In conversations with multiple advisers, conducted on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, officials described to CNN a sense of dejection within the West Wing ranks, where most aides were caught off guard by Trump’s decision and had little ability to develop a cogent response. Even Vice President Mike Pence, who found his public statements again undercut by Trump himself, was “a little rattled” at the events of the week, according to an administration adviser.
Through it all, Trump has remained largely out of sight, not leaving the White House once since he returned late Sunday night. He grew increasingly isolated and agitated, associates tell CNN, going a full week without hearing the applause and adulation that often brightens his mood…
Trump, in both individual meetings and larger sessions, personally worked to bolster his staff’s plummeting morale after rampant criticism of their inability to cast his firing of Comey in a positive light.
But the scars were still apparent, with one White House official asking: “Do you think we’re liars?”
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