Discussions among a group of lawyers with allegiance to the president were closely held. Some senior White House officials were said to have felt blindsided as the agreement took shape.

© Jason Andrew for The New York Times

Her remarks, delivered during a closed-door interview before the House Oversight Committee, were a candid admission of her own powerlessness.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

The Justice Department is said to be examining the funding of lawsuits brought by E. Jean Carroll, an author who has never sought a public role, political power or governmental authority.

© Dave Sanders for The New York Times