Trump ignoring White House lawyer on secret docs could open door to Espionage Act charges

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Reacting to a report from the New York Times that a White House lawyer warned Donald Trump late last year that he had no right to hang onto sensitive government documents after he left office, one former U.S. Attorney claimed that the allegation just increased the chances the former president could be indicted by the Department of Justice.

Late Monday, the Times reported, "The lawyer, Eric Herschmann, sought to impress upon Mr. Trump the seriousness of the issue and the potential for investigations and legal exposure if he did not return the documents, particularly any classified material, the people said," before adding, "Mr. Trump thanked Mr. Herschmann for the discussion but was noncommittal about his plans for returning the documents, the people familiar with the conversation said."

If true, former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade told the hosts on MSNBC"s "Morning Joe," Trump opened the door to indictment under the Espionage Act.

Asked about the "legal ramifications" for Trump over the allegations, McQuade explained, "It's excellent evidence of one of the essential elements of the offense when it comes to the Espionage Act and the retention of government records, which is willfulness."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-ignoring-white-house-lawyer-on-secret-docs-could-open-door-to-espionage-act-charges-legal-expert/ar-AA121H6J

Lock his oversized dimply orange ass up.

[Chainfire]

1. Ok, help me out here.

Would Herschmann's testimony be allowed because he was a "White House" lawyer and not Trump's lawyer? I am not sure I understand the fine points of the situation. When the "White House" lawyer was advising Trump, would he not, at that point, be considered Trump's lawyer?

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Gee, I hope so . . . . .

[MiniMe]

3. And why did this take place "late last year"

tRump had been out of office since January, what about the time between the inauguration and when he warned tRump?

[kacekwl]

4. Could open the door ???

The man stole classified documents from the federal government. No one questions that. The fact no one knows where the copies are or who has seen said documents and the fact he left them basically out in the open for any foreign spy to see or buy from him or Jared is guilt in my mind.

[jcgoldie]

5. Herschmann's response:

"Are you out of your fucking mind?!?"