Grade 2 of 5: Major Abuse of Power
Sharpiegate: Trump Altered Official Hurricane Map with Sharpie, Pressured NOAA Scientists
Trump's September 1 tweet falsely included Alabama in Hurricane Dorian's path. The National Weather Service in Birmingham, Alabama, issued a correction saying Alabama was not at risk. Trump then displayed an Oval Office map showing the altered cone reaching into Alabama. Multiple officials at NOAA described feeling pressured not to contradict the president. The New York Times reported that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross threatened firings if the contradiction was not resolved; the Commerce Department denied that Ross threatened to fire any NOAA staff. An unsigned statement supporting Trump's position was issued by NOAA over scientists' objections. A formal Inspector General investigation was opened.