Adding to the perplexing nature of Hicks’s remarks was the fact that the e-mails had already been sent to Capitol Hill as part of Congress’s own investigation, meaning that Don Jr.’s damning messages had passed through several sets of hands. Corallo, who previously served under Attorney General John Ashcroft, reportedly got off the phone, advised Trump to continue the discussion with lawyers present, took notes about the call, and told then-chief strategist Steve Bannon what had happened. (According to the Michael Wolff book Fire and Fury, Bannon lost his temper with Hicks after the meeting, telling her that she should get a lawyer and adding, “You don’t know how much trouble you are in . . . you are as dumb as a stone!”)

In an unusual move, a lawyer for Hicks told the Times that Corallo’s account was inaccurate: “She never said that. And the idea that Hope Hicks ever suggested that e-mails or other documents would be concealed or destroyed is completely false.” Nevertheless, the episode opens up a new avenue of inquiry for Mueller’s team, particularly if Hicks’s remark could indicate knowledge of or intent to obstruct justice. It also raises questions as to what she may have told the Mueller team during her previous interviews; Corallo’s account could indicate that she—and perhaps the people closest to Trump—are in more trouble than they anticipated.