Deaver’s Critics Jealous, Reagan Says
President Reagan on Wednesday defended the private lobbying activities of Michael K. Deaver, his former deputy chief of staff and longtime confidant, and suggested that some critics might be jealous of Deaver’s success.
Reagan told his news conference that he is “distressed” by criticism of Deaver, who left his White House post last May to become a highly paid political consultant and lobbyist representing U.S. companies and some foreign countries who have business with the government.
Asserting that he has “utmost faith” in Deaver’s integrity, Reagan said: “I have to tell you that Mike has never put the arm on me . . . since he has been out of government. He has never sought anything from me.”
Deaver has become controversial, the President suggested, because “he has been darn successful and deservedly so.”
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