White House aides angry after negative stories on spending by HUD, Carson: report

Senior aides at the White House are reportedly “furious” after a number of stories were published regarding spending by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

CNN, citing sources with knowledge of the situation, reported that White House aides are seeking to stop the negative news stories about the department and Secretary Ben Carson.

A source told CNN that White House aides want to better shape the response to the stories.

{mosads}According to the network, President Trump has not yet made comments about the HUD reports.

HUD staff member Helen Foster claimed she was replaced in her role because she refused to find a way around a $5,000 limit for redecorating Carson’s office.

The New York Times also reported earlier this week that HUD spent $31,000 last year on a new dining room set, which included a custom hardwood table, chairs and a hutch.

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) announced on Wednesday that his committee is probing whether HUD and Carson used “excessive spending” on redecorating his office. 

Gowdy asked Carson to turn over all communications related to Foster, as well as documents and communications related to the redecoration of his office.