specifically on the allegations but they are doubling down on the president's right to do this. but that doesn't answer any of these questions about what exactly is in kushner's background and why the president did this, specifically for his son-in-law, for a family member. there are some questions being raised already about the concerns about nepotism that have dogged this white house from the very beginning, john. >> and why he said -- you're right, he has the power. why did he say he had nothing to do with it? abby phillip, i appreciate you live with me in the studio. olivia knox with sirius xm, manu raju with the nocnn. the president says, it's my decision, boom, but why lie about it? >> why distance himself from the potential repercussions of doing it, is that what you mean?