The Trump administration faces daily media coverage focused on so-called “palace intrigue” — speculation over personnel and the president’s management of his staff. Leaks from staffers prompt media speculation over which key players are currently in the president’s favor or relegated to the fringe.

Trump’s management style is often blamed for unrest among his staff, allegedly pitting competing factions against one another. Though James Comey did not work in the White House, his testimony on Thursday before the Senate Intelligence Committee provided an unusually detailed and candid glimpse into that management style.