A story appears in The Washington Post claiming that the National Security Adviser, Michael Flynn had discussed sanctions against Russia with the Russian Ambassador before Trump assumed office. Before the appearance of the story, Flynn had been defending himself by denying such allegations (Woodward 80). Priebus tells Trump that Flynn has to go, and he tells the public that Flynn lied to the Vice President. Later, Flynn expresses his guilt, claiming that he accepts full responsibility for his actions with an agreement to cooperate (Woodward 81

Priebus’ West Wing office receives a team of senior intelligence officials who have come to make them aware of individuals who may seek to influence them in a negative way. After the meeting, Deputy Director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe, asks for a private meeting with Priebus (Woodward 83). McCabe’s aim is to help the President’s office shut down the story about the Russian entanglement. This news makes Priebus happy and he immediately goes to inform Trump. However, McCabe never comes through and a week later, CNN reports that the President’s office tried to stop the story, but the FBI refused to help (Woodward 84). Nevertheless, Comey states under oath that the story was not true four months later.