White House Wouldn't Order Secret Service Testimony
New documents reveal more about the privilege dispute
WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, May 20) -- The Clinton White House rejected a request by Whitewater prosecutor Ken Starr that the president order Secret Service personnel to testify before the Monica Lewinsky grand jury.
Newly released court documents show that on April 28, Starr asked Clinton to step in, citing the president's public comments that he wanted to cooperate with the probe.
But White House Counsel Charles Ruff turned back the request in a May 11 letter.
"I will not advise the president to override the judgment of
those whose mission it is to protect him," Ruff wrote. The White House released Ruff's response after the newly unsealed court papers revealed Starr's request.
The grand jury is looking into reports that Clinton had a sexual relationship with Lewinsky, a former White House intern, and encouraged her to lie about it under oath. Clinton has denied both accusations.
The Secret Service has resisted Starr's effort to compel three of its staff to testify, saying it would erode the relationship agents need to be near the president and protect him.
A decision is pending in the dispute.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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