We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve thought “you can’t write this stuff” in recent months. Our latest WTF moment comes from Donald Trump (who else) – and more specifically his law firm.
When Trump gave his first press conference of 2017, the spotlight was immediately on the law firm that he wheeled out to represent him, Morgan Lewis.
First, a bit of background. Trump has seemingly been trying to distance himself from Russia recently – while he says Vladimir Putin liking him is an “asset”, he added: “I have no dealings with Russia. I have no deals that could happen in Russia, because we’ve stayed away. And I have no loans with Russia.”
A lawyer from Morgan Lewis, Sheri Dillon, then took the stage to talk about Trump’s business dealings.
Russia has never tried to use leverage over me. I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH RUSSIA – NO DEALS, NO LOANS, NO NOTHING!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2017
This is what makes it perhaps a little bit awkward that people soon realised that Morgan Lewis was named the “Russia Law Firm of the Year” by Chamber & Partners’ 2016 Chambers Europe guide. Big congrats to Morgan Lewis! While this award doesn’t actually reveal anything about Trump’s dealings in Russia, it certainly is an interesting addition to the tale.2016 saw a lot of crazy stuff, but people were really struggling to wrap their heads around this one.
Sherri Dillon, atty @ Trump news conf works 4 Morgan Lewis — Russia Law Firm of the Yr in May 2016.
Can't make this stuff up. Insanity.
— nicki.callen (@ncstammer) January 11, 2017
Seriously? Morgan Lewis Law firm, Trump's firm at press conf today, was named Russia's Law Firm of the Year 2016? Is that true? @TCBGP
— Rita Solnet (@ritacolleen) January 12, 2017
@ananavarro @VanJones68 Morgan Lewis front and center today at Trump presser: 2016 Russian Law Firm of the Year. No joke.
— Lita Schmitt (@LitaWords) January 11, 2017
Other people are more cynical with their reaction to this particular piece of news.
So, just a coincidence Trump hired Morgan Lewis, Russia Law Firm of the Year, 2016? #TrumpPressConference
— Christine Musser (@feltartistic) January 11, 2017
@TUSK81 @ChambersGuides @MorganLewisLaw pic.twitter.com/KJteqwu1bC
— Young Black God (@KILLAPAM) January 11, 2017
Trump: “I have nothing to do with Russia”
*hands mic to lawyer of a Russian law firm* https://t.co/eMhIfeYE4v
— Lee ?rake (@BLeeDrake) January 11, 2017
Whereas others are being a little more level-headed about it all, pointing out that Morgan Lewis is actually an international firm.
@TUSK81 Does this necessarily mean anything significant? ML&B is a global law firm with offices all over the world pic.twitter.com/L4OtDA6g76
— – (@PacificChorus) January 11, 2017
@TUSK81 @TheRickWilson Before you go off spreading more #FakeNews, 30secs research will tell you the firm is World wide. LOL pic.twitter.com/hg6yEMpXQc
— gab.ai/hannibalmoot (@hannibalmoot) January 11, 2017
