Will Mueller and his "agents" put Trump under oath prior to the interview? Will Mueller and his "agents" record the interview? Will Mueller and his "agents" take notes? Will Mueller have those notes and or any memo's produced from the interview proofread by Peter Strzok? Goose meet gander!
The trouble with dotard telling the truth is that he has no concept of the truth.
4
State prosecutors should be sharpening their pencils. Money laundering is a state crime.
5
Trump tp Mueller, "Bob, I politely decline your invitation to be interviewed by you as part of your probe into Russian collusion. I have already said everything that I need to say on that subject. There is no collusion and you know it. Drop the mike. I
Mueller wont subpoena POTUS. He has nothing.
2
State prosecutors need to get up to speed. The Trump WH and Trump Campaign are unable to be protected by presidential pardons for state criminal activity. Money laundering?
4
Mueller should ask Trump if he ever committed adultery. They asked Bill Clinton
about his sex life. (Why? What business of it was anyone's?)
So turnabout is fair. (If we must know about a President's private life, we should question a Republican just as much as a Democrat).
Especially if Russians were involved. They have a history of kompromat (blackmail), which may be especially relevant to this investigation.
9
It is a basic right of the American system that no person may be compelled to testify against himself in a criminal case.
The old phrase, beloved of right-winger demagogues, "if you have nothing to hide..." is like claiming we should eliminate our precious freedom of speech because one has nothing to say.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
2
The only old man trying to stay out of jail in this entire episode is Mueller.
With Congress turning up the heat on Mueller, it would make sense they know there is a DOJ investigation going on that will roast Rosenstein and Mueller.
Those two are poster children for "give 'em enough rope."
5
Mueller must recuse himself if his investigation delves in any way into Comey. The relationship these two have will cast debilitating doubt on any attempt by Mueller to bring obstruction of justice charges. Mueller also has huge problems with the Constitution when it comes to the Chief Executive instructing an employee of his with respect to investigations into third parties such as Flynn.
2
Fortunately, Comey is not a target of this investigation. Why would he be, here in the real world?
14
It may have seemed like an interminably long wait, but the countdown has finally begun for Mike and Karen Sue to assume their new roles.
3
The American public deserves to hear Trump testify. If he doesn't have anything to hide, it should not be any issue for him, right?
19
[Ed Koch] endorsed this assessment of Mr. Trump’s credibility and integrity that was rendered by a former deputy mayor, Alair Townsend: “I wouldn’t believe Donald Trump if his tongue were notarized.”
25
Trump said he’d testify.
At one point, long time ago, candidate Trump said he’d release his tax records.
15
Alleged collusion, FBI, money laundering, hidden tax documents, aides under investigation, backstabbing and a team of defense lawyers working hard for months... A mobster? No, a stable genius.
3
Hillary is hardly a genius.
1
"I can't recall……did I really say there was absolutely no collusion?…."
"Yes, I'm smart…. but senility has it's limits…"
"Taxes, Russians, who are they?…"
etc, etc. etc
5
I hope Mueller and his team play hardball with the Con Man- in -Chief and require him to testify in person. Better yet would be a grand jury testimony. (It was good enough for Bill Clinton.)
16
Mr. Trump should not be allowed to answer a list of written questions, but at the very least should be compelled to meet with Mr. Mueller and his staff to answer questions, as any other "person of interest" must. Trump is not above the law.
Testimony is more than words. It includes body language and facial expressions that can lead to additional questions. This is not the case if someone is handed a list of questions.
Mr. Mueller is good at his job and should demand nothing less than a face-to-face meeting, if not a grand jury inquiry.
14
Let us compare this: "Mr. Trump should not be allowed to answer a list of written questions, but at the very least should be compelled to meet with Mr. Mueller and his staff to answer questions, as any other 'person of interest' must. Trump is not above the law."
With this: "...nor shall any person be... compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself" - which IS the law.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
1
Since taking office, Trump has demonstrated a remarkable ability to subvert his best defenses. I am hoping that tendency prevails again because he has an easy out in this matter. Trump could simply invoke his Fifth Amendment rights and refuse to answer questions.
Yes, there would be an implication of guilt, just as there is when he refuses to release his tax returns, goes out of his way to side with Putin over his own intelligence agencies, runs interference for campaign staff who are charged with or have pleaded guilty to felonies, or declares the power to pardon himself. But Trump has been able to imply his own guilt in all of these ways without being held accountable. Getting cornered by skilled prosecutors while under oath would be much riskier than taking another step -- pleading the Fifth -- that merely implies guilt.
4
As a career federal prosecutor, there are a few things I am sure of. First of all, target interviews are extremely rare. Defense attorneys don't allow them for fear of incriminating their clients. Prosecutors don't ask for them because they expect not to be told the truth and to be told lies they can't disprove -- like, the dead guy told me this. When such an interview is nonetheless conducted, the defense attorney is almost certain to believe his client is innocent or, at worst, to have committed a minor misdemeanor. As for the prosecutor, he has to be sure that every question he asks is the right one. So any prosecutor who interviews a target has to be basically finished with his investigation. That is the only way he knows that he is asking the right questions.
Both sides will be prepped to the max. No one wants to be surprised. The great risk for the defense is that the client will lie and walk into an obstruction charge. The great risk for the prosecutor will be an alibi that he can neither confirm nor deny.
If this interview happens it will be unprecedented at the Presidential level. It will be the most important, most historic, and most dramatic criminal interview in American history. And Mueller and Cobb will be the most storied criminal lawyers of out time.
Of course, everyone, everywhere will assess the outcome and tell us who won. But only two people are likely to truly know who improved his position and who did not -- Mueller and Trump.
13
There are three purposes to deposing 45: (1) forcing him to take a position on a material issue which can later be shown at trial to be at odds with other evidence in the case (testimony of witnesses, contents of e-mails); (2) giving him the opportunity to make an admission; or (3) giving him the opportunity to make a statement which is demonstrably false. Testimony under oath is a far different animal than firing off a tweet at 3am. I seriously doubt that Mueller views the deposition as a discovery tool but given Trump's propensity for admit to things which he really shouldn't, Mueller might get a preview of what Trump thinks is a defense (but likely isn't). Going to buy some popcorn now and wait for the announcement.
7
After seeing the Bundys skate twice and after hearing Trump brag that he could get away with a murder on 5th Avenue and after seeing how the crooked US Congress works these days, I fear that Trump will go Scot free for all of his many crimes, but I pray I am wrong.
11
Mueller will be trying to save face after wasting time and money on a fraudulent investigation created by the Swamp.
1
Trump will not have to testify if he publically take the 5th amendment! Wouldn't that be exciting? Anyway, his lawyers certainly don't want this loose cannon to be sworn and answer questions by the prosecution. Unless the prosecution relents and allows worthless interragatories or severe restrictions on questioning, the President's lawyers will have only two avenues--1. The President takes the 5th-(totally a PR disaster); or, 2. Assert some Presidential executive immunity and take the entire matter to the Supremes, hoping that his new appointee and Justice Kennedy find in his favor--setting forth a new doctrine that the President is above the law while he is President.
Of course, the latter position would allow the President to violate laws with impunity and would move the USA towards a truly authoritarian system controlled largely by the very wealthy.
6
I need to inject this into my veins.
1
It’s only fair that Mr. Trump be permitted to respond to the Mueller inquiry by responding to written questions submitted to him. Otherwise, were he questioned by counsel in person, he may inadvertently tell the truth.
4
If he's not under oath it's meaningless. He's a compulsive liar, used to lying without consequences.
5
It's financial crimes committed for years that Trump is really worried about the Republican Congress would still do nothing if Mueller presented a CIA intercept of Trump and Putin corrdinating the hacked democratic email leak. I'm sure Trumps lawyers want to limit the scope of questions to a narrow scope, cause the second Mueller might begin to ask questions about his finances he will either explode or commit perjury on a massive scale.
3
Mueller needs to be sure Trump isn't playing golf that day.
3
Trump and the GOP made a God of moral bankruptcy.
Hopefully a more powerful God will come along and save us from it.
If Muller puts an end to this, perhaps Pope Francis will canonize him.
Do all nightmares eventually come to an end?
"Help us Obi Wan Muller! You're our only hope!"
3
They'll have to rent a convention center to squeeze in all of Traitor Trump's second rate lawyers.
20
yes, and he needs to be under oath. #45 said he would. it should also be recorded by both sides, so if the questions or answers become an issue later, then there is a fall back. sure would like to be a fly on the wall during that interview. no doubt Mueller will have questions that this "so-called" will not be ready to answer. if under oath and lies are told then charges are possible. fingers crossed.
7
No need for Trump laywers to set ground rules, because Trump is a genius. I believe even he (Trump) would agree he dosen't need no stikin' ground rules. Just let him talk, rinse, repeat.
5
The foreseeable outcome is that Trump will be a blabzilla in his interview and incriminate himself for obstruction of justice as well as tax evasion. Thereafter, Trump will excoriate his attorneys for failing him, launch a tirade on Fox News lambasting this witch hunt and the Republicans will be stumbling all over themselves to avoid taking a position on Trump's admissions. Instead, they'll wait to see if a grand jury indicts Trump. It's only when Trump pardons himself, his family members and members of his staff that the Republicans will move to censure him. But public outrage will be so extreme that the Republicans will pressure Trump to resign and failing that, tell him that they will impeach and convict him. The Republicans proverbial ace in the hole is that Pence will become president. But they're going to take a beating in the next election as well they should. If the Republicans don't impeach and convict Trump, then the Dems will following the next election.
10
Trump has lied all his life and has used legal squirming to get out of legal trouble as he advanced in business while hurting others. Don't believe that being under oath will change his character. Everything that is in the news now is not news or revelation as everyone has stated they know who they voted for - which is still amazing. The Presidency doesn't change people it highlights who they are.
12
“... allowing prosecutors to interview a sitting president who has a history of hyperbolic or baseless assertions carries legal risk for him.”
If he can sit in the hot seat in the Oval Office, he is more than capable to sit in an interrogation room with the prosecutor. If he has nothing to hide, he has nothing to worry about. My God, what a baby our President is.
11
I would pay bigly to be a fly on the wall for that interview.
6
So which Trump is it; Booby or Brilliant?
A lot of mockery at the notion that Trump describes himself as a "Very Stable Genius".
But also a wide spread tacit acknowledgement that Trump knows his way around a deposition and has a record of making short work of highly skilled lawyers.
Because Trump can't be both an incompetent buffoon, and possess a lithe shrewd intellect at the same time.
I abhor Trump's politics and I think his administration is an ongoing national and global tragedy. But in my opinion, the personal attacks add nothing to the debate.
2
Good news. Mueller is wise and Trump is senile.
4
If anybody ever deserved to sit before a grand jury ... Trump is the miscreant.
He’s got the ‘best words’ and knows ‘more than anybody’ ...
Eventually, he sit before that jury with Mueller questioning him. I’m not a lawyer, but I seriously doubt this will be his only time being questioned.
2
Please oh Please let Mr. Mueller get him in a room!!!!He will peel Trump like a Banana and the leftovers can be used for Banana Bread...
4
Let's look at this for what it is. Like most of us, Trump never expected to be President. When it happened his kids (smarter, but not experienced in government) came to his aid and said, "don't worry Daddy, we will help you". He then appointed all the con-men he knew and trusted to advise him. But being impulsive and not knowing the Constitution nor how government operates resulted in lots of mistakes. Since he can never admit he is fallible, we have seen one year of blunders, most of which would cause any normal President to resign. However, he is needed by the GOP to pass a very unpleasant agenda, one not supported by the majority of Americans. The Republicans know that they must get their work done before Mueller ends his investigation. What we are seeing are delay tactics and lots of smoke and mirrors. But there are more shoes to drop before they drop Trump.
43
Since he will be surrounded by lawyers who will watch everything he says and since his go to answer will be "I don't recall that" , it almost seems like a waste of time.
However since I do play the lottery which has crazy odds, maybe Mueller will get lucky.
7
BTO, an answer of 'I don't recall' is often met with a document with your signature or a video tape or tweet with the questioners response being 'does this refresh your memory?'. Being interviewed by an FBI pro and being asked questions that they already know the answer it is not as simple to evade as you may think. Mueller does no need to get lucky, the odds are in his favor.
27
No, he'll steamroll like he does on twitter and his lawyers (such as they are) will be racing to catch up. Can't wait for this.
2
I do not recall can be a lie! Of course, the groundwork has been laid for a diminished capacity for Trump that he can use to his advantage in contesting that his "I don't recall" is a lie! With Trump the truth is a relative thing.
January 9, 2018
Surely the greater peril would be no interview: for the matter of our trust in our way of respecting the election system is primary trust in service of truths.
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
5
I cannot respect an election system that cheats me of equal representation in presidential elections.
The sheer cheek of the people who benefit from this travesty is proof that it is psychopathological and enabling of evil.
3
Grand jury subpoena. Anything less will be subject to spin by the fake news machine. Treat him like any other uncooperative witness (which he is quickly turning into) and get it all under oath and on the record.
19
What about the money laundering? Hasn’t the mantra been “Follow the money?”
12
The testimony needs to be under oath and recorded because otherwise Our Fake So Called President and his lawyers will maintain that he didn't say what he said.
And, of course, no answers to be written up later by his legal team.
As others have noted, answering some straight forward questions about his campaign, administrative staff, business dealings and taxes should pose no problems to a self described genius. LOL.
9
Mueller has him now. He has 4 of Trumps associates who have likely struck deals for leniency in exchange for their testimonies. He no doubt has Trump's tax returns and other key financial documents. The last piece of the puzzle is to catch Trump in a lie, which should be child's play at this point.
Only one question - Is there a way to hold him in contempt if he pleads the 5th or 'forgets' repeatedly while under oath?
11
I doubt if the President will be under oath when he talks to Mueller. I doubt that Trump will say anything to incriminate himself or divulge what he knew. He may wander off as usual into gibberish-land on other topics, but he won't give away what he knew and when he knew it.
In addition, Trump will blare the results of the "interview" to sympathetic news outlets as proof there was no collusion and its all a hoax. This will be a travesty. His base will still stand with him and congressional Republicans will not care what happens anyway.
5
I feel like a little kid with Christmas morning approaching. I can't wait to see this -- and Trump himself -- go down.
9
Will the testimony be live-streamed or pay-per-view?
8
Ah, the Stable Genius against a mere FBI director. We need a movie...with Kevin Spacey playing Trump and Sam Watterston playing Mueller.
6
Kevin Spacey is persona non grata in Hollywood these days. Alec Baldwin already does the perfect job of playing Trump.
