Politics | Troopergate Office Records Contradict Palin's Troopergate Claims 'Unauthorized' trip by 'rogue' commissioner was OK'd by governor's office By Rob Quinn Posted Sep 20, 2008 6:02 AM CDT Copied Sarah Palin addresses supporters during a town hall meeting in Grand Rapids, Mich., Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) Gov. Sarah Palin's office actually approved a trip to Washington that her lawyers have been offering as evidence of the "rogue mentality" for which her public safety chief was fired, reports ABC News. Documents show that Palin’s chief of staff signed off on Walt Monegan's trip "to attend meeting with Sen. Murkowski"—a trip Palin says was an unsanctioned lobbying effort to fund a sexual violence prevention program, and her lawyer described as the "last straw" that led to his firing. A Palin aide tells ABC the travel was approved before the purpose of the trip was known. "When you receive permission to travel, it does not mean that you receive blanket authorization to discuss or do whatever you would like on that trip," he said. Monegan has confirmed that the trip was to seek funding for the program, and suggested there had been a breakdown of communication among Palin's staff. Read These Next A Delta flight got wild with an allegedly unruly passenger. FBI parts ways with the ADL over Turning Point USA controversy. Mark Sanchez hospitalized after stabbing. Judge gives Combs prison. Report an error