The New York Times has an article today on Trump’s personal lawyer Marc Kasowitz starting to organize his defense in the White House. In particular, this bit sticks out:
His visits to the White House have raised questions about the blurry line between public and private interests for a president facing legal issues. Mr. Kasowitz in recent days has advised White House aides to discuss the inquiry into Russia’s interference in last year’s election as little as possible, two people involved said. He told aides gathered in one meeting who had asked whether it was time to hire private lawyers that it was not yet necessary, according to another person with direct knowledge.
(emphasis mine)
This, if true, is grossly unethical. Kasowitz represents Trump personally. He doesn’t represent the administration, and he especially doesn’t represent anyone who works there. Yet he is apparently giving them legal advice. Even worse, he’s giving them really bad legal advice. As far as I can see, he’s deliberately disadvantaging them relative to his own client by giving them deliberately bad legal advice.
He should be disbarred for this. And anyone he’s giving that advice to needs to very carefully consider the source and what interests he represents.