2
If Donald's lawyers actually proposed the affidavit of innocence or prefabricated responses to written questions, they are as unfortunate as they looked when misspelling tweets or talking out loud about his case at a restaurant.
Still I have sympathy. Donald is a lawyer's worst nightmare. He can't shut up. If you let him know what you suspect, he will give you three answers to pick from.
Neither Donald's public relations stunt nor Mueller's secret examination of the president will do. The public needs to see the interview, to hear the questions and the president's answers.
11
Trump will lie in an interview. He will lie under oath. He will lie no matter the cost to him or his family or nation. This is what happens when you elect a mentally deficient con man into the highest office
22
Mr. Mueller should strengthen his negotiating position by subpoenaing Trump to appear before the Grand Jury. Trump's lawyers can try to negotiate down from that if they want.
7
Trump being questioned under oath by Mueller would be drama of Shakespearean proportions, the must-see event of the century. Even better in front of a grand jury so he could not simply rely on his lawyers. Mr. Mueller, make it so.
10
We all know that the President is the target of this investigation and that his expertise is in spinning the truth and avoiding the questions. I am sure that Mueller has his questions ready and a non-answer will be an answer. If his staff have said one thing and Trump says the other, someone is lying. Since the President is always faultless, then it will be his staff that will be indicted for lying to the FBI. By default, if most of his "smart" staff are under arrest, he cannot function. He must resign or be impeached.
2
Since last May, Trump, Hannity, Fox and Friends have been trying to popularize their stance that collusion with the Russians to fix the election was NOT illegal.
This type of spin to make Trump look better focuses on "legality" but fails to address the fact that Russia interfered with our elections.
By ignoring the acts of Russia, they implicitly condone Russia's acts against us.
Furthermore, Trump's willingness to thus be actively and inactively complicit, and to continue exercising his rampant Russophilia, is treasonous.
6
Dear Mr. Muller,
I've been waiting a while now for justice to arrive at tRump's doorstep. The lies, cheating, Russian interference in our election, and the multitude of scams, both financial and physical (particularly on women, as he'd never accost a man who would likely make a punching bag out of that scornful face) need to come to a reckoning.
I, like many Americans, thirst for some truth, and you seem to be the only true hope this county and constitution currently have.
Please do not think me a vile or mean person, as I am not. I am an American who is watching this noble republic get washed down by these lying party boys. They believe they are above the good laws of this country, that scandal will never sink their efforts to obtain all they can at the expense of public office. It is their personal cocktail, mixed of their own recipe, to deliver whatever they should desire, as often as possible. I've watched racism replace fairness and equality. I've seen misogyny replace respect and ethics. I just want the facts, as you find them. I do not think you would waste time or money on an unnecessary investigation.
Good luck to you and your team, Mr. Muller!
9
hope Mueller asks Trump directly if he asked Michael Flynn to make that call to the Russian ambassador on December 29th, 2016.
4
With apologies to the Beatles:
The celebrated Mr. T.
Performs his feat on Saturday at Watergate
Pence and Paul will dance and sing
As Mr. Kite fly's through the ring don't be late
Messrs. T and all. assure the public
Their production will be second to none
And of course Mitch The Horse dances the waltz!
4
DJT will be destroyed in any interview that is conducted under oath with the special counsel.
The special counsel deals in facts and the only currency that DJT knows is lies, so here the two will collide.
Two other points to consider
1. There are two cooperating witnesses (Flynn & Papadopolus) that Mueller has had access to for several months so the details this team has on DJT is limitless
2. You can be sure that Mueller will not do the interview himself, so no hint of reciprocity can be claimed by DJT or his lawyers.
Unlike his farce of an interview with Lester Holt that is still referenced, this interview risks perjury charges if he lies under oath.
So I say, go for it Donald!
6
If Trump has nothing to hide, then he should agree to testify under oath in public. Both he and Mueller are public servants, and we, the public, in my view have a right to watch the proceedings.
6
I hope it's televised. I'll bring the popcorn.
4
Imagine the drinking game we could play if we took a swig of something every time Trump lies.
2
Will Trump insist on the same ground rules that applied when Hillary was questioned by the FBI in 2016?
6
Broadcast it live to the American people so we can all see trump lie under oath.
It is past time for Congress to impeach him and let us move on with our lives.
5
Surely Mr. Mueller will need to employ an interpreter to translate "Genius" talk into understandable English.
He can find a volunteer among the army of apologists who are forever willing to tell us "what Mr. Trump really meant was …"
3
Would love to be a fly on the wall for that event. . .
Oh, to be a fly on that wall.
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt". We have all seen clear evidence that donald trump is incapable of doing this. I hope Mr. Mueller insists on a televised "interview" with trump who seems now completely incapable of keeping his mouth shut even when what he says incriminates himself. There is a yuge difference between the wheeling and dealing (and dishonest) trump of yore and the incoherent and still dishonest trump of today. My bets are on Mr. Mueller - and I am looking forward to the grand show and a lot of jail time for the don when he is caught out on his lies.
3
Bring it on! Don't let Trump skate.
3
Might be a good idea for Trump to brush up on the US Constitution. In particular he should study the 5th Amendment since it will likely come in handy if he is under oath.
13
Is Mr Trump crazy like a fox or just plain crazy? I guess we will find out. Personally, I look forward to the day we can focus again on the issues, the people and our country. We lost that starting with the salacious Clinton investigation over lying about consensual sex and escalating to a President who may be in the office with the help of a hostile foreign power. Hopefully this will prove to be the reset to focus again on bipartisan governance that we need so desperately for our democracy to survive.
4
Which Trump hating Mueller appointees would be selected to conduct the interview? Will it be by how much money they contributed to democrat/elite socialists or perhaps the best entrapment specialist or... I have it Hillary Clinton, James Comey and Barack Obama. You might as well come out of the closet now as later.
1
With Trump, who needs an "entrapment specialist"? Trump will entrap himself just by opening his big mouth. And if you think saying the phrase "democrat/elite socialists" makes you sound wise and sophisticated, think again.
6
It's so obvious that we have a naked, fake president that the best lawyers have refused to represent Mr. Trump. Mueller vs Kentucky Fried Chicken?
Things will not go well for Mr. Trump.
And, as Mr. Bannon claims, certain members of the Trump family will go down for money laundering. Even if Trump himself isn't implicated, he'll have a breakdown if Jared or Don Jr. go to jail.
9
Trump's lawyers are nervous because their client really thinks he's smarter than everybody else, and can talk his way out of absolutely anything.
I hope he tries, and suspect he's way to arrogant and dumb not to.
19
I would love to be there when Trump is questioned by Mueller. I'd bring a case of toilet paper "in case" blondie needs it and some ammonia for the tough guy for when he faints. I hope that uneducated dolt will be indicted for his criminality and goes to the Supermax in Colorado for at least a decade or two.
14
Any chance of him pleading insanity?
14
Must be under oath.
18
Future conversation:
Mr Mueller: "Tell us what Mike Flynn revealed to you about his foreign income sources"
Trump: "Mike who?"
Mueller: "Flynn, your national security advisor"
Trump: "Oh, him, he was just an underling and didn't last long"
Mueller: "And what did he say to you?"
Trump: "I don't recall"
Mueller: "But you're a genius, remember"
Trump: "I am! The smartest President ever!"
....and on and on....
29
Trump has also boasted of having one of the best memories.
3
Trouble is that a man who lies every day about nearly every topic under the sun simply cannot be trusted to tell the truth. I doubt he would tell the truth, even under oath. Nothing that comes out of his mouth is trustworthy.
And that is the biggest dilemma. He is an experienced liar, a known liar, a proven liar -- and yet people are still willing to believe he's going to tell the truth about things that would land him in hot water?
Even if he swears on a stack of Bibles and his mother's grave, I won't believe a word that comes out of his mouth -- especially after he defamed all of the women who have accused him of sexual assault. And Mueller had better be skeptical, too.
66
Ah, but lying to Mueller would be disastrous for the President. Trump might be able to fool the average American voter, but the special counsel would not be so easily misled, resulting in charges of perjury - an impeachable offense. Schadenfreude, anyone?
4
There is way to get Trump to agree for an unconditional interview with Muller.
Challenge his gut and tell him that if he is a real man, he should face Muller. If he refuses, it is proven that facade of a bully Trump hides behind it a coward.
12
Can you really believe that he wants the questions that Muller will ask him available just before he's interviewed? Me either! But that what his lawyers are trying to work on.
5
The journalists/political analysts are already writing up what Mueller should be asking Trump. This helps his lawyers prepare him - assuming he is able to learn from them.
3
The way Trump rambles, does it matter? All Mueller has to do is be quiet for a few seconds, and Trump will go off on his own for as long as they let him.
2
Trump can lie, or tell the truth, he can say it in writing, or in an interview, or before a grand jury; and Mueller can prove or disprove anything he wants about Trump. None of this matters. As long as he is President, Trump's fate depends not on evidence or the rule of law but on the will of the Republican Congress. Therefore, by all evidence, Trump is safe, and he knows it.
10
If Trump hadn't been elected our Democracy and freedom would have been in jeopardy. Hillary and Obama were using the justice department to target political opponents to try and stay in power.
The liberal media networks are willing partners spreading fake news and other propaganda.
3
Wow - a Russian bot right here on NY Times comment section. Otherwise, a Fox "News" propagandista. Welcome.
40
Is this Opposite Day? Everything you posted applies one hundred percent to Trump, Fox and Breitbart.
5
because trump is such a defender of the Constitution right? oh wait trump hasnt read the Constitution...or anything else for that matter...
3
“Mr. Mueller would probably wait until his inquiry was nearly complete to question the president.” Since you are now speculating on this, does it mean the end, if not near, is in sight? I want the man who is incabable of telling the truth to be impeached for Perjury. A charge of obstruction would be better but I’ll take what Mueller can get quicker.
7
"Mr. Trump has sat for depositions before and shown discipline when under oath."
Mr. Trump has not shown any discipline in his public life. His overconfidence in his own abilities will do him in. He will never be able to adequately prepare for an encounter for someone as seasoned as Mueller. Remember, this is the man who thought he could wing it in a Presidential debate with Hillary Clinton.
51
Might be interesting to revisit the information about the deposition he gave in the libel suit against the reporter who -- allegedly -- undervalued Trump's net worth and was thus subject to a libel lawsuit by Trump.
3
The biggest lie in modern politics/law is "If you didn't do anything wrong, you have nothing to worry about." The way these prosecutors go after things like perjury and obstruction of justice is very scary, political partisanship aside. These seem like manufactured crimes. They belie the common assertion that Mueller is a man of honor and integrity. If Trump didn't collude with the Russians -- which is actually a ridiculous charge that sounds like something out of a comic book -- then Mueller should leave the guy alone and let him do his job.
Mueller has to investigate and perhaps your conclusion will be the one Mueller ends up with at the conclusion of his investigation. But before anyone can speak with certainty - you, Donnie, others, the investigation should be allowed to go forward to its conclusion.
9
It's a "ridiculous charge" that Trump colluded with Russia huh? Did you say it was a ridiculous charge that Don Jr. & Trump's campaign chairmen met with Russian gov lawyers for dirt on Hillary before that was revealed? How about those countless other Trump surrogates meeting with the Russians about the upcoming election? Were they ridiculous too? The only thing ridiculous is for any American to still support this manifest disaster and con man name Donald J. Trump.
4
Instead of continuing to revealing to the world your deep ignorance of the mounting evidence against Trump and his associates, why not just be honest and admit that there is no crime that Trump could commit which you could believe/accept?
7
If our really stable genius has nothing to hide
speaking under oath to Justice Department officials should be a walk in the park.
If the Donald attempts to out lie Ted, he will wear 50 shades of Orange jump suits for his retirement.
10
Looking forward to what will certainly be the first time a sitting president gets bored of felony lying under oath.
7
Here is a question i would like Mueller to ask Trump...walk me through the sale of your Florida mansion that was valued at 45 million dollars but you sold for 90 million, at the height of the financial/real estate implosion in 2008.
17
The. Orrect response is no. Since it has no relevance and happened 10 years ago
Mueller is looking for a connection that does not exist to a crime that does not exist.
Mueller has dirty hands. He withheld info on the extortion, bribes, etc. that were committed by the Russian buyers of the Uranium One. Had he revealed the results of FBI investigation the deal would never have been consummated.
2
You need to access more accurate information while you are in Spain. You are speaking with certainty about many alleged conspiracy theories that are circulating in the media. At least qualify your statements with, "I have heard that..." or "In my opinion, ....."
4
Uranium One is a Canadian owned company. Every aspect of this was reviewed and voted for by multiple agencies as well as Republicans and Democrats. All in the open with public records available for review.
1
He is baiting Trump with the false hope that his deposition marks the end of the investigation. Trump will be stunned when he learns what Muller has and where he is headed.
Muelller is rolling up Trump and Kushner on money laundering in concert with NY AG. Maybe Trump Jr too but he may be the first white collar criminal to successfully plead innocent by reason of stupidity.
GOP Congress will not dispute the charges but rally to Trump's defense arguing that the charges are outside the scope of Russian interference when in fact they explain the Trump(s) and Kushner motives. Kushner will not be so lucky and will be served up as the fall guy.
The GOP will find itself protecting a man indicted for money laundering who recently endorsed an alleged pedophile running for Senate. We can only hope this also marks the end of the GOP control of the Federal government in Nov whereupon the Dems can give McConnell and Ryan a large dose of reconciliation and take back America.
12
Well, money laundering may be outside of the Russian interference investigation (maybe not) but certainly perjury about an affair in the context of a private lawsuit regarding matters that occurred prior to the time of the presidency didn't prevent Ken STarr from going after Clinton. Remember, Paula Jones' allegations were lodged against Clinton from the time he was Governor. And Ken Starr was tasked with investigating a land deal. So if history is any guide, then prosecutors can go after any alleged criminal behavior they uncover during a proper investigation, even if unrelated.
3
I agree that Trump is basically safe -- in Washington D.C. Robert Mueller needs Congress to succeed. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman doesn't. Trump knows New York can bring him down. How fittingly ironic. -- thegamesmenplay.com
2
crimes? what crimes?
"if the President does it, it's not a crime."
- Richard Nixon, President and lawyer
are we about to hear that oldie but goodie from the Republican playbook? who said, "it's good to be the king"?
4
The president is no above the law! He should be subjected to the same questioning under oath as anyone else!
7
You mean like Hillary and Huma?
If you have nothing to hide, there needn't be any "deal" to make regarding an interview. Anything other than full cooperation reeks of collusion!
6
He must be subpoenaed in order to be under oath. That is the only way to 'interview' him!
