's most egregious falsehoods Sunday in an interview on CBS' "Face the Nation," confirming the worst fears of anyone worried that Trump will surround himself with sycophants who are afraid to question or critique him.

Host John Dickerson asked about Trump's unfounded assertion that millions of people voted illegally during the election, to which Priebus responded: It was "possible."

"There are estimates on that all over the map," Priebus said before admitting that "no one knows."

"When you're president, can you just offer a theory that has no evidence behind it, or does he have to tighten up his standards of proof?" Dickerson asked.

Priebus responded that Trump had done a "great job."

Many on both sides of the aisle have argued that Trump's unfounded assertion undermines faith in the United States' political system.

Priebus perpetuated Trump's unsubstantiated claim of massive voter fraud.

Not surprisingly, Priebus called it a "hypocritical joke" when the campaign of Trump's Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, joined a recount effort in Wisconsin started by Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein.

Trump originally blasted efforts to do a recount the day before he claimed the election's sanctity had been violated by millions.

Why is it important for Priebus to stand up to Trump?

As chief of staff, Priebus will likely control who is able to advise the president and what information gets through to him.

Priebus will be one of the most consistent points of contact for the president as he makes important decisions. His candor with Trump will amount to more than just political integrity or consistency: It may just save lives.

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