ProPublica late Tuesday introduced a new wrinkle to the legal and political controversies surrounding President Donald Trump: Does the president's personal lawyer have a history of excessive drinking that could undermine his ability to represent his client effectively?

The ProPublica story, by Justin Elliott and Jesse Eisinger, reports that Marc Kasowitz sought treatment for alcohol abuse at a rehabilitation facility in Florida almost two years ago. It also describes an account of Kasowitz “dirty dancing” with a Palm West Side restaurant hostess at the firm's holiday party in 2013, and receiving two black eyes at a restaurant the same night the woman assaulted another woman.

The story suggests that Kasowitz's history could make it difficult for him to gain a security clearance in connection with his work for Trump. But a representative for Kasowitz responded on Wednesday with several flat denials.