7
I do believe Mr. Mueller has the power to subpoena Not My President's tax returns... Dumpf is terrified of that happening. I think the tax returns will show either one or both of two things: 1. Evidence of Russian money and laundering of same. 2. He is NOT a billionaire... Dumpf's ego is so incredibly fragile, for the world to see that he is not even close to being that rich would no doubt end him. Personally, I would prefer it to be both. Our country need to be shed of this travesty being perpetrated upon it.
18
Begs the question why that wasn't the first thing Mueller did. He's not going to subpoena anything. Mueller's purpose is strictly to keep Americans playing the game and pretending there are checks and balances in our ludicrous and depraved system, which there are NOT.
2
I pray you are wrong while I believe you are right.
Trump has maintained his innocence and that he has nothing to hide, if so, put him before the grand jury.
12
If a grand jury subpoena was drawn, where or what state would the GJ be sitting? Does this depend on what charge Mr. Mueller might bring against the trump?
The grand jury already exists, it's in Washington, DC.
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/345271-muellers-grand-jury-wh...
4
How could that be a fair grand jury? Washingtonians overwhelmingly voted Democratic. They couldn't find impartial jurors. It's not going to happen.
Unless Trump is questioned under oath and on the record, Mueller is wasting his time and undermining the country's trust and reliance upon him. And I think Mueller knows this perfectly well: Trump lies the way most men breathe -- fluidly, without effort, and without self-consciousness.
10
At some point Mr. Mueller will question Trump. He will bait Trump into answering something or saying something contradicting the truth. At that point impeachment will be imminent. I would love to be a fly on the wall in that room.
7
I am sure that most thinking NYT readers regarless of Party or ideaology would agree that it would be a bad idea for the President to subject himself to direct questioning by the special counsel. No attorney in their right minds would advise their client to do so.
3
Didn't Clinton sit for interviewing, under oath, by Ken Starr?
1
Mike: trump may have no choice. If he refuses, or his lawyers refuse to allow him, Mueller can subpoena him, and if you ignore a subpoena, you are, at the very least, in contempt of court. They can arrest you! I think that if trump is as innocent as he claims, why is he refusing to testify? Anyone, who reads either the NYT, the WAPO, the WSJ, or Breitbart, or who watches CNN, MSNBC, or Fox News, regardless of party or ideology, would agree that if trump is so innocent, why is he trying to hide from Mueller, and what is he trying to hide from Mueller?????
2
Well it looks like he may not have a choice in this matter. After all, he has said many times that he would do so. Maybe this will teach him to keep his big mouth shut.
2
Who thinks that Trump is going to start telling the truth now?
6
Not one person on this planet or any other for that matter!
Donald will do just fine. He would rather lie than tell the truth anyway and he is a past master at it.
Donald Trump cannot win this battle; Mueller will interview him. This is every lawyer's worst nightmare; and as much as his legal team will try, Trump will not be able to consistently answer the questions posed. He will answer questions based on 'his truth', which we have learned is often 'his opinion' with little to no factual reality attached to the world that exists. Trump's legal team is about to earn every penny they are paid for attempting to protect their client from himself.
10
Trump skillfully substitutes truthful hyperbole and innocent exaggeration for truth. I seriously doubt that this graduate of The Wharton School of Economics can define those dubious terms.
An all importAnt Mueller/Trump may happen; however, if Trump, on the basic level, refuses to release his business taxes, the how can one be confident that Trump would truthfully answer Mueller's questions about Trump's association with the Russians.
Mueller will want to know what kind of association Trump had with the Russians, and the character and timing of that meeting.
In other words, Mueller could employ Former Senator Howard Baker- like Watergate interrogatory about Trump: "what did Trump know about his Russian contacts, and when did he know this?"
Memo to Trump: truthful exaggeration or innocent exaggeration to this question won't fly with mueller . He will hand you a shovel.
The Russians are not truthful or innocent!
4
There is nothing "innocent" about Trump.
Especially the exaggerations that have made a myth of the man.
It's said that the FBI could make anyone perjure them self, so I think It's a bad idea for the President do an interview. That being said, I don't think Mueller will want to be accused of a coup d'etat, so I think he has to handle the interview carefully lest he creates a constitutional crisis. It will be interesting to see what happens.
I think your statement is misleading. Who has said that about FBI? Can you give some credible authority for your allegation?
Besides, Trump is a genius so for sure he can outsmart the FBI.
1
Memory is not perfect, and even good-faith testimony could result in a perjury allegation. It’s not worth it.
Chris, whether it is "worth it" or not may not be relevant. It is up to Mr. Mueller to determine what is relevant, as HE is running this show. trump and his attorneys do not get to decide what they want. They may try, with all their might, to block this interview, but then Mueller can subpoena trump, and ignoring a subpeona is a flagrant violation of the law, and can result in severe legal consequences. Lying to a federal official, too, has the worst consequences, as you can see from the guys that Mueller already interviewed. They are in big trouble.
1
This is all true. However, Trump states that he has the best memory ever. But we know that not true. He couldn't remember he was the person saying he grabs women by their genitals.
1
Best case: under oath, with no time limits. At the very least, an interview, complete with an FBI agent present. No time limits. If his past interviews are any indication, all Mueller may have to do is ask "How about them Mets?" and 45 may likely go off on a stream of consciousness bender in which he admits everything while simultaneously trying to boast about everything he did or didn't do, disparage anyone not named Trump, and take credit for everything good since the Liberty Bell.
8
JP, are you aren't kidding! trump probably thinks that he invented the Liberty Bell!
The ever loquacious Trump, shooting his mouth off obstreperously, will be a deterrent for Trump's lawyer and a boon and godsend of sorts for Mueller. Trump's statements will, most likely, consist of quarter truths, half truths, a third truths, but almost never full ones. His flag of self-aggrandizement will be unfurled at full staff. More appropriately, his uproarious gasconades will attempt at smothering his opposing lawyers, so the latter will be both confounded and dumbfounded.
Truth will continue to lie interred with the deceased. Extracting a straightforward set of answers from Trump will be tantamount to milking a boulder. Lies might be flying around like flies. Trump will probably digress, if he is called to testify, and try to propagate his ''tremendous success'' so far in stimulating the economy. Mueller, besides yawning, will summon for germane responses from Trump, which might be hard to come by.
In the final scheme of things, ferreting out rock-solid evidences for trouncing Trump's presidency might not materialize after all. Everybody might be back to status quo ante.
3
If he were innocent, he would release his tax returns, and he would not have fired the FBI Director.
15
He did release them! Rachel Maddow rocked the whole world! Remember?
So true, so true, so true!
We're hearing a lot about the obstruction investigation, but not so much about any conspiracies with Russia. Is this part of Mueller's strategy or is there nothing there beyond carelessness? And what about Trump's finances?
Even if he did obstruct, I still want a full accounting of everything else in Trump's closet.
4
If Mueller does not have evidence against Trump by now, he will never have it. I am no Trump fan, but there is no good reason for Trump to speak with Mueller. It is either over now or not and let Mueller get on with it if he has anything at all. A talk with Trump invites an accusation that Trump lied during the interview no matter what Trump says or does not say. And, then Mueller or others can say, they have their crime, lying to a federal officer etc etc. That is what Flynn pled to and that is what that hapless non paid campaign worker Papadopoulos pled to when he was not candid as to the meetings he had with Russian agents if they even can be fairly called Russian agents.
1
You can rest assured that there are plenty of other charges awaiting Flynn if he fails to live up to his very generous plea deal. Should they not be satisfied, the prosecutors can go back to the judge, tell them the defendant has breached his promises and slap the full slate of charges -- and punishments - against him and his son.
6
How does anyone know what evidence Mueller has or hasn't...has he ever publicly spoken about it, he is not required to show any evidence before trial.
He could have nothing...or he could have a rock solid case.
2
Well the answer is that Trump should try his hardest to tell the truth in any interview - not try to evade, deflect, etc. And at some point, Trump may not have a choice in whether to answer Mueller's questions. If he doesn't do it willingly, Mueller can likely get a subpoena iwth the evidence I am guessing he already has.
3
It doesn't matter what Mueller finds the Republicans won't vote to impeach Trump. They continue to obstruct justice, as Grassley is doing, by not letting the American people know what is actually going on. The Daily Kos: "Grassley is now in the ludicrous position of having issued a criminal complaint against British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, while simultaneously repressing the information that supports Steele’s work. The dossier is not what the Republicans have claimed, but they need information to stay hidden so they can keep up their claims."
9
When are we going to see Trump's (promised) tax returns? Said returns would make Trump's answers - under oath - much more interesting.
14
So giving up on Trump/Russia huh? Good call.
1
Funny man, jaco.
No one has given up on trump/Russia. But, as ugly and amazing as it is, there is EVEN much more corruption in trump's bag of garbage that may sink him. And I think ALL of it has to do with Russia...possible money laundering, possible obstruction of justice, possible treason. If I were trump, I'd climb up on The White House roof, and fling myself off at this point.
2
Doesn't much matter what you think, or want to believe - there is no evidence for it. Just silly nonsense.
A stable genius, such as Trump, should be able to ace his interview with Mueller. What's the problem?
29
Trump does not have to and he should not.
1
You’re entirely correct, except for the part about “he does not have to”. No person is above the law, as Trump will soon find out when a subpoena is issued for his appearance, should he refuse to appear voluntarily.
11
Does not have to and should not give honest answers to Mueller's investigation into Russia tampering with our democratic elections? Really?
3
Jane Doe: Just like any other American citizen, he has to obey the law. If subpoenaed, he MUST appear, or he will be in worse trouble that that in which he already finds himself.
1
I think the basic question is "How much did Michael Flynn tell Mueller". or "How much does Robert Mueller already know". If Trump did nothing, piece of cake. However, all the maneuvering right now seems to be creating a little box for Trump so he won't let out any info that will not back up the evidence or testimony already given. Are Trump's lawyers smart enough or do they know what Flynn and the others have already given to Mueller? I think they know what Trump did and now the "razzle dazzle" has to begin.
15
Mr. Mueller will not ask trump any questions that he does not already know the answers for. Mueller has witnesses that have been sharing information with the Investigation for months. There are two possibilities for this request:
1. It will be a trap by Mueller to make trump perjure himself.
2. It will be an opportunity for Mueller to lay out his case and suggest trump leave office.
There is no way trump's lawyers will allow the interview. But if they did, it should be on Pay-Per-View. We could pay off the National Debt.
38
When depositions or interviews are held of other citizens those citizens are in the same position. Trump is not above the law. The interview should be held!
10
I have never laughed so hard in my life. Thanks for that. ;-)
It certainly will be something to watch whether the investigation deals with the Trump Organizations longstanding dealings with Russian money. From the matters published so far, especially by the New Republic, it would seem that -aside the obvious obstruction of Justice and violation of the Emolument Clause of the Constitution - in that direction one would find no end of enabling of money laundering. Mueller needs to build a big all around case to acquire sufficient public support as to overwhelm the support that the Trump Presidency enjoys from fellow billionaires and Republican enablers.
6
I think we are all forgetting that the "Russian interference" occurred while Obama was President. In fact, he was well aware of the situation and decided to do nothing. Therefore the only logical conclusion is that Obama is the one who should be investigated, not Trump.
3
Nothing? Hardly. He expelled Russian govt personnel and shut down two of their compounds. Get a grip Jon, do some research before posting silly baseless inane comments like yours this on this site.
4
Erm, Obama's staff members were not meeting with the Russians.
3
You don't think that Trump hasn't already ordered the FBI and AG to investigate Obama (for wiretapping and other allegations) and Hillary and Bill? Trump hates Obama and is undoing every single thing Obama did - even if benign. And his hatred of Obama gives some measure of credence to the "golden shower" part of the dossier.
1
This is interesting. We will soon know if Donald Trump is capable of conducting a lengthy, detailed conversation where difficult questions are presented to him without actually lying.
10
"President Bill Clinton was impeached on a perjury charge over his grand jury testimony about his relationship with a White House intern."
OK, so who'd like to bet on the possibility that the Congress, in its current composition, would act upon any false statements made by the president? The GOP caucuses in both houses are frightened to the point of soiling themselves at the prospect of a primary challenge from the right should they buck the president.
10
trump should answer questions in an interview with mueller's investigators so finality has a better chance of being realized; sure there's more risk with this legal strategy but politically it's worth the risk and may show he has nothing to hide.
if trump puts himself in legal jeopardy or gets trapped into an obstruction charge he'll have defenses to assert against a very sloppy mueller investigation and a mostly favorable congress to back him up.
1
So it looks like the investigation is finally winding down. Trump has said on a few occasions he's willing to do an interview with Mueller, even as recently as last weekend. I don't think he realizes his non-government savvy legal team will get torn to shreds by Mueller's team. This isn't going to be as easy as he thinks, Mueller's team will be looking to trap him any chance they get. After all this, you want to have something to report so all this wasn't a great waste of resources.
1
"Trap". Let me get this straight asking someone to tell the truth is now a TRAP!
2
Mueller's team better include a kindergarten teacher to conduct questioning, or all will be for naught.
11
Even Trump's less than spectacular lawyers are smart enough to know that Trump's "interview" could definitely provide Mueller the proverbial nails in the coffin for Trump. The longer the interview goes on, the worse it will be for Trump given his short attention span and his tendency to keep talking.
Mueller's team will be 100% ready: Trump cannot refuse to answer questions, and they will not allow Trump to get away with "I can't recall."
8
I will be beyond amused if Trump actually ends up testifying under oath, and chooses to plead the 5th Amendment.
After all, Trump has repeatedly suggested that innocent people do not take the 5th. Good times.
9
I don't think Trump knows what any of the Bill of Rights contains or if he can parrot them, he doesn't understand them. After all, he is trying to censor the Wolff book.
Even if Trump were as innocent as a newborn baby, I don't think he could get through an FBI interview without lying. I'm not certain he knows truth from whatever is in his mind.
If I were his lawyer, there is no way I would allow him to engage verbally with the FBI. Questions in writing with help from his lawyers in writing the answers.
3
Friday we should find out whether Trump is impaired. If he is, as is probable, he cannot speak for himself. Interesting risk.
1
Trump is the king of apophasis...if he would just keep his mouth shut and watch his daily 10 hours of t.v. we’d all be better off. On the plus side, he’s his own worst enemy and his mouth is helping to nullify and potentially incriminate himself down the line. So I guess we need to continue to grin and bear this national embarrassment in hopes of a real reckoning? Regardless the last three years with him on the scene has felt like twenty. I’m baffled that any of his supporters still have an appetite for his perpetual buffoonery.
3
What would happen if Trump was interviewed by the Special Counsel?
He would lie. The maniac does not know the meaning of telling the truth - he has never spoken the truth in his entire life since his daddy Fred taught him that deceit, swindling, stealing, racism and bigotry are the keys to success.
