Lynne Patton, the regional administrator for the federal housing department, on Friday defended her appearance at Michael Cohen's congressional hearing this week in defense of President Donald Trump — an appearance that ignited a heated discussion on racism.
Patton is no stranger to controversy, and she stepped — or stood up — right into one this week.
The longtime Trump staffer is now a leader in the Department of Housing and Urban Development for New York and New Jersey. But she said she went to Congress this week in a different capacity.
During the hearing, Republican North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows used Patton to illustrate that the president was not a racist like Cohen had alleged. She stood behind the congressman as he asked Cohen about Patton's history with the Trump family. Meadows said Patton did not think Trump was a racist. During the entire exchange, Patton did not say a word.
The scene sparked a firestorm all week. Critics charged Patton was being used as a prop. Some said it reeked of racism.
When Patton returned home, she sat down exclusively with NY1 to discuss the controversy.
She said attending the hearing was her decision. She disagreed she was being used, and reiterated that she was there to defend the president.
Patton said she notified the White House before her appearance.
That appearance has now been referred to the Office of the Special Counsel, which investigates whether public officials use their positions for political purposes. Patton said she has been referred to that office "16 times," and claims all of her actions were above board.
Watch my full interview with Patton above.