From Hutchinson’s perspective, Mark Meadows continued to be paranoid and suspicious about leaks and was now actively trying to replace Eric Ueland as OLA director, a decision she disagreed with. Meanwhile, the president was easily annoyed by people who disagreed with him, so Hutchinson and Meadows ensured that his lunches and retreats were attended by House members he “got along with” (101). Hutchinson recalls one “chaotic” roundtable meeting that was observed by the press in which the president revealed that someone in his inner circle had tested positive for COVID-19, then passed out snacks to the House members in attendance who were “unconcerned with pandemic protocols in the COVID-infected White House” (103). The president continued to consult Hutchinson on a variety of matters. She told him to not wear a COVID mask because his makeup bronzer was visible on the white straps; he agreed and did not wear one, an approach many Americans emulated.

Hutchinson recalls becoming closer with Kevin McCarthy, who helped her during another awkward encounter with Matt Gaetz at Camp David. When Gaetz insisted that an uncomfortable Hutchinson walk him to his cabin, McCarthy told him to leave and shut the door.