May 7, 2019 - Politics & Policy

Ex-Melania Trump aide denies firing, inaugural profiting claims: NYT

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Melania Trump and Donald Trump at a 2008 event.

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Melania Trump and Donald Trump. File photo: Billy Farrell/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

First lady Melania Trump's former adviser Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, who worked on the president's inaugural committee, denied to The New York Times Monday suggestions she was was fired for profiting from her role.

Why it matters: Wolkoff, who's speaking to federal prosecutors about donations to President Trump's committee, was for the first time addressing claims her firm, WIS Media Partners, received $26 million for its inaugural work. A House panel has sought to question her about the issue. She's the latest former aide to speak out against the administration.

Was I fired? No. Did I personally receive $26 million or $1.6 million? No, Was I thrown under the bus? Yes."
— Stephanie Winston Wolkoff's statement to The New York Times

The big picture: The Southern District of Manhattan is investigating the inaugural committee's management of funds. Similar subpoenas were also issued in February by New Jersey’s attorney general and federal prosecutors in the District of Columbia.

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