under scrutiny by house democrats for potential perjury. today, a doj spokesperson said he stands by his testimony. trump is standing by him. >> a very, very straight shooter. i watched him during the hearing, some of it. i thought he was exceptional. >> reporter: since trump told advisors rod rosenstein assured him the cohen investigation had nothing to do with him, "the new york times" reports he has since wondered if rosenstein was deliberately misleading him to keep him calm. the extensive report is also claiming trump told advisers in february 2017 they should say he asked for michael flynn's resignation because, quote, that sounds better. pressed by spicer if it was true, trump reportedly responded, say that, say that i asked for his resignation. according to "the times" lawyers were so concerned about what spicer said from the podium that they compiled an entire memo laying out his misstatements.