escalated to the president. the timing of kelly's departure comes as more struggles engulf the white house. cnn is suing, saying they violated the constitutional rights of the network and correspondent jim acosta and trump's pick to temporarily leave the justice department is facing a lawsuit. maryland suing saying the president is bypassing the constitutional and statutory requirements for appointing someone to fill that office. all of that would be enough to mount for a tough day for the white house but there's more. special counsel mueller is indicting his investigation. let's start with kristen welker, who is here with me in studio. what a great. >> great to be here in person. >> what's bubbling to the top in the west wing? >> we spoke to seven officials, team of reporters, myself, carrie lee, ali jackson, and