The New York Times has obtained a 20-page Memo from the then Trump lawyers to Special Counsel Robert Mueller, indicating Trump “could not possibly” have committed Obstruction of Justice because he has unfettered authority over all federal investigations. His lawyers, Jay Sekulow and former attorney John Dowd, also asserted his ability to use Presidential pardon powers, even saying he has the power to “terminate the inquiry.” They also disputed the authority of the Special Counsel to subpoena records and to compel Trump to testify. In other words, the laws that apply to every other American, do not apply to Donald Trump. He has made the legal assertion that he is above the law!
Many of the points raised in the memo have already been decided by the Supreme Court. The United States v. Nixon decided a President can be compelled to turn over records. Clinton v. Jones showed a President can be forced to testify. Trump’s constant golf trips to Mar-a-Lago, show he’s just not that damn busy. The memo also verifies that Donald Trump himself dictated the famous Air Force One press release, lying about the Trump Tower meeting including Paul Manafort, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump, Jr.
This President has acted as if he were above the law his entire term. He failed to divest himself of business interests, flaunting his conflict of interest by his constant use of Trump properties to conduct government business. He has ignored ethics laws, security clearances, and many long-standing protocols. His Cabinet reflects the ethics of the man himself as they feed at the public trough. It’s time Trump learns that he too is governed by the law, he may even need an introduction to our penal system.
Trump’s memo suggests that no other witness can testify to the President’s intent when considering whether or not he obstructed justice. All the reason to drag him to court and question him under oath. Of course, there’s no reason to believe he won’t commit perjury? That’s another law he should become acquainted with. All the steps Trump’s legal team are taking seem to be in anticipation of Impeachment. It couldn’t happen to a more deserving guy!
