This little gem deserves more attention.
Some of President Trump’s lawyers are exploring ways to limit or undercut special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s Russia investigation, building a case against what they allege are his conflicts of interest and discussing the president’s authority to grant pardons, according to people familiar with the effort.
Trump has asked his advisers about his power to pardon aides, family members and even himself in connection with the probe, according to one of those people. A second person said Trump’s lawyers have been discussing the president’s pardoning powers among themselves.
One adviser said the president has simply expressed a curiosity in understanding the reach of his pardoning authority, as well as the limits of Mueller’s investigation.
“This is not in the context of, ‘I can’t wait to pardon myself,’ ” a close adviser said.
LOL! Of course it’s in the context of, I can’t wait to pardon myself, because the idea that Trump has simply expressed curiosity in understanding the reach of his pardoning authority is laughable. When has Trump ever displayed intellectual curiosity? To simply learn about something for the sake of learning? To pay attention to a single thing that didn’t affect him personally?
Trump’s tax returns must be explosively damaging. Does Mueller already have them? I get the feeling that Mueller’s investigations is miles ahead of Team Trump. Which explains why Trump and Co. (*cough* Don Jr. *cough*) are constantly lying and being caught lying. If Donald Trump were smart (he’s not) he’d not only shut up (he can’t) but he’d proceed under the assumption that Mueller knows everything.
Of course, he’ll fire Mueller if he can, just like he’ll pardon himself if necessary.
Imagine if Trump and everyone surrounding him was remotely competent? Now there’s a truly frightening thought.
Quick question! Mr. Pandora (yes, he’s not thrilled with that title!) and I were discussing the pardoning procedure. If Trump were to pardon himself (or others) does he have to be specific as to what the pardon is addressing? I mean, he can’t just say, “I’m pardoning myself for whatever I did in the last twenty years”, can he? Would a pardon be accompanied by an admission of illegal activities?
Well, in order for a pardon to be considered, an application for pardon has to be submitted and the application undoubtedly requires a listing of the offenses which the petitioner is requesting pardon for… So, were they to follow procedure and law (they won’t), Trump & Friends would have to specify what they’re pardoning themselves for…
(Note: Law is not my field… I didn’t even stay at a Holiday Inn Express… Just going by/guessing by what I read on the justice.gov site regarding presidential clemency)
criminal acts he “has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from …” Was the wording of Foed’s pardon of Nixon.
We were discussing Ford’s pardoning of Nixon this morning – which pretty much said, “Yeah, he’s guilty, but he’s gone and there’s no need to put a FORMER President on trial.” This sounds like Trump would pardon himself and remain President. This also sounds like the example you cited about the judge below. I don’t see how Trump accomplishes this.
I guess he could pardon himself and his family and then resign, but pardon himself and remain as President. That’s quite a stretch, even for him.
anything close to “no, not even trump would sink THAT low or be THAT blatant” almost guarantees he’ll do the thing. I would honestly like to see him try.
True.
Trump is such a jerk, he probably won’t pardon Spicer just to spite him.
LOL! You’re probably right!
I read some stuff this morning that questions whether or not he can pardon himself. The equivalency was could a judge preside over a case in which he was the accused. Clearly no.
Credit where it’s due. This is the best white-knuckle reality show ever.
spicer quits
Boom!
Recently Putin offered Comey asylum . . . wondering if that was for Trump’s benefit . . . letting us know Trump can go there too.
As noted by Alby it’s one hell of a show, perhaps more like a dance with death, but riveting none the less. Note there’s no let up with Trump skewering himself with insane tweets and statements on a daily basis, and that the leakage goes on, not that it’s needed since Trump is about a gusher himself.