Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli and Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau clash over chains of command in emails featuring leak accusations and defamation threats

Politico reports that Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy at the State Department and a personal friend of President Donald Trump, and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau have been caught in a prolonged email dispute over chains of command. The exchanges include accusations of leaks to the media and threats of defamation described as bizarre in the report.

The emails span almost a year, and some message chains included more than 16 administration officials, according to Politico. Landau admonished Zampolli to stay within his remit on cultural issues.

The dispute later devolved into bitter arguments and unproven allegations. At least once, it spilled into communications with a top foreign official, offering a glimpse into delicate back-channeling at the State Department.