Topic: Sexual Abuser Donald Trump Indicted

[Lusty]

On the issue of a (federal) pardon, would that not give him an issue if a State (NY) decided to bring charges afterwards?

My understanding is that accepting a pardon is an admission of guilt, so was wondering if he'd have a hard time protesting his innocence in a state court after accepting one.

[Red Beret]

On the issue of a (federal) pardon, would that not give him an issue if a State (NY) decided to bring charges afterwards?

My understanding is that accepting a pardon is an admission of guilt, so was wondering if he'd have a hard time protesting his innocence in a state court after accepting one.

Exactly.  I'm not sure Trump has thought this through, but then I think his only real aim is to avoid prison time.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/8WBW17l6XfQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/8WBW17l6XfQ</a>

Like you said though, if somebody gets charged with crimes in SDNY and they've already accepted a pardon (by extension, acknowledging guilt) for other crimes, then from a legal stand point Trump's defence is already on shaky ground. 

This isn't like Nixon getting his pre-pardon either; Trump's already been impeached, even if he wasn't convicted.  And how can you pardon someone for stuff in the Mueller report when there's already been a big hoo-ha that there was nothing IN the Mueller report in the first place?

He has simply done too much to be pardoned for all of it, and he's made far too many enemies for somebody to bail him out completely.

[Red Beret]

On a separate note, I'm posting this here from the video thread:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/xhbpHpAwgkk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/xhbpHpAwgkk</a>

Now we know that when a president decides to talk about something that's previously been classified, it's immediately considered "declassified" - a president in this regard cannot break security laws.  But once a private citizen, if he were to try and use some pilfered information for his own personal gain, the security services would be down on him like a ton of bricks - and I'm pretty sure the new administration will let them.

Trump commits crimes like most of us break a sweat.  He's not done trying to commit felonies, so even if he secures a pardon before leaving office, he'll be a timebomb waiting to happen.  He'll be looking over his shoulder the rest of his life.

[Corkboy]

On the issue of a (federal) pardon, would that not give him an issue if a State (NY) decided to bring charges afterwards?

My understanding is that accepting a pardon is an admission of guilt, so was wondering if he'd have a hard time protesting his innocence in a state court after accepting one.

Not really. A Presidential pardon only affects federal crimes, so unless the state crimes of which he is accused are identical to the federal crimes (unlikely), a pardon would have no effect in state court.

Also, I don't think Nixon ever accepted he was guilty of anything.

After Ford left the White House in 1977, he privately justified his pardon of Nixon by carrying in his wallet a portion of the text of Burdick v. United States, a 1915 U.S. Supreme Court decision that suggested that a pardon carries an imputation of guilt and that its acceptance carries a confession of guilt.

Edit: In fact, if the state crime was the same as the federal crime for which he was pardoned, he could plead autrefois convict. Isn't law fun?

[Corkboy]

Prediction: Trump will resign, Pence will pardon him

[Lusty]

Not really. A Presidential pardon only affects federal crimes, so unless the state crimes of which he is accused are identical to the federal crimes (unlikely), a pardon would have no effect in state court.

Also, I don't think Nixon ever accepted he was guilty of anything.

After Ford left the White House in 1977, he privately justified his pardon of Nixon by carrying in his wallet a portion of the text of Burdick v. United States, a 1915 U.S. Supreme Court decision that suggested that a pardon carries an imputation of guilt and that its acceptance carries a confession of guilt.

Edit: In fact, if the state crime was the same as the federal crime for which he was pardoned, he could plead autrefois convict. Isn't law fun?

I thought New York had headed that one off by changing their laws around double jeopardy:

https://www.npr.org/2019/05/21/725495478/new-york-assembly-passes-bill-closing-double-jeopardy-loophole-as-rebuke-to-trum

I am obviously not a lawyer though so no idea if that would work, or if it is even constitutional.  That's one avenue where he might have a valid reason to go to the Supreme Court.

[WhereAngelsPlay]

Prediction: Trump will resign, Pence will pardon him

His kids will go to jail and his company will be seized by every Gov that has the power to do so.

[Alan_X]

Prediction: Trump will resign, Pence will pardon him

Two things i that stuck out for me:

1. "Trump has one humongous asset that is undeniable: He has no upward limit to his profit-making potential if he executes his departure from the presidency and his post-presidency business strategy well."

