By Kevin Breuninger
CNBC
October 9, 2019
A source familiar with the situation noted that Gowdy representing the president would pose a conflict of interest with his role as a Fox contributor. Gowdy’s agent waited to confirm the job change, the source told CNBC, which is why Fox revealed that he is no longer a contributor prior to an official announcement about his new role as Trump’s counsel.
Multiple outlets, including Fox, reported this week that Gowdy was hired to serve as outside counsel to Trump. The White House did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request to confirm that Gowdy was hired as Trump’s outside counsel. Gowdy did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
As Trump reportedly beefs up his outside legal team, White House counsel Pat Cipollone sent a shot across the bow to Democrats leading the impeachment inquiry, declaring in a defiant letter that the Trump administration will not cooperate with the congressional probe.