He would blame Obama.
He would invoke the "I cannot remember" excuse.
Would he be held in contempt and jailed? It'll never happen. The USA will continue its slide into third-world status with an imbecilic dictator at the helm.
12
Trump himself told reporters at Camp David last week that he would agree to talk to Robert Mueller, saying he had nothing to hide. But his lawyers baulk at the idea of letting him have a face-to-face questioning by the special counsel. They seek to avoid such an encounter or set limits on it. Trump is so cocooned in legal blankets wrapped around him by his lawyers that he might get away with impunity, although there were a number of cases last year that point to obstruction of justice.
In the past sitting presidents had been interviewed by prosecutors - George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford. But Trump's circumstances are unique, because he was propelled to power with the help of a hostile government. During the campaign he urged Russia to hack into Hillary Clinton's emails.
18
There was no collusion, Muller knows it so there is no "justice" to obstruct.
1
And had Trump requested the help of extraterrestrials during the campaign, would you also be crediting ET for his win?
1
Oh yes there is my friend - and all will be reveled - even stubborn people in your state will have to understand the damage Trump is doing to our democracy sooner or later
3
I cannot wait for President Trump to testify under oath so he can finally clear his good name and get back to some serious governing-by-tweet.
11
Trump is free to start working any time. It's not like this investigation takes any of his time. Mueller is doing all the work as the Special Prosecutor, and Trump's lawyers are doing all the work for Trump.
The fact that Trump isn't getting much done has more to do with Trump than with the investigation.
8
that would be amazing!
What good name? Trump has been known as a jerk, a liar and a blowhard his entire life.
Unless trump in under oath it may be worthless.
57
Does anyone really think being under oath would make a difference to this man?
1
Even with that it is still a tossup how much "truth" will be gleaned from the orange one's testimony.
One doesn't have to be under oath to get in trouble for lying to the FBI. If you get caught lying to the FBI that is a federal crime. The FBI questions people and doesn't request that they be put under oath. That's not how they work.
1
What I would really like is a takedown of Trump's supporters more than of Trump. So here is my two cents: Go after him on taxes, Mr.Mueller. If there is fraud, even the most rabid supporter isn't going to be able to stomach the idea that this man has been stealing from the rest of us.
18
They'll find a way to blame it on Obama.
Look at the hooting of glee about that thieving Cliven Bundy clan of grifting thugs getting off scott-free. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/01/08/judge-dism...
1
Mueller is looking for a lifeline to keep his inquiry alive. He needs something, actually anything, to allow him to keep the far left press on the hook in his witch hunt, which so far has produced next to nothing. The same Democrats who cried bloody murder when Ken Starr expanded his investigation of Clinton, are now insisting that Mueller's powers be expanded exponentially so that he will be able to go after Trump until the cows come home.
2
Mueller has nabbed four Trump operatives and two of them are singing! It certainly will be something to watch whether the investigation deals with the Trump Organizations longstanding dealings with Russian money. From the matters published so far, especially by the New Republic, it would seem that -aside the obvious obstruction of Justice,, Tax evasn and violation of the Emolument Clause of the Constitution - in that direction one would find no end of enabling of money laundering. Mueller needs to build a big all around case to acquire sufficient public support as to overwhelm the support that the Trump Presidency enjoys from fellow billionaires and Republican enablers.
6
Huh. You're right about Starr. So you'd think the Republicans would be championing Mueller's investigation the way they did with Staff. Instead, you're calling it a witch hunt and the GOP is working hard to sabotage the investigation and his reputation. So, glass houses and all that...
1
Paul: Flynn charged, guilty plea, cooperating, awaiting sentencing. Manafort indicted on 12 counts, under arrest. Gates indicted on 12 counts, under arrest. Papadopoulos, charged, guilty plea, cooperating, awaiting sentencing. "Next to nothing"? Sounds like he's got the goods on four insiders, and we don't know what else the four have told him or what else his team has found. Hint: prosecutors don't show their hand until the river.
2
I can't help but think that even if Trump is guilty, even if he's impeached, that this is still only one factor in explaining his victory.
It would seem that it's a heck of a lot easier to talk about Russian interference than the overt appeal to white supremacy that was surely as much, if not more, a contributing factor to the Trump win as was the Russian interference.
We'd rather, as a nation, think we were hoodwinked than racist. That says a lot.
124
Sexism was also a large factor in Trump's "victory". There are some people, especially older men and women, who will never accept a woman in the top leadership position. Thankfully, these people are dying out.
4
I disagree. "We" are not having any trouble at all believing we are racist, at least those of us who are truthful about it. Those who deny racism will tend to be his supporters and will then also deny Russia had any involvement in our election.
Between the prospects that Trump is a racist and Trump colluded with Russia, which do you think Meuller should investigate?
Charlottesville killed the “they are dying out” therory. Not only do they not die, they pro-create! And their babies are just as sexist and racists.
1
mr. trump is his own walking verbal time-bomb; fueled by his narcissistic hubris, underpinned by his possible dementia; by his "Consensual Covfefe."
Everyone, literally everyone, knows that trump cannot stay on topic. He is in a state of constant mental distraction, continuously and publicly re-litigating all the things that anger him: crowd size, Russia, Hillary receiving more votes, Russia, being called out every time he lies, Mueller peering into his lifetime of Russian money laundering, etc.
His family and lawyers know what to anticipate should trump have to respond to questions "on the fly" and are professionally frighted on behalf of their client.
What goes around comes around, even if it takes a generation to make the full circle.
10
Now would be a really good time to admit mental incompetency/incapacity and resign, or look at the 25th. There is no way Trump’s lawyers will be able to control what he says, and I don’t think he fully grasps the consequences of perjury and how his usual bluster, impetuousness, inability to provide coherent thoughts, and exaggeration will not stand well against the law or Mueller.
Maybe a quiet resignation is the end game we’ve all been waiting/hoping for, and it would be the least disruptive to the country as a whole. We probably could have endured an impeachment trial back in 1974. Today, I’m not so sure. (Not that I think any of this will happen; that requires putting country before self. But Trump’s attorneys will certainly have their work cut out for them.)
16
Imagine if there had been an Internet in 1974?
If Mr. Mueller ever gets to interview Trump, it will not be one on one. Trump will surround himself with lawyers who will repeatedly say to him: "Do not say a word - we will answer all questions".
Since we all know that Trump cannot and will not listen to such advice, because he is, after all, a very stable genius. Undoubtedly much smarter than Mr. Mueller.
He will most likely blurt out something loudly and often - most of it nonsensical rants. But, if Mueller can ask the right questions at the right time, he may just be lucky enough to get an incriminating statement or two from Trump. My money is on Mueller.
15
Actually, if he refuses, and Mueller has something he can send to a grand jury, then Trump would have to face the grand jury alone, no lawyer. Not sure his lawyers want to call Mueller's bluff when he already has four Trump associates indicted or guilty on criminal charges...
4
Stan, your lawyers can be with you, and they can advise you, but if YOU are testifying, YOU must answer the questions. Your lawyer cannot tell you that they will answer the questions for you.
2
I hope Mueller uses the parenting-a-teenager approach to questioning: Never ask a question to which you don't already know the answer.
10
I'm sure that the "genius" will give an absolutely amazing testimony. How can it be anything other than that? After all, Trump is a legend in his own mind.
14
This explains why Trump uncharacteristically stated that he is sure Mueller will treat him fairly. Trump would have never said that of his own volition. He had to have been given a nudge from his lawyers.
It is a given that the Mueller team will ask for an in-person interview. And that represents a dilemma for Trump. If Trump declines the interview, he will essentially be taking the 5th Amendment which he opined in May of 2017 is not necessary if you are not guilty of anything. If he does the interview, his lawyers can try to prepare him and be present but, they cannot object to questions nor can they prevent Trump from blurting things out.
Mueller is smart and has impeccable integrity. His choice of personnel was limited to one criterion: the best at what they do. He paid no attention to political affiliation.
The interviewers that would meet with Trump will/would be cool, calm, prepared and superb interrogators. Trump has made many contradictory statements on many critical issues of the investigation. In addition, the investigators have a complete narrative from Comey and Flynn. And that is why his lawyers are desperate to avoid an in-person interview.
Trump believes he will do great. His lawyers know better. If Trump has any hope of getting through this, he must follow his lawyers advice and decline the interview. From there, he can have his spokespersons deflect or try to. And, he cannot make any more statements about the investigation going forward. Fat chance;
6
Andrew, if trump declines the interview, he will be subpoenaed, and then he will have to appear before a Grand Jury WITHOUT his lawyers. If he agrees to the interview he can have his lawyers with him.
1
"Mr. Mueller could respond with a grand jury subpoena."
Which would be totally worthless. The President does not have to answer to such subpoenas and issuing one would be nothing but grand standing, like the rest of this investigation.
2
Actually presidents, like any other citizens, are required to respond to subpoenas. What on earth gives you the impression he could flout one?
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/trump-likely-could-n...
8
@Sparky - the President is not above the law.
1
Hopefully Mr. Mueller does not get fired by Trump before the interview
4
Bill Clinton was impeached in 1999 for much less reason......this is much more. Will it be like Starr taking deposition of Clinton for five and half hours UNDER OATH? Remember Bill Clinton was much younger in terms of MERMORY/ RECOLLECTION OF FACTS. And Trump is 70+ and his father died of Alzheimer in 1999 and that disease is HEREDITARY. Actually 45th already might have symptoms, reason being uttering a single word successively twice.
10
Given Trump's propensity for lying and given the penalties for lying to the FBI, this will be a really interesting event.
11
Trump is a tax-cheating, money-laundering fraud.
And he was duly elected to lead this country into the sewer where history will reveal exactly why this was appropriate.
11
So the real life "Captain Queeg" would have to take the stand. He insists everyone else is a liar and not him?
At least he won't have to recite the anthem.
18
How do you interview someone under oath who has no concept of what the truth is? His "testimony" is meaningless.
16
Well to be fair, they had no difficulty handling this hypothetical when the questioned Hillary. She in fact proudly admitted that she had two versions of truth, Public and Private. And yes I'm aware that she's not the President, fortunately. You question is about the same organization who will question the President which questioned Hillary.
3
Never stopped judges and juries elsewhere from convicting developmentally disabled people and even sending them to the lethal injection gurney. Since when did we start worrying about whether defendants are disadvantaged in some way or another?
Because if that is suddenly a concern, there are legions of low-intelligence, poor, damaged, abused, disabled and otherwise vulnerable people sitting in prison and jail right now, who need to be let out on the same sort of mercy that you imply our Occupant deserves.
3
Let’s just let him talk under oath, on the record, and see what happens.... :)
9
Mueller will ask him questions like was he aware of Don Jr's meeting with the Russians at Trump Tower. Trump doesn't possess the faculties to answer convincingly in that legally nebulous region between yes and no. Besides the presence of his lawyer I recommend Jeff Sessions, who has demonstrated he's not only expert in said region, but seems to live there.
21
The left is hoping for obstruction charges against Trump of the Russian investigation. That is because the actual investigation is getting nowhere. It’s getting nowhere because there is nothing to find. It’s going to be impossible to charge Trump with obstruction until there is found something to obstruct. He fired Comey and that obstructed what? It obstructed nothing.
4
Perhaps in fantasyland there was no obstruction.
11
Money laundering will be good enough.
Jim, you don't know nothing will turn up. Your strident assertion is what bothers those you disparingly call "you left ." We aren't afraid of the truth and would accept nothing as an outcome. Our concern is tha ALL of you on the right fear the truth won't fight like heck for the truth--when our nation is at stake.
1
"[W]hile Mr. Trump often makes statements to the public that are inflammatory or untrue, the president has shown he can be disciplined, as he has curtailed his criticisms of Mr. Mueller in recent months."
So when he needs to save his own skin, he can "be disciplined." But can he save the country from losing all credibility on the world stage by, for example, not sounding utterly insane? Can he not scare the beejeezus out of the rest of us by not bragging about his nuclear button size to a tin pot dictator with nukes?
This is the definition of malignant narcissism. When he needs to FOR HIMSELF not be unhinged, then he isn't. But acting like an adult for the good of the country? Nope, he won't do even that much.
17
In whatever format our Fake President appears before the Mueller team lawyers, under oath, for intensive questioning, Americans have every right to expect that they will be allowed to observe Trump, in real time or on video, responding to all of their questions. This must be part of the sine qua non elements of any agreed upon interrogation procedure.
The public should be able not only to hear his responses, but importantly to zero in on his facial expressions, bodily movements, and general demeanor to be fully able to evaluate his testimony. Any experienced trial lawyer would agree that a visual observation of Trump testifying is almost as critical as his spoken words in judging the truthfulness of his words, or the lack thereof.
37
As a post-script, perhaps this publicly accessible interrogation will also allow Americans, at long last, to know what information lurks in Trump's well-hidden income tax returns, most probably serving as the basis for a number of expected prosecutorial questions, re a money laundering avenue of inquiry.
3
don't need it - based on decades of experience, it is safe to believe every syllable coming out of Trump's mouth is a lie,
intenally deceitful, or at best a partial truth... starting with hello.
1
If trump has been told that Russia interfered in our elections but has done nothing to prevent it from happening again, is that not collusion? He would not acknowledge the fact that Russia did that for a long time.
As to obstruction, why would his lawyers be so worried if trump has done nothing wrong? If trump is not a criminal, why are his lawyers so worried?
22
"President Donald Trump signed an executive order that aims to protect the U.S. from cybersecurity risks, including computer hacking."
As to facing the Special Counsel, The President will be questioned by an organization and individuals who themselves are questionable. We needn't the Spanish Inquisition which ended in the 15th Century and Star Chambers which ceased in the 17th Century.
2
Um, I believe that Obama knew very well about the Russian interference and decided to do nothing. So the real collusion was between Obama and Putin.
1
Jon Galt - I guess you missed the part about the sanctions the Obama administration ordered. It really does help to pay attention.
4
President Trump has an unique opportunity to go to the history as one of best presidents of this country and set a good example by resigning of his post.
9
Why wouldn't Trump answer all questions with nothing to hide? I thought he wanted an end to this. All the lawyers, and hedging does not look like he has nothing to hide.
104
You seem to be laboring under the very common misapprehension that innocent people should talk to the police; before responding in an emotional way understand that I am not asserting that Trump is innocent. The YouTube video "Don't Talk to the Police" recorded at Regent University School of Law directly answers your query.
Those of us with keen memories recall how President Reagan was compelled to give testimony about Iran-Contra (in this testimony Reagan admitted to breaking the law and said "i'd do it again').