Trump has fucked up everythig he has ever done. He struck lucky with The Apprentice but according to the NY Times taxes story managed to piss that away on golf courses.

2. "Sixth, whatever else one thinks of Trump, he is a genius at brand marketing, media manipulation, audience building and monetizing his humongous audience in television, radio, publishing and social media, selling products that bear his name to masses of customers throughout the empire he is well capable of creating."

Trump Steaks
Trump: The Game
Trump Airlines
Trump Beverages
Trump Casinos
Trump Magazine
Trump Mortgage
Trump Travel
Trumpnet
Trump Tower Tampa
Trump University
Trump Vodka
Trump Golf Courses...

He's not a genius. He managed to turn the millions his father left him into less money than a decet savings account would have delivered.

He's a very good con man and will sell his name (and his country) to anyone to turn a buck. But his deal-making is let down by his desperation to show off.

I think Trump is stupid enough to fuck up the pontetially lucrative ex-President gravy train.

[Red Beret]

I think Trump is stupid enough to fuck up the pontetially lucrative ex-President gravy train.

Trump's rallies are the closest he will ever get to the Presidential speaking circuit.  Maybe his private little functions at Mar-a-Lago will turn in a few quid though.  And I'm sure there's some naive author out there who will be happy to ghost write his presidential memoirs.

[arthur sarnoff]

Trump's rallies are the closest he will ever get to the Presidential speaking circuit.  Maybe his private little functions at Mar-a-Lago will turn in a few quid though.  And I'm sure there's some naive author out there who will be happy to ghost write his presidential memoirs.

The problem is trying to sell a book to people who don't read.

[Red Beret]

The problem is trying to sell a book to people who don't read.

They get the colouring book version.

[Red Beret]

Posting in here as more appropriate 

How soon after January 20th do we think investigations will be launched and arrest warrants issued?

Not very. That would appear reactionary. It needs to be introduced in a measured way so as not to seem to be vindictive. There probably needs to slow emergence of evidence that requires investigating, which will be a natural situation anyway, and each case slowly taken up appropriately. This is one for the other thread

I'm thinking SDNY must be ready to go, or at least close to. I'm thinking whatever requests for information that are pending or outstanding, the objections will surely begin to melt away soon enough.

Plus, the Mueller report itself is chock full of evidence. I imagine a commission will be appointed to review the report in full to determine what, if any, charges are to be brought, and against who.

I cant see anything happening before March.  I'm worried Trump might do a runner in the meantime. 

[Jiminy Cricket]

Posting in here as more appropriate 

Not very. That would appear reactionary. It needs to be introduced in a measured way so as not to seem to be vindictive. There probably needs to slow emergence of evidence that requires investigating, which will be a natural situation anyway, and each case slowly taken up appropriately. This is one for the other thread


I'm thinking SDNY must be ready to go, or at least close to. I'm thinking whatever requests for information that are pending or outstanding, the objections will surely begin to melt away soon enough.

Plus, the Mueller report itself is chock full of evidence. I imagine a commission will be appointed to review the report in full to determine what, if any, charges are to be brought, and against who.

I cant see anything happening before March.  I'm worried Trump might do a runner in the meantime. 

Where to? I'm sure he would if he thought it inevitable that he will be arrested, charged and convicted. But, which country would want the headache of affording him sanctuary from the American authorities? Especially as he would be a security nightmare for the US (sources and methods) - the reaction and sanctions from the US likely would be extreme (economic and otherwise). Even Russia would not want any of that - they have already achieved way more than they ever dreamed - why spoil it.

Maybe the first thing which should happen come Jan 20th is for Trump's passport to be revoked, but I can understand why that would not happen unless there are pending serious charges against him.

[Red Beret]

Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if he came here.

EDIT: the problem with revoking Trump's passport is that it strays into the area John C was warning about - moving too fast.  There is a due process to follow, and Trump will look to take advantage of any time delay.  Biden can't really do anything until he's actually sworn in either. 

Another issue will be getting his appointments Senate approval.  If the McConnell is still running things you can bet they will look to veto any AG appointment who might be looking to go after Trump.

[ScouserAtHeart]

If Biden wants to get anything done with a Republican-controlled Senate, he'll leave him alone. The only way anything proceeds is if the Republicans themselves give their approval.

[Jiminy Cricket]

Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if he came here.

EDIT: the problem with revoking Trump's passport is that it strays into the area John C was warning about - moving too fast.  There is a due process to follow, and Trump will look to take advