I'm not a lawyer but:

[gopiscrap]

isn't illegal for a private citizen with out government authority to negotiate agreements with other governments?

[exboyfil]

1. Logan Act

I have posted the text on another thread. I am not sure that Trump went that far, but, from reports (I have not seen the speech) it seems like he is pretty close to it.

[former9thward]

7. The Logan Act is unconstitutional.

It has been on the books for 217 years and has never been enforced because it is a violation of the 1st amendment.

[elleng]

2. He's not 'negotiating agreements,'

he's informing of his points of view (such as they are.)

Logan Act forbids unauthorized citizens from negotiating with foreign governments having a dispute with the U.S. It was intended to prevent the undermining of the government's position.

[63splitwindow]

5. I agree. This is another non-issue. Let's not make Rethug mistake of arguing loser positions.

[elleng]

6. Right. Thanks.

We can 'criticize' him for everything he does, or doesn't do. I prefer to stick with substance.

[pinboy3niner]

3. Trump was not purportng to act on behalf of the U.S. government

Many U.S. citizens and legislators--and even presidential candidates-- meet with foreign leaders.

This is really a bridge too far.

[tonyt53]

4. The only thing Trump was trying to negotiate is a way out of the corner he painted himself into.

[X_Digger]

8. "I'm not a lawyer but:" -- stop right there. n/t