Trump and his entire family must answer to the law. . .enough is enough. Either the USA is a liberal democratic republic (one based upon equal justice for all) OR we are no better than Chine, Russia, Turkey, Pakistan, and any number of illiberal fake democratic republics.
All political parties must support our legal system.
27
We don’t even get equal votes in presidential elections in this systemic fraud.
7
"[A] history of hyperbolic or baseless assertions"? Why the euphemisms?
He is a compulsive liar as a result of his malignant narcissism. If we are ever going to restore basic human decency in this country, or at least a veneer of basic human decency, then we have to be accurate about what has gone so very wrong. The President is a compulsive liar as a result of a severe personality disorder.
71
"....a history of hyberbolic or baseless assertions...." What have we come to? Who could have imagined? What a travesty of a president we have. Bring it on, Mr. Mueller! This would-be emperor has no clothes!
33
If history is any guide, Trump and his lawyers would be idiots to let this happen. They will stall 'till the cows come home.
It's the same scenario which led to the now famous "it depends on what the definition of "is" is.
We all know how that turned out.
Still, Trump's ego, in that he may take the bait in order to show he's smarter than Mueller, will trip him up.
Pass the popcorn. This could get interesting.
30
Imagine Mueller's opening salvo: "Mr. President, or, may I call you Donny? It appears I have you on several charges, including violating the Emoluments Clause, Obstruction of Justice, Treason — working with an enemy state to swing the election to you — lying to the FBI, and — well, ummm — being too incompetent to keep this job. So, what do you say we just call your kids and have them take you home to NYC after you resign from office? You can tell the country and the world your business empire needs you more than we do. That will save you the embarrassment of either an impeachment, or being led away in a straight-jacket after the 25th Amendment kicks in."
That is my ideal scenario, given that his suckling piglets — otherwise known as the Republican members of both chambers of Congress — are not going to vote for impeachment. They have gone on this ride too long to suddenly say, collectively, OOPS! (Actually, my "ideal scenario" would have been his impeachment before the start of last summer.)
Given the speeches and interviews by Senators Corker and Flake late last year, we know the entire Senate knows Trump is everything we know to be true about him: a chronic liar, a business fraud, a tax evader (to the tune of nearly $1B), a narcissist, serial infidelity in marriages, and an a non-apologetic sexual predator. And that doesn't include whatever Mueller has on him.
Pence will be a hideous replacement but, the law is the law.
28
Money laundering, too.
2
To all the people misquoting Shakespeare by writing “Methinks the lady doth protest too much,” you also get the meaning wrong:
https://literarydevices.net/lady-doth-protest-too-much
QUOTE: By “protest,” the queen does not mean denial or objection. During Shakespeare’s time, the meaning of word was to “declare solemnly,” or to “vow.” So, Gertrude does not mean to “deny” or “object.”
===
Gertrude says “The lady doth protest too much, methinks,” stress on the word TOO, she means the character in the play-within-the-play promises too much. Not that she is denying things.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
4
The quote applies nicely, however, to politicians who "protest" excessively during their election campaigns and then conveniently "forget" their over-promises once elected. "Lock her up!" and "Build the wall!" should have been sufficient red flags for anyone with even a finger's grasp on reality.
Oh. Right.
4
Whenever I use that quotation, I am fully aware of the word too as a quantitative word. Generally, when quoted properly, we know the meaning of the line. The words work weel for themselves, thank you.
1
1. Piffle.
2. The fact that it's called "Protestantism," should have told you it was piffle. Luther was protesting, not just giving a determined speech.
3. A recurrent them in "Hamlet:" hollow acting. As in Claudius saying, "Prayers unmeant never to Heaven go," or some such. And as in Hamlet watching him pray, and deciding not to kill him in a state of grace. Irony, y'see, and the ability of bad acting to fool even the smartest.
4. Play within a play, dude. Gertie is both stager and staged, watcher and actor. And the play (take your pick) shows her both acting badly and complaining against.
5. Your first source is semi-literate junk. Your second is you. Stop already with the degrees: you ain't the only one with them.
6. Trump isn't Hamlet, and isn't a Richard. He's Hotspur, or maybe Coriolanus. Or mostly, Sheriff Dogberry without the lovableness.
1
Follow the money
23
Trump, will use the Sargent Schultz defense from, "Hogan's Hero's"
"I know NOTHING!!!!!"
14
extremely unlikely as this statement would represent unalloyed truth, which, like alcohol, never pass the President's lips.
1
This lays to rest the canard that Trump himself is 'not under investigation.' Nixon was re-elected in '72 and resigned in '74, mostly over obstruction of justice concerns. If you don't study history you are bound to repeat it, historian Howard Zinn taught.
81
Isn't it George Santayana who can lay claim to that quotation?
The only real question out of all this is how far will Trump go to derail or distract from the investigation and his potential testimony.
Let's face it, he is emotionally a child, and an amoral one at that, so it isn't hard to see that insane child set the house on fire to distract dad and mom from his having taken money from their wallets.
26
Am I the only one who will be incredibly disappointed, if the Special Counsel lets Trump off easy by allowing his lawyers to dictate written responses? That would be incredibly unfair to us. Trump has repeatedly said he would be glad to testify under oath. It's the one bluster-bluff in all of the Trumpian bluster-bluffs that we should really call him out on. Call it a hunch, but something tells me, he might just perjure himself...
36
Someone else will write in the answers
I think that the interrogation of Trump (when his attorneys allow him to answer questions) will be the most bizarre, confusing, self-contradictory, changing minute-to-minute thing any of us have ever seen (except we wont get to see it).
19
There was no collusion therefore everything else is smoke and mirrors used to distract. Asking Comey to stop wasting time on a falsehood is not obstruction of justice.
2
Go ahead, tell us how you know this for a certainty. While you're at it please explain why almost everyone in Trump's circle had connections to Russia and lied about it.
7
Dear Mr. Mueller :
Why not start off by asking,
"Mr. President, during your campaign, you said you would release your income tax return, even describing it as thousands of page long, but then you refused to release it, and you have still not done so.
Why?
When you said you would release it, was that a lie?
When you said you could not release your taxes because you were under audit, but the IRS said that makes no difference and pointed to previous examples of people releasing their returns while under audit, did you still believe it was illegal, or was that a lie?
Are you concerned release of your tax return would show you have been involved in money laundering through your international businesses? Are you concerned that they could show you are massively in debt to Russia, or to entities controlled by the Russian government, by Mr. Putin, or by criminals?
Have you ever told the complete truth about anything?
Is that a lie?"
These are questions so many Americans want addressed.
4
Hilarious.
Comey ain't running the FBI, or the investigation, dude.
Ah, Trumpist genius.
One thing that trump has done, that (in a left-hand way) he can (and likely will) take and twist his reality into believing he consorted, is that he has exposed CRITICAL weaknesses in our system. The man almost brought down the USA !
8
The PRESIDENT is under no obligation, legal or otherwise, to speak with the FBI. Considering recent revelations about, putting it Kindly, improprieties within DOJ / FBI it is appropriate to demand that the FBI/DOJ provide something more compelling then mere assurances that those he will face are not motivated out of a political zeal and ideological bias. Otherwise this will take on the appearance of a latter day "Star Chamber/ Spanish Inquisition".
2
Nemesis, the "president" is indeed under legal obligation to speak to the Special Counsel, if the Special Counsel requires such. If trump does not comply, Mueller could issue a grand jury subpoena demanding that trump comply. Should trump not comply, that is contempt of court, and what do they do to a sitting "president" who is in contempt of court????? I don't think we've ever experienced that before! Mueller, a republican, is not motivated out of a political zeal or an ideological bias, other than adherence to the law, and love of truth and country. Obviously ANYONE attempting to bring trump to obey the law, in your eyes, has some kind of bias against him. Well, I must say that I certainly do: I am disgusted and outraged by his corruption, his pathological lying, his malignant narcissism, his arrogance, his thievery, his entitlement, his racism, his misogyny, his xenophobia, his cruelty, his criminality, his greed, and his possible treason. And his stepping all over the laws of our country.
11
Considering Mueller is a lifelong Republican, decorated military veteran, one of the most esteemed ever chiefs of the FBI, an attorney noted for his impartial and meticulous approach to the rule of law -- and was appointed by a Republican who himself was appointed by a Republican administration -- what are you so worried about, Nemesis?
5
Thank you. A repeat of the Ted Stevens witch hunt. Senator Stevens was vindicated but only after he died in a plane crash he wouldn't have been in had he been in the Senate.
It is pretty fair to assume that if Mueller's team in ready to interview Trump, that their investigation is in it's final stages since the interview of the main target in a criminal investigation is usually the last step (unless of course the target lies). Based on the lack of any recent news leaks coming out of Mueller's people linking Trump to true evidence of Russian collusion or obstruction of justice, is also pretty fair to assume that many NYT readers are going to be really upset when they hear the results.
4
Steve...not so fast. They haven't yet interviewed Trump.
4
We didn't know for a month or so after the fact about several of the charges, indictments and in the case of Mr. "Lock Her UP" Flynn, a guilty plea to a felony.
What makes you so sure there aren't other charges afoot even as we type? Or that the Grand Jury's secret deliberations are not bearing plenty of fruit?
"Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream," to quote one Republican.
4
Mueller needs to conduct his interview with Trump in a live, recorded, face-to-face meeting. There is no need to put Trump under oath, because 18 US Code 1001 makes lying to a federal official a crime.
The interview might well start with the comment "You have told the world that you have the greatest memory. With that in mind, please tell us ... ". One wonders whether the questioning will be phrased to play up to Trump's well known narcissism, so as to get him to become expansive in his comments and to brag.
We already know that various notes, such as those of Pribus memorializing conversations with Trump, support the assertions of Jim Comey about what Trump said regarding Mike Flynn. Who knows how many more such notes exist?
I expect that Mueller and his people will question Trump in detail on such matters, where they already know (or have evidence of) what took place.
102
Under questioning by Mr. Mueller, will trump get to call Putin for a life line?
25
"Under questioning by Mr. Mueller, will trump get to call Putin for a life line?"
Nope! I understand that the game is played thus: If you are already a millionaire, you get no phone calls, and no life lines. You are on your own! Only if you "want to be a millionaire" are you allowed those helping phone calls and life lines. And can you imagine if Putin gave trump the wrong answer?!?!?
4
As was stated on PBS news hour last night by Wolff, author of the new book on the WH, Fire and Fury.
“Everyone in the WH believes that when Mueller looks at Trump’s personal and company finances, that’s when Trump and his family are in deep trouble”
Like many criminals in the past, I’m thinking the smoking gun will be “money laundering”.
I’m guessing the whole Trump organization is basically one big Russian “private bank”.
When are we going to see Trump’s tax returns?
80
MAGA. Mueller Ain't Going Away.
150
Best comment ever!
12
Brilliant
1
Brilliant.
2
Mueller's dilatory investigation is nothing more than a purchase of time for us all to become inured to rule by an utterly despicable collection of liars, cheats and delusionals. Only Congress can remove Trump, by impeachment, and they are nothing but chained puppets.
24
I suspect Mr Mueller is a more stable genius than Mr Trump.
I don't need to see their IQ scores to know this. One is silent, the other proves his instability and lack of intelligence daily.
I disagree with the premise that once Trump is interviewed, the process will wind down. I think there are answers he will give under oath that will need to be corroborated with prior testimony and perhaps a few re-interviews of earlier witnesses.
I also think there may still be considerations of the process he was aware of with Russia and their attempts on undermining our democracy. These may not be issues he can be charged with, but it will flesh out the picture between him and his sons and Kushner. I sincerely doubt any of that was unknown to him.
In the end, if we don't change the political picture in Congress nothing happens. Be vigilant, vote out the Greed Over People party, and work to get others to the polls. The next election is 10 months away. His party won't stop r*ping and pillaging our country until we fire them.
82
"One is silent..."
Ah, yes, "Better to be silent and thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."
Trump cannot keep himself from opening his mouth - with the predictable result.
1
Aside from the obvious collusion/obstruction, Trumps lawyers are also likely concerned that Mueller is going to lay out the evidence for money laundering.
21
Trump's attorneys want to "limit the scope" of the questions Mueller may ask Trump. That speaks volumes. No collusion? Maybe. Obstruction of justice. Probably. Money laundering. Most definitely.
83
"Money laundering. Most definitely."
Susan - Where did you get your law and accounting degrees? And if you do have them, please cite facts to back up your assertion that Donald Trump engaged in money laundering. After all, these are nothing more than the same questions you'd ask me if I asserted that the Clinton Foundation engaged in money laundering (i.e. converting charitable contributions into big salaries for cronies, and coverage of personal expenses).
Anything in writing will be the work of attorneys, later deniable and denied by Trump. Think letter firing Comey. When interviewed in person Trump, after denying everything and bragging about himself, inevitably thinks he has the interview aced and relaxes, blurting out the truth. Given his "genius" for keeping his attorneys in work, a recorded interview would be a great venue for 1) nailing his lies, and 2) possibly finding out what really happened. I'm sure Mueller is on this.
19
Trump will need to be paneled under oath with his hand on a bible (or on his wallet), administered sodium pentothal and recorded under a polygraph. And even then I wouldn't take anything he says seriously.
103
Stu -
I wish you had given that advice to Comey before the FBI "interviewed" Hillary Clinton.
1
Under oath, recorded, witnessed. None of this "may we please get your cooperation?" No informal meetings to give Trump an edge. In other situations, Trump could write the check and settle it after a dicey deposition. He can't write a check for this one. He won't have a teleprompter to read either.
70
With or without lawyers, I don't see how Trump can avoid perjuring himself. Just ask him yes of no questions about James Comey. Trump will inevitably need to answer both yes and no to some of these questions or risk lying to the FBI. His only other option is to refuse to answer. However, I don't see the point as his own statements are part of the evidence against him. Refusing to answer allows current-Trump to remain silent but we can rely on former-Trump to enlighten us instead.
The thing to avoid with Trump is allowing open ended explanations. Trump and his lawyers can't deny what he said. He's on tape. However, they're seeking to establish that Trump did not intend to obstruct justice. Trump's lawyers have a means to undercut the accusation if they can convince Mueller not to proceed. The effort requires discipline but it's not unwinnable. The odds of success obviously diminish the closer Trump gets to a grand jury. Just understand, there's a risk for opponents in interviewing Trump as well.
The thing I don't understand is whatever happened to Kushner and Don Jr.? They've seemingly disappeared from Mueller's investigation. If an interview with Trump signals an approaching end to the investigation, I'm wondering what will happen to Trump's nepotistic proteges. Are they not-guilty or guilty but not yet indicted? Why is Mueller seeking an interview with Trump first? These are interesting questions going forward.
