Prosecutor to Trump: Shut Up or Face Gag Order From Russia Probe Special Counsel
Tom Porter
,
Newsweek•November 4, 2017
Special Counsel Robert Mueller could gag President Donald Trump if he criticizes and attempts to influence the investigation into alleged collusion between the Trump camp and Russia, according to a Watergate prosecutor.
The president lashed out at George Papadopoulos on Tuesday, after court records revealed that the former campaign aide pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI – indicating that he is cooperating with Mueller’s investigation.
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Special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into alleged Russian interference aligns with the departure of Tony Podesta from his lobbying company. Alex Wong/Getty Images " data-reactid="24" style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into alleged Russian interference aligns with the departure of Tony Podesta from his lobbying company. Alex Wong/Getty Images
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According to an FBI affidavit, Papadopulos attempted to broker a meeting between the Trump campaign and Kremlin officials several times during the election campaign.
“Few people knew the young, low level volunteer named George, who has already proven to be a liar,” Trump posted on Twitter shortly after 8am local time, adding: “Check the DEMS!”
He warned that the president had defamed a potential government witness who is likely to be called in a federal trial.
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“This could be grounds for Mueller to obtain a gag order on Trump,” Akerman said. “It would be unprecedented, but he is interfering with the government’s right to a fair trial.”
In order for a gag order to be imposed on the president, Mueller would have to have the request signed off by a federal judge who agreed that the president’s public statements risked prejudicing the case. The federal judge overseeing the criminal trial of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and business partner Rick Gates, who were indicted Monday, said she is inclined to impose a gag order in the case.
Trump’s statements on the Mueller probe were one of several during the week in which he criticized ongoing criminal investigations.
In the wake of Wednesday’s New York terror attack, Trump called for the death penalty against prime suspect Sayfullo Saipov, and Friday described as “a complete and total disgrace” a military judge’s decision not to impose prison time on Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl for abandoning his post in Afghanistan.
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Tom Porter
,
Newsweek•November 4, 2017
Special Counsel Robert Mueller could gag President Donald Trump if he criticizes and attempts to influence the investigation into alleged collusion between the Trump camp and Russia, according to a Watergate prosecutor.
The president lashed out at George Papadopoulos on Tuesday, after court records revealed that the former campaign aide pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI – indicating that he is cooperating with Mueller’s investigation.
1030_Mueller_Podesta
Related SearchesTrump Gag OrderRobert Mueller Special CounselSpecial Prosecutor MuellerRussia Probe
Special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into alleged Russian interference aligns with the departure of Tony Podesta from his lobbying company. Alex Wong/Getty Images " data-reactid="24" style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into alleged Russian interference aligns with the departure of Tony Podesta from his lobbying company. Alex Wong/Getty Images
Trending: Trump Administration Threatens National Parks and Monuments
According to an FBI affidavit, Papadopulos attempted to broker a meeting between the Trump campaign and Kremlin officials several times during the election campaign.
“Few people knew the young, low level volunteer named George, who has already proven to be a liar,” Trump posted on Twitter shortly after 8am local time, adding: “Check the DEMS!”
He warned that the president had defamed a potential government witness who is likely to be called in a federal trial.
Don't miss: The Big Deal Trump Needs to Keep North Korea Contained
“This could be grounds for Mueller to obtain a gag order on Trump,” Akerman said. “It would be unprecedented, but he is interfering with the government’s right to a fair trial.”
In order for a gag order to be imposed on the president, Mueller would have to have the request signed off by a federal judge who agreed that the president’s public statements risked prejudicing the case. The federal judge overseeing the criminal trial of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and business partner Rick Gates, who were indicted Monday, said she is inclined to impose a gag order in the case.
Trump’s statements on the Mueller probe were one of several during the week in which he criticized ongoing criminal investigations.
In the wake of Wednesday’s New York terror attack, Trump called for the death penalty against prime suspect Sayfullo Saipov, and Friday described as “a complete and total disgrace” a military judge’s decision not to impose prison time on Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl for abandoning his post in Afghanistan.
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