ON POLITICS

5 highlights from Corey Lewandowski's CNN interview

David Jackson
USA TODAY
Corey Lewandowski

Corey Lewandowski, who was dismissed from the Trump campaign on Monday, discussed the news in a CNN interview later in the day. During the appearance, the ex-Trump campaign manager offered some responses that, at times, strained credulity.

Here are five highlights:

1. Lewandowski could not say why he was fired: "I don't know. I don't know the answer to that."

Hard to believe; there have been news reports for weeks about campaign in-fighting, and Trump informed Lewandowski Monday morning.

2. Lewandoski disputed reports that security escorted him out of Trump Tower.

The ex-campaign manager said "protocols" are in place for people leaving Trump's employ, and that he left with "a friend from the office."

3. Lewandowski said he has no regrets "professionally," and "I have no regrets as it comes to this campaign."

He helped guide Trump — a novice politician who has never held public office — to the Republican presidential nomination, an historic achievement. It's difficult to imagine he wouldn't want to stick around for the last four-and-a-half months.

4. Lewandowski said "I've always had a great relationship with the (Trump) family."

Associates familiar with the campaign said Trump's children pushed the idea of Lewandowski's dismissal.

5. Lewandowski told CNN, "I'm a very intense person."

No one will dispute this self-assessment.