23
White Collar Crimal Law Prosecutor strategy... Mueller will reach some deal to question tRump under oath on video/recorded (ala Clinton), but a day or two before the scheduled session, his office will finally release the previously issued grand jury indictments against Kushner and Don Jr. (and perhaps Sessions) as further signal to tRump to behave and participate. If Trump balks or refuses to appear, or if he appears and goes through the sheer obfuscation evident in his prior deposition/witness appearances, then Mueller will end the session and hand tRump and Ty Cobb a subpoena to compel testimony under oath before the sitting DC grand jury. Cobb knows much better than tRump and his accomplices (and other "personal" lawyers) that there are very limited options here - legally and strategically, for Trump and refusing to participate or seeking to participate through any manner other than face-to-face sit down will result in tRump being forced to appear before the grand jury without his team of lawyers.
7
Why they even have Congressional investigations into the Russian interference to our presidential election is beyond me. With he GOP in charge, both the House and Senate investigations have become a laughing stock. Just let Mueller do his thing and forget all the rest. Mueller knows much more than we or the press know and he will be thorough and honest in his findings.
7
You think so? I was thinking Mueller was going to save the children as continued leverage. Pin Trump on obstruction first. That way pardons become politically unviable. Well, more politically unviable anyway. Meanwhile, the threat of indictment makes for a friendly witness. There's a chance Kushner and Don Jr. are not indictable though. In which case, Mueller only has the threat of indictment as leverage. I definitely agree with your last point. I would prefer to hear Trump away from his lawyers too.
2
Since "t" has been lying with a straight face from day one, what makes anyone think he will tell the truth under oath. He doesn't know how to tell the truth. He would need to be injected with a truth serum first. His lawyers may try to protect this man-child, but even he is not above the law. I wish Mr. Mueller and his team lots of luck.
22
The Prosecutor will not be able to get trump to agree to the scope of the interview. Mueller already knows this and will use his description of the topics for inquiry to show trump trump's vulnerabilities. Make no mistake about it, Mueller already has sufficient evidence to proceed, but trump's response to the reality of the situation has many possibilities, including a constitutional crisis, which Vladimir desires. The chess game is entering the end game.
PROSECUTE RUSSIAGATE!
26
I don't know what to think of this. Donald Trump's every utterance is a lie. Over the months we have seen before our eyes what seems to be the deterioration of his mind, a self-created reality of which he can not escape, a reality that is out of touch with the circumstances and even people, including us, surrounding him.
Will he lie? Will he fold? Will he now find a way to "fire" Mr. Mueller who is just fulfilling his responsibility as a man of the law?
Or is this the beginning of the end of an investigation? I hope not. And I doubt it. Our country is dependent on its outcome. And it's not so much about Trump per se. Rather it is about inviting a foreign and hostile nation into our community home to chip away and erode a democracy of which we have been proud.
20
If he has nothing to hide why should Mr. Trump's lawyers prevent him from being interviewed by Mueller and his investigators? I wonder if they have already subpoenaed Trump's tax records to see if Russian money was somehow involved in Trump's business dealings during or before the campaign. Nobody yet has mentioned tax records, but they must be a part of this investigation. Certainly the old adage "Follow the money" holds true in this case. Why else has Lying Donald Trump not released his tax records? What is he hiding?
168
Trump said he had and has nothing to do with Russia. But we learn most all of the money coming into the Trump organization came from Russia (as told to us by Jr. and Eric).
6
Nobody else would lend money to him after his Trump Casino world went bankrupt.
Now we're getting to the point that will show one the main reasons that Trump wanted Comey gone:
As a con man who is expert at insulating himself from legal trouble through an army of lawyers and fall guys, then spinning the results with lies, deceit and millions in PR, Trump hopes Mueller's findings will not come with the "grandstanding" of an investigator who is willing to skewer him in the court of public opinion even if he is found to be "un-indictable."
Because Trump has never been "innocent."
Trump and his people have been downplaying the act of "collusion" as NOT illegal for a year now.
THAT is how guilty they are. They have been spinning Mueller's eventual findings since he started his special investigation.
17
Has anyone explained to the stable genius in chief, who only a sort time ago boasted about having one of the world's best memories, he will be under oath this time? As if Trump will have any concerns about that quaint custom.
12
It’s painful to watch the President’s opponents twist themselves into knots trying to prove that crudeness, buffoonery and, arguably, stupidity are crimes. It is even more painful to realize that this comic opera is merely a continuation of the President-wrecking practiced by the losing political party since the election of 2000. Eventually, and with absolute certainty, this low comedy will become tragedy.
5
I'm sorry, but after the last couple years, the alt-right OWNS crudeness, buffoonery, and stupidity. You also own greed and bigotry. Do you think no one in the USA reads, just because the president doesn't? We see what you do.
27
Impeachment over a dress stain does not make it into your history of President-wrecking, Larry?
14
Donald Trump's biggest legal problems have nothing to do with any opponents attempting to criminalize 'crudeness, buffoonery, stupidity'.
Robert Mueller's investigation focuses on such old-fashioned crimes as perjury, obstruction of justice, and money laundering.
Nice try, Larry.
10
Sorry, all but I think the investigation will end up validating Trump: he didn't collude with the Russians. His staff included all kind of sleazeballs (as his White House staff does: honest people have a hard time tolerating his malarkey) and they were bent on winning at any cost and were naively outmaneuvered by the Russians. But, it appears that no smoking gun has been found about illegal deal making.
But the problem with obstruction is: the President CAN dismiss that FBI Director without cause: it would be very hard to prove he did that to obstruct justice. On the other hand, if he had ordered the FBI to stop their investigation, he would have stepped on the same thing that brought down Nixon.
Of course, the Special Counsel may have uncovered real evidence of, say, financial impropriety involving Trump himself, and will get him to lie about it, and then it will be really awkward: does Mueller carry handcuffs? Would the Secret Service protect the President from being lead away? I don't know...But either way, I think the term collusion will, finally, get off the front pages.
And by the way: Russia achieved its results exactly by how much that term has dominated the national consciousness, and it's because Trump and his team did stupid, manipulative things for short term political gain. But these are not crimes, just as using a personal email server was not a crime.
3
There are already 4 indictments against his team regarding lying about collusion - how can that not be a sign that there's evidence of collision?
It would be hard to nail a smart politician of obstruction for firing the FBI director, but in this case we have Comey's memos, letters to the AG, and comments by the president on national TV and to Russian agents in the Oval Office that he fired Comey to obstruct the collusion investigation.
The financial ties are really the only crime that the public hasn't yet seen real evidence of.
3
Collusion isn't a potential crime. It's a straw man Trump has sold to the news media "personalities" he uses like rented mules.
".. it would be very hard to prove he did that to obstruct justice" if he hadn't blurted it out to Lester Holt on national TV.
1
Typical GOP. The GOP empowers someone of such inferior quality that he won't bear up to scrutiny. Do they try to protect the country by installing a better person? No. They try to prevent the scrtiny. The GOP care more about their party than their country.
86
I’m sure his lawyers won’t have to worry. After all, he’s a “stable genius” with “a very good brain”. Plus he’s been to “the best schools”. With all that super-intelligence, he should be just fine, right? I mean, it’s not like he’s some uncontrollable naïf that goes and posts completely crazy and incoherent things to Twitter or anything... oh, wait...
25
So Mr. Mueller is at that point to talk to Mr. Trump. I hope Mr. Mueller's ducks are in a row. Mr. Trump has demonstrated nothing but incompetence since being elected to office. Between firing Mr. Comey as head of the F.B.I., to admitting in an interview with Lester Holt that he fired Mr. Comey over the "Russia thing", to having him be gung ho over threatening North Korea that he has a "bigger button that works", to this ever divisive plan of building a wall on the Southern part of the United States. How did we as a country go from having hope and promise with President Obama to a con man such as Mr. Trump. Yes, I do hope Mr. Mueller's ducks are in a row. Anyone who is in the right frame of mind can see that we have a dangerous man as President, but I am hopeful for a positive outcome where Mr. Trump will find himself eventually after serving as "Commander"(hardly)-in-Chief to a man serving time.
8
Trump is being cornered by Mueller and his team.
If Trump doesn't cooperate with Mueller, then he'll be hard-pressed to make his case going forward that there was no collusion on his part. After, all, if he has nothing to hide . . .
If he does cooperate with Mueller (and Mueller's goal will certainly be to speak with Trump directly), then anything Trump says can and will be used against him.
Bill Clinton, a lawyer, knew the importance of every single word out of his mouth, and took excruciating pains to parse his statements. Trump is no Bill Clinton. Trump is not particularly smart, he has no legal training, he's lazy, and he's careless. If he thinks his usual word salad, obfuscations, bombast, and outright lies are going to help his cause, he's got another think coming.
To put this as politely as possible, at this point Trump's legal team is undoubtedly having a hard time passing bricks through its alimentary canal.
11
President Trump will address the issues Mr Mueller will present to him.
This should be the completion of the " investigation ". The small amount that has been realistically released shows this is more of a problem for the Democrats than the Republicans/President. The Dems through Mueller will now have to put up or shut up, where's the evidence, or as Sarah used to say " Where's the Beef ".
I for one am so tired of hearing this ridiculous scenario. The liberal media has repeated this mantra so long they might believe this nonsense themselves, I for one do not.
So Mr Mueller,
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is not promised, NOW is the time, show up what you have.
2
It is not the media that keeps this story alive. It's Trump.
He asked Putin to hack the emails of a former Secretary of State on national TV, fired the FBI Director with numerous explanations ending in "the Russia thing," hired at least twenty people to his team that had secret meetings with Russians and lied about it including a national security adviser who has already pleaded guilty and a campaign head who ran the Republican National convention with ties to Russia under indictment, refused to enforce a law that he signed to increase sanctions on Russia, says "no collusion" over and over even when not asked, said on record that he doesn't need American banks because Russian banks lend him money, hired a Russian organized crime figure to work on Trump Tower Moscow, etc., etc.
In fact he draws attention to the Russia investigation so often in so many different ways that I'm afraid he made the whole thing up to distract from whatever his real crimes are. He had been deferring to China as often as Russia, with the excuse of North Korea, for example.
My gut tells me that he is up to his neck in Russian money laundering, but I'm waiting for the evidence to come out before I rule out any possibility, including that he is essentially innocent.
But collusion is a polite word for treason, Angus if Trump is putting the interests of another country above the interests of the USA, he should spend the rest of his life in prison.
Trump keeps saying and doing these things. TRUMP
11
Please. The Special Counsel investigations during the Clinton administration lasted over 4 1/2 years, investigated a wide range of completely unrelated matters - and produced zero indictments.
I'm not sure what 'ridiculous scenario' you are referring to. Mueller has been at work for 1 year and has indicted no fewer than 4 people and secured guilty pleas from two. The consensus of the US intelligence community is that Russia interfered in our election with the intent to favor Trump. Meanwhile, many of his associates appear to have a bad habit of lying about Russia. 2 + 2 = ???
2
Trump is a pathological lier and I believe that he will lie under oath or not. Any word coming out of his mouth is a lie until proven otherwise.
18
Trump should absolutely testify. If he is forced to the questions snd answers should be submitted in writing. If forced to verbally testify, he should follow Hillary Clintons precedent. Do not testify under oath, bring as many lawyers as you want, allow no notes or recording’s, and absolutely no follow up memos regarding the testimony. In other words no evidence of corruption.
11
Yes, do it like the all-day Benghazi sessions.
2
Dear Pvbeachbum: so you feel that all politicians are crooks or just Dems; or just Hillary? Speak please, the world awaits.
2
Hillary testified for 9 hours in front of a House committee on Benghazi. She didn't flinch once and made Trey Goudy look like an amateur.
4
Why the negotiations with this clown and genius named Trump. If the Trump is so, so smart and a genius, then Trump, with his mental powers of a genius, should withstand being questioned under oath. Being a genius Trump should not fear questions under oath to determine if he conspired and colluded with others, our adversary Russia and Putin, to subvert the law. If Trump, unlawfully laundered money through his business to avoid paying Federal and State taxes he must answer. Mueller should issue out a subpoena and mandate that Trump presents himself before the Special Counsel, and if necessary a Grand Jury, and testify under oath and face interrogation by the Special Council. If Trump refuses to answer then, his GUILT is apparent. Many presidents have attempted to obstruct, ignore and subvert the power of subpoena, but failed, to testify under oath and have lost in court trying to undermine justice and the arm of the law.
11
I'm with John Le Carre. His advice? Follow the money.
Le Carre's prognosis? Trump will be given the choice to fade away or his family will face the wrath of the power apparatus that's decided the experiment with faux populist foolishness is over and time's up on this particular chapter.
Happy days. With enough pressure Trump will fade and we'll be on to Oprah.
Really? This system is broke and it ain't get'in fixed anytime soon.
9
Voter power is the key to regaining some semblance of sanity in our Federal Gov't.
Let's get with it. There has got to be some fresh, honest, experienced individuals out there from both parties.
Of course the present leaders in Congress will fight to the end to preserve their power, perks and money.
LIMIT THE SUPPORTER'S FINANCING AND CUT THE TIME BETWEEN NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS!
All that candidates need to tell the voters can be covered in one month maximum. It is no longer the 19th century. Communication is virtually instantaneous.
Watch this not happen!
We are in a national crisis.
3
Yes #45 needs to be asked questions, under oath, like he agreed too. the interview should be recorded, so there can be know doubt what questions were asked, and how they were answered. The one thing Mueller has in his favor is the testimony from others along with documents to help ask the right questions. #45 will be in the HOT seat. lets hope for an explosion that leads to federal charges and get the USA back from crazy.
27
This is easy if you are a lawyer---say nothing---the Jeff Sessions: "I don't recall." But if you are Trump's lawyer, you have a problem---at some point you know he will go off script---he will have that Jack Nicholson: "you can't handle the truth" and then, stand up and fire Mueller on the spot...like Colonel Jessup, he will be escorted from the room to a McDonald's to celebrate the end of his Presidency.
14
I'd like to see it done on the set of The Apprentice.
Mueller in Trump's seat, and Trump in Omarossa's seat.
11
is it too much to hope that Mueller will have agents with handcuffs ready for when Trump runs his mouth and incriminate himself? The man is a walking, talking nuclear threat and needs to be removed immediately.
15
Most likely, whatever they find, Mueller would have to present his findings to congress, not indict a sitting president.
2
Trump is a prosecutor’s dream witness. He lies a lot, is stupid, and arrogant. The chance of Trump not perjuring himself under oath is minimal.
183
The stable Genius has a chance to prove it. Said the spider to the fly.
