I took a close look at Richard Burr's "defense" in the insider-trading scandal.

His defense *indicts Trump.*

Burr cites a Trump/admin briefing supposedly showing officials warning the public. It actually shows them *downplaying* the threat!

New piece: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/03/20/three-big-takeaways-stunning-gop-stock-selling-revelations/

Here's the key point.

This scandal goes far beyond just the stock sales.

It opens up a vast new line of inquiry:

What were lawmakers privately told by Trump officials about just how bad this was going to get?

And when were they told it?

More here:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/03/20/three-big-takeaways-stunning-gop-stock-selling-revelations/

And one more really important angle here:

This scandal dramatically illustrates the need for new reforms.

Progressives have long pushed for a ban on members of congress owning stock.

This Richard Burr scandal shows why:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/03/20/three-big-takeaways-stunning-gop-stock-selling-revelations/