Please Proceed, Mr. Mueller. Bigly.
43
Very much doubt that DJT lawyers will allow a deposition in person. Written answers would be worthless.
Mueller probably wants to cross check the testimony of others.
The time for lying would be over and I don't think DJT could withstand that scrutiny.
Let's see what happens!
4
As I dwell on this matter, my mind keeps coming back to the tantalizing thought that Mueller could indict Trump, his family and The Trump Organization under the RICO statute. It would be a perfect fit. That Trump and his fellow-traveling band of white collar criminals and family are involved in very shady dealings all over the place has been pretty well established; even before he got into politics. Jared & Ivanka only avoided prosecution, just a couple of months ago, over shady real estate dealing. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. If the organized crime families from the north-east were the impetus and model for the RICO statute, then The Trump Organization fits right in there too. Over to you, Mr. Mueller.
20
If Trump didn't break the law there is no risk of investigation or dialogue with Mueller. Let's get this show over with one way or the other.
2
Let's finish the investigation.
3
Trump's lawyers know perfectly well that an interview with Mueller is a perjury charge waiting to happen. Donnie can't remember what he said from one minute to the next, and the story keeps changing.
17
Of course Trump's lawyers want to prevent Mueller from interviewing Trump alone. We've seen time and time again - when POTUS is left alone and unsupervised he has zero composure.
If this were to go before a grand jury I have a strong feeling that Trump will crumble under pressure and let something slip that seals the deal. Here's to wishful thinking.
7
I highly doubt Trump is willing to offer full cooperation, but then again I highly doubt that if he ignored any request from Meuller’s office that congress would react in any meaningful way. The only way out of this mess is the next election.
3
Half of Republicans told USA Today that they would support suspending the next election. Trump could start a war, declare martial law and cancel elections. Be ready to save your republic. Waiting around for elections is probably not enough.
1
Only a foreign troll could seriously suggest that “waiting around for elections” is not the way to best preserve the republic. And it is “our” Republic, but perhaps when trolls advise us about how things must be done, they call it “your” republic...
Certainly Trump knows more about the law than any lawyer in America.
He is like, really smart and a stable genius.
So yes, his legal team has to be extremely worried.
15
Because of the pathological nature of his lying, I expect his team of attorneys will want a paper interview. Mr. Mueller sends them the questions and they find a variety of ways to say nothing back. Mr. Mueller should insist that Mr. Trump be questioned face to face by one or more members of the investigative team.
12
Because of Trump's meandering unwillingness to stay on topic or fashion a coherent sentence, we may be better off if the answers are on paper, so that he does actually have to answer the questions.
@Joseph Barnett: Not only an in-person interview but in the presence of FBI personnel...it's not nice to lie to the FBI.
Written answers? Now I’m not saying that provides an opportunity to give mendacious answers concocted by assorted lawyers and aides that are designed to avoid the truth, but....
I can’t think of a way to finish that sentence.
3
I wish that there was greater explanation as to why Trump's lawyers are permitted to work out "ground rules" for an interview. Why such deference to a person that may be involved in criminal activity, and is a known associate of persons already charged with crimes?
3
There is always a danger that a sitting president could be unfairly attacked and maligned for political reasons (although usually not by members of his own party). The office of the president must be protected from frivolous lawsuits and prosecutions, or else every president would have to spend most of their time defending themselves.
At the same time, no one is above the law, despite Nixon's assertions to the contrary, so the justice department has set up a system for investigations to make sure that the president respects the presidency and follows the law.
Those that undermine the process by attacking the special investigator, the FBI, or the entire Department of Justice, or by calling for politically favored outcomes without waiting for the investigation to finish are flirting with a constitutional crisis that could destroy our republic.
Protect the constitution, the justice department, the investigation and the presidency, by demanding the investigation go on without interference, or unrealistic expectations
2
Trump's lawyers are trying to find the easiest and safest method for Trump to interview with Mueller, such as written answers to pre-submitted questions, etc. Why not just position Trump on the lap of one of his lawyers so they can carry on the interview with Trump being the marionette (puppet) and the lawyer being the marionettist (one who controls the puppet). The lawyer can even pretend the drink a glass of water during the performance to add some believability to the dramatization.
6
The only word for the actions of Grassley, Nunes and their International Mafia Robber Baron brethren and masters who are trying to obstruct justice by withholding information from the investigations OUR hard-earned taxpayer dollars are paying for is TREASON.
The Don Con's corrupt lawyers are trying to figure out a way to protect him and their cabal from prosecution/impeachment and you can bet your last dollar that when/if the heat gets turned up they will try to get rid of Investigator Mueller. The very idea that OUR system allows this corruption to continue is NOT acceptable.
Rachel Maddow (MSNBC weeknights 9 pm ET) reported about the brave, newly elected U.S. Senator from Alaska, Mike Gravel, who read the Pentagon Papers into the public record through the tiny, little sub-committee he chaired. That prevented Nixon from squelching the information.
One brave person can change everything. Democrats on the U.S. Senate and House supposed "justice" committees should read all the information they have heard - classified or not - into the public record right now to preserve it for future prosecution/impeachment.
This mafia-controlled corruption must not stand in America. Not now. Not ever.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Gravel
110
I agree. Treason.
And the House and Senate Republicans are no less guilty than the president of obstruction of justice. Just because a bunch of them are doing it doesn't make it Ok.
I sincerely hope that Mueller will force Trump to testify in person, and refuse to allow him to rely upon the obfuscation and wheedling that will no doubt occur should he be allowed to answer in writing or via his lawyers.
Quite frankly, Trump has lied, dodged, and fulminated about this issue for the entirety of his administration and also during the campaign. I'm sick to death of this man feeling that he can sic his lawyers on every issue that causes him angst or pushback. Admittedly, he's done that his entire life. But this is not some stiffed contractor or sleazy real estate deal, this is the very integrity of our nation, our election process, and the office of the Presidency itself. I want a full court press and the full gravity of the situation brought to bear. Trump has acted with impunity and cheapened the office of the President. Well, he's not in Trump Tower any more. It's time that Robert Mueller made him realize it.
275
Mueller is not going to agree to written answers. Any such answers will be authored by a team of high priced lawyers, to obfuscate and prevaricate ad nauseum.
3
A team of lawyers will have sentences that don't change the subject half way through, are longer than "no collusion," and actually attempt to answer the question or at least pretend to. Trump is not likely to do any of those things. It may be best for all involved for his lawyers to do the questioning and translate Trumpish into coherent English, if we want any answers at all, beyond, "no collusion, no collusion."
As in the case of Watergate, the coverup may be more significant, legally, than the actual crime. The difference will be in the response of the President's* own party.
28
Very true, and thus very scary. (Love the asterisk!)
3
This is not Nixon's Republican Party. To actually convict Trump of high crimes or misdemeanors, you will need 2/3 of the Senate. Obstruction of justice is probably not enough for that to happen.
Don't be so sure that no crimes were committed. "Follow the money". Or at least Mr Mueller should be following the money. Anyone with Trump's business background, especially in real estate and the casino industry must have lots of dirty secrets in the closet. Why was he so afraid to release his tax returns?
3
tic, tic, tic... We thought we had seen or heard some pretty crazy stuff from the White House, but this will ramp it up to new heights.
11
There are numerous important differences between Mr. Trump's situation and Mr. Clinton's.
The first and most important is that Mr. Trump (and his organization) are likely to have been involved in the commission of crimes (money laundering and accessory to racketeering) before he held office.
The underlying offense for Mr. Trump would be obstruction of justice. In contrast, Ms. Lewinsky was not a minor at the time of their tryst -- i.e. no crime. Clinton's problem arose from lying during the investigative process.
Mr. Trump and his circle have used the presidency for financial gain when Mr. Trump held office, whereas Mr. Clinton waited until he left office.
49
Further, it was stipulated by the special counsel that the definition of "sex" did not include "receiving oral sex". So when Mr. Clinton was asked if he had sex with "that woman", he answered truthfully (under the terms provided) that he "did not have sex with that woman".
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinton%E2%80%93Lewinsky_scandal
2
Clinton lied under oath and came out of impeachment more popular.
So despite the old adage, "it's not the crime, it's the cover up," if you want to get rid of Trump, we will probably need to tie him to actual crimes, and show that those crimes make him a national security risk, through blackmail etc.
If obstruction of justice is all they have, it probably won't be enough. If they have evidence that Trump is directly involved in money laundering, especially with Russian banks connected to Putin, then even a Republican congress will have a hard time ignoring that.
(And Trump might be under estimating how fast Republicans might turn on him and throw him under the bus, if Mueller comes out with convincing evidence that Putin, or the Chinese are holding evidence of Trump financial crimes that they could have used to blackmail him.)
If he wasn't so arrogant and convinced of his ability to lie himself out of anything, or had an understanding of our system of government, he probably wouldn't have run for president, even the first time.
2
Mueller will require truthful answers to his questions. Is Trump capable of providing them?
17
Are you serious?
8
In case you haven't noticed Trump contradicts himself many times each week.
When you say one thing, and then say the complete opposite thing, one of those things is a lie. When you lie all of the time, you are a pathological liar.
Everyone lies a little, but they try to hide it. Trump rubs your nose in his lies. He flies in shocking us with his lying.
The fact that half of voters think a pathological liar would make a good president, shows that most Republicans are not interested in the rule of law, which is supposed to be about finding the truth, and are against the constitution, which depends on the rule of law.
Trump has nominated completely unqualified people to be federal judges (including one who could not answer questions from first year law school, personally attacks judges that rule against him, pardoned a sheriff who ordered his department to ignore court rulings and was convicted of contempt of court, and supported a former judge who was twice removed by fellow judges for ignoring the constitution and who is explicitly against the separation of church and stat and for religious tests for public office and wants to cancel the last 37 Amendments to the constitution. These attacks on the judiciary, not to mention on the FBI and our intelligence agencies, show that Trump is against the constitution. Unless he's lying about that too.
If Republicans cared about the constitution, they would have impeached Trump already.
3
Does the delusional Trump actually know when he is lying? It is doubtful that Trump is aware when he exaggerates or constructs his personalized version of the Truth as it suits his conception at any moment. It seems from past performance that his Very, very smart genius mind does not allow facts to interfere with his narcissistic reconstruction of the Truth.
2
I recently read the 2007 deposition of Donald Trump in his lawsuit against Timothy O'Brien/Time Warner regarding Mr. O'Brien's story about Mr. Trump's low net worth (which was correct). This deposition has been cited by many others who know Trump lies, but it is astounding to read Mr. Trump being caught in lie after lie after lie. He is truly pathological in this regard. It will be quite an event, I believe, to have Mr. Trump in front of Mr. Mueller's team, under oath.
For anyone with time on their hands, here is a link to the 2007 deposition.
https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/2430267/trumps-lawsuit-on-net...
142
Trump need not be under oath.
Just knowing or willfully making false statements to a Federal agent is a crime. (18 U.S.C. § 1001).
1
@David: Thanks for the link, but it's broken.
1
If he moves his lips, he will lie. If he lies, he will be charged.
His lawyers should be easing him into a deal, a graceful out: diminished mental capacity, due to say, dementia or Alzheimer's, and immediate voluntary retirement… while he can still present the image of acting heroically under his own free will.
But if he cannot be persuaded by lawyers or loved ones (?), he will be held legally responsible, subpoenaed, questioned under oath...
His character has crystallised and is almost all that remains. Now it seems "infantile" is a clinical diagnosis, not a slur.
Tell him that the White House is too small for his grandeur, that his powers are wasted in the puny office, he's unappreciated, he's stifled, his light is hidden under a bushel, that he could achieve so much more outside, from the palace at Maralago, to be adored freely without lies from the press –against whom he could then unleash his revenge.
Or Congress could with breaking hearts insist they need to satisfy themselves that he "still" understands the office's obligations and limits, the Constitution, and can coherently explain various of his statements and policies.
Let him take the time honoured deposed-dictator-ensconced-in-luxury-hotel route early.
Diminished capacity may be his best option, given he can't not lie, and as his mental capacity does seem to be diminishing, it would be just and compassionate to make that deal as it would rightly be made for anyone suffering impaired judgment.
118
Bring Trump into the back room with the hot lights and work him over.
69
Yeah, no need to be nice. Trump likes perps to be treated roughly by police.
1
Don't become what you hate. Despite the fact that Trump regularly disrespects the constitutional requirement that all Americans are innocent until proven guilty, we need to have mire respect for our constitution then he does.
1
You mean, in his words, don't be too nice?
Mr. Trump doesn't know what testimony and evidence Mr. Mueller has, so he will have to be worried about being caught in a lie. How many times can a very stable genius say he doesn't remember. It will be difficult for the man who set a record for White House golfing trips to argue that he has a very busy schedule and has no time to meet. We will soon learn what Mr. Trump meant when he promised full cooperation.
194
bud - Not even close. You make yourself foolish when you tell this kind of lie.
10
There comes a time when a delusional liar cannot recall when he has told The Truth and when what he said earlier was a lie. Unfortunately as we all have seen on record many times, Donald J. Trump already has told more lies than all former occupants of the White House combined. And, in the 21st Century, every lie has been recorded for playback on international media. How sad!
1
I think President Obama played 26 rounds of Golf his first year and Mr. Trump has played around between 40 and 80 rounds depending on the source.
It's so hard for me to imagine Donald Trump showing discipline or being "canny." ...No, I was wrong. Turns out it is impossible for me to imagine it.
75
"Mr. Trump’s lawyers are expected to try to set ground rules for any interview or provide answers to written questions.". Seriously? Is this a test he gets to cheat on? I'm hoping for a Grand Jury so Trump can do what he does best - fail epically.
15
Now we’ll see how stable the genius is or if he is just a genius in the stables for his ability to shovel the you know what.
9
Says who? Has Mueller corroborated or is this trump team controlling the message?
Oh, to be a fly on the wall at that interview!
6
Trump should be interviewed under oath. He needs to adhere to the law just as everyone else does. If anyone is summoned to a legal interview or hearing and they don't appear, isn't a warrant for their arrest issued?
Trump is scared to death to appear and testify under oath. He saw what happened to Clinton. Trump's lawyers knows he is a pathological liar and they're trying to keep him out of that interrogation with follow-up questions with the body language factor. If Trump hasn't done anything wrong, then why is he afraid to appear before Mueller and his team of investigators?
11
"not the broader question of possible collusion with Russia."
It would be foolish to assume Mueller only wants to interview Trump once.
Focusing on one topic at time will allow Mueller to be very thorough.
I'd like to see Trump before a grand jury.
Written answers should only be accepted if Trump is recorded actually answering the questions himself. If not, the answers will be what his staff thinks are the safest, not the truth.
8
The New York Times says “the truth has a voice” so let’s hope that Robert Mueller hears the truth from the voice of the president, if he’s not afraid to sit down with Mueller for a one-on-one interview. If he didn’t take his sworn oath seriously last January, he’ll have to when Mueller asks him point blank about his campaign’s involvement with Russia and also about his tax information and information about money laundering. Chances are that Mueller will already have the answers to these questions so maybe, for the first time in his life, the president will have to be honest, open and above board with his answers, which isn’t like him. The future of his presidency will be riding on this interview.
5
Let him speak to the Special Counsel.
He'll hang himself on his own hubris before the conversation is done.
9
Well, now, how much fun would fun be were Duh Donald to fire Mueller the minute the prosecutor sits down before him in the oval office!...just as Mueller hands the Big D a grand jury subpoena.
Who Trumps whom?
1
Yay constitutional crisis!? How could that go badly?
Those that think the national anthem and the flag and football and the Republican Party are more important than the constitution, are risking everything our troops ever fought for, going back to the revolution (not to mention the Magna Carta.)
Flags and anthems are symbols that change occasionally. The constitution actually defines our republic and how the laws are made, and is what actually protects our freedoms. Protect your constitution at all costs.
1
It sickens me to think about how my tax dollars are being spent to defend one of the most corrupt presidents our country has seen. All these lawyers circling around trump, keeping him from saying something that will incriminate himself. Trump deserves for Mueller to go for the throat. Trump shows no remorse, no tact, no integrity and deserves everything he has coming. Let’s hope he goes before a grand jury. I’d love to be in that room to watch him squirm.
13
"The special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, could respond with a grand jury subpoena if President Trump refused to cooperate with an interview request."
Fascinating that I hear "liberals" gleeful about the idea of "hauling" Trump before a grand jury where he won't be able to have a lawyer with him.
These people, who fancy themselves progressive, genuinely savor the idea of the government forcing someone to talk and they avidly await Trump's hoped-for punishment if he refuses to talk.
Their responses range from chagrin to flat out disbelief when I tell them that the only way to compel a witness to talk to a grand jury is by giving that witness immunity.
This core constitutional protection actually saddens them.
Strange crop of liberals we have today.
Joe McCarthy would have loved them.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
4
Or he could plead the 5th, but that would not go over well.
None of the liberals I associate with want to "make Trump talk." If summoned, I would like Trump to provide sworn testimony to the Special Counsel or to a grand jury - with all the same Constitutional protections all of us enjoy.
If there are things Trump doesn't want to talk about because they would put him in legal jeopardy he is free to exercise his Fifth Amendment rights to avoid incriminating himself.
We liberals savor the idea of the rule of law. A concept that is foreign to the Trump universe unless it is applied to a Clinton. Fancy that!
2
Until Republicans are pushed out of control, the stakes for the President are very low. Paul Ryan has said that Trump makes racist comments, and Ryan hasn't even made a move to censure. Everyone knows that Trump has and continues to collude with the Russians, and they cheer him on regardless.
44
Mueller has his perjury trap set. If Trump submits to an interview he will be treated unfairly and perhaps even indicted. That would be illegal. We have a separation of powers. Trump as the unitary exeutive of a co equal branch of government is not even subject to a judicial subpoena. The only remedy is for impeachment and removal. Read the constitution. That will never happen. Stay away from Mueller Mr. Trump. He cannot be trusted. He is a Comey dupe.
2
Trump doesn't have to perjure himself.
1
As someone who has spent a large part of my life researching declassified documents to find abuses by the FBI and intelligence agencies, I find it amazing that I feel I have to protect these agencies from the Republican Party. Mueller is a Republican appointed to head the FBI by a Republican president, and now appointed by Trump's appointee to head this investigation. He is one of the most highly respected people in government.
I mean if Trump was actually trying to clean the swamp that would be one thing, but he fired Bannon and the other outsiders, and has Goldman Sachs, Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, and the rest of the establishment writing the laws, while he watches TV , plays golf, and tweets white supremacist talking points.
If he was attacking establishment politicians while trying to return democracy to the People, I would call this an establishment witch hunt. But he hired the establishment to the cabinet, and is doing everything the establishment has always wanted to do. Trump is not attacking the establishment. He is attacking the constitution and the rule of law, but more brazenly and quickly then establishment hacks like Clinton ever dared to.
The enemy of the Democrats is not necessary your friend.
Put your constitution above your party, because without the constitution, our republic is just a failed state.
3
Trump just can't help himself...
I don't think he knows truth from his own self-generated fiction.
I don't understand how written answers to written questions have any value in getting at the facts. The answers obviously would not be written by the defendant but instead would be composed and crafted by a team of attorneys skilled at obfuscation.
70
In case you haven't noticed Trump is nearly incoherent when he speaks and rarely answers questions directly. Even a team of lawyers is likely to be more forthcoming than Trump saying "no collusion" over and over. And they will not be able to pretend that the written answers are just "hyperbole," Trumps preferred language.
(By the way, when are Republicans going to hold themselves to the requirement of speaking "proper English," that they keep demanding of immigrants?)
2
It’s sad to see how weak our Constitution is. Regardless of whether this man is crazy, two thirds of the country believe him to be unfit for the office. A democracy means the majority wins. The Republicans have shown how easy it is to break norms and precedents. I believe we the people demand that the Constitution is amended to keep megalomaniacs from governing.
15
Keep hammering Ryan and McConnell with complaints. They alone control whether Trump remains in office.
What we need first is a constitutional amendment that says,
Corporations are Not Persons and Money is Not Speech.
Until we take control of our electoral process from the super rich, super rich maniacs will be running the country, in office or behind the scenes. (And by the way, those massive donors running the government from behind the scenes with contributions and promises of future high paying jobs , are the actual Deep State, not the career employees hired by institutions created and operated under the constitution.)
2
I hate to break this to you but thanks to archaic institutions like the Electoral College the United States is something less than a democracy.
First, I thought that Ty Cobb represented the Office of the President rather than Trump himself, but it seems that he is speaking for and to Trump. How does that work?
Second, I've read that Trump has been caught in lies in previous depositions, and that's when he was better able to speak clearly and stay on topic. He lies every day now - an average of 5X/day I think - so his supporters must be terrified.
Third, I think it's pretty clear from Trump's own public statements that he's tried to obstruct justice. Heck, he's even shared classified info with the Russians, yet most of the Republican members of Congress still support him. I have no faith in a Republican-led Congress that has ignored their responsibility in our system of checks and balances, and am looking forward to (and am working for) the November 2018 midterm changes.
I just wish I had more faith in the Democrats to stand up tall.
47
I wish I had more faith in The Republicans to stand Tall. They are the ones now who control the power to impeach, or invoke the 25th Amendment.
2
Democrats need to be pushing a left agenda, and attacking specific policies and apparent anti-constitutional actions of the president. Demanding impeachment without a strong case does not make it more likely.
But mostly Democrats need to push polices that working people want and need. For example they should be beating the drums on the Children's Health Insurance Program, which is designed specifically for the children of WORKING parents who make too much to get Medicaid.
In general despite what the establishment politicians say, the People want to protect entitlements (which we are entitled to because we paid for them in advance), and tax the mega rich (not mere millionaires) to pay for universal healthcare, higher education, and infrastructure. (And infrastructure that is owned and operated by the government, not an excuse to give away our infrastructure to global corporations so they can toll and fee us to death, forever.)
""allowing prosecutors to interview a sitting president who has a history of hyperbolic or baseless assertions carries legal risk for him."
So is he a "very stable genius"—or is he at risk of telling brainless lies (or blurting out the truth!) because he can no longer strategize or think long-term?
When the president's lawyers can't trust him to use ordinary common sense, they're pretty much confirming that he's not all there any more.
59
Not all there any more? There is no THERE there.
6
Slowly but surely the noose is tightening around, like smart, Freddo Covfefe's neck. Although in the end it would the extreme KKK Caucus in Congress that will decide the fate of this repugnant snake oil vendor, Mueller will expose Freddo Covfefe for what he really is and has been all his miserable life: a fraudulent, failed entrepreneur who bankrupted three casinos (casinos, no less!), one airline, one international bicycle tournament, and one fraudulent , fake university. With that background no wonder he has become an icon in the GOP and FOK News. How much longer do we have to tolerate this , like, evil genius? Only Mueller knows.
24
Not a single named source.
Reminds me of the discussions I have with friends at Starbucks. Speculation on events, motives, and outcomes. And we always leave at the end of our coffees together having not heard from a single principal in any of the interactions on which we have conversed.
This used to be called gossip, often the "telephone game". Rarely would I call it journalism.
3
Drip. Drip. Drip. Gossip today. Interviews tomorrow and then ???? Be patient Review how the Watergate investigation began. And ended.
6
Actually, two principals have already pleaded guilty.
And Trump's lawyers are going on TV to talk about these negotiations, so the story is not based only on anonymous sources.
2
Were I the President's counsel, my first choice would be to answer written questions - I could frame the answers so that they could neither be untrue nor incriminating. My second choice would be to have Mueller give the questions in advance, so that the responses could be scripted out, and to limit the number of follow up questions. I also would not want this under oath and I would not want a verbatim transcript made.
But as everyone who has ever either done or responded to questioning knows, unless the person questioned sticks to the absolute truth and/or is totally laconic in their responses, something will inevitably come out.
11
It is reasonable and necessary for a sitting president to receive unique protections. The requirements and constraints of the office demand it. A discussion providing broad, fluid protection and demanding a level of accountability consistent with the office, the highest, is acrobatic. So really, this will not be an issue, if they have the skill to balance the two. (Yes, they do).
4
The constraints of the office would apply to most presidents; however, said constraints have not had an effect on the number of golf outings.
4
Rosemary Rap - Good one.
His lawyers will protect the poor little kid from being pestered too much by that mean Mister Muller.
Dan Kravitz
17
"So, Mr President. Time's Up."
49
What's the holdup? Trump says he's a genius, one of the smartest people around. He's stable, has no behavioral problems acting out, or losing it. He's as steady as a rock. Trump says he has done nothing wrong, totally innocent. And he has an army of lawyers to defend him.
If all this is true, he should be anxious to clear his name in a legal proceeding and put an end to this investigation. Unless of course, everything he says is a lie.
The collusion charge against him may go away, but it might be applicable to members of his family and administration. The collusion story is not fake news. It has legs.
Obstruction of justice and money laundering are another matter. That's where Mueller is heading, or so it seems. Those are real crimes. Myself, I am most interested in money laundering. People go to jail for that. These activities most likely would have taken place before he was elected, but that doesn't absolve him of prosecution. Even if he is not impeached for them by the totally corrupt Republicans in Congress, he won't be in office forever and when out of office, can be made to stand trial.
Either way, Trump is fast becoming an anchor to a drowning GOP. They can sink with him, or throw him overboard to save themselves. Jump in for a swim GOP, the water's fine.
382
Real estate can be a very sleazy business and it's common knowledge that the foreign buyers or agents working on their behalf who offer all cash multi millions for over priced homes/apartments are money laundering transactions. Who has that kind of cash? Seriously? Who has that kind of cash? Not to mention that they drive up the prices for legit buyers who still depend on mortgages and destroy communities with owners who are not participating as members of the community, or even live in the property they purchased. Sleazy real estate people ie the Trumps, Kushner & company should not be running our country.
10
Bruce, I like your closing paragraph. And to borrow from W.C.Fields, I would paraphrase with this: Throw them (the entire GOP and Trump & Company) overboard and let the sharks take care of themselves.
3
I've been saying its money laundering and debts to Russians that he has to 'Pay back"
Just like in the god father, or for that matter any mob movie
why are republicans so dense?
3
Bob Mueller must not only interview Trump he must do so under oath. Past history has shown us that when push comes to shove, this is when we see a clearer picture of the true Trump, a sniveling, obfuscating, conniving imbecile who will crack like an egg. Trump is well aware that being questioned with the added pressure of the penalties of lying under oath being applied leaves him no wiggle room for his patented congenital lying jags. There is nowhere for Trump to go. He's stuck with the truth, and for Trump we know how that hurts. Trump under oath when you get a slight peak at the real Trump, see what's underneath that orange-faced combover crown of his. 'Taint much, believe me.
DD
Manhattan
162
He'll skate. Pence will fold like a gate-leg table and pardon him. Pence and GOP/tRump's big money donors will see to that.
From what I've seen, Donald Trump can be very cagey in testimony given for civil lawsuits. Once he claimed to have forgotten his glasses, and the "I forgot" about evidence seemed pretty canny.
But as the article points out, the stakes couldn't be higher here. For all the times Trump insists "there was no collusion"--a mantra he's no repeating about 10 times a day--I wonder how spouting that would impress Robert Mueller.
Of course, the greatest source of tension for the president would be not knowing what Mueller knows. Day by day we see in his face and his tweets how this investigation is driving him crazy.
This continual insistence that he's not "guilty" of collusion is really striking. I guess my biggest question would be, if we can't trust Donald Trump to be truthful in matters pertaining to his policies, how can we trust his version of events on what is certainly the biggest potential criminal investigation of his life to date?
237
Presumptions of innocence or guilt is a question of faith. The choice - trust or do not trust - is one with which I am more familiar than I would like. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer, unless you are willing to accept the red pill vs blue pill frame. There is always a better way. With simplicity of design, better solutions emerge, but only if we recognize the new tools we have yet to consider. AI-based policy guidance and trust vehicles, anyone? Maybe it’s time we ought to consider building them.
Not having glasses is a common excuse for adult illiterates. I've seen two videos of him at different times claiming this.
In one case he piled on with a complaint about the size of the print and the length of the document he was asked to refer to. Then, also typical of adult illiterates stared angrily and intently at the page as if he were reading it anyway before tossing it down.
Smart people that can read don't show up at depositions and other legal inquiries without glasses, and their lawyers would read it to them if they did.
I have seen a video of him at a church service with Pence and his Melania where he not only seemed uninterested in the paper with the hymn they were all singing from, appeared to become disgruntled, again tossed the paper onto the pew -- and then ordered Melania to do likewise. She clearly had to play along.
Who but an angry man makes his wife put down the paper with the hymn being sung? An angry man unable to read who wants his wife to somehow ...seem as uninterested? As illiterate? As offended? An attempt to make himself look normal by having someone else look as unfit?
Indeed, that is part of a pattern. When he is accused of lying, it is someone else who lies. When he has legal problems, others are crooks or should be locked up. When he can't read, no one can.
12
“This continual insistence that he’s not ‘guilty’ of collusion is really striking.”
I fully agree, Christine. To quote the Bard, “Methinks the lady doth protest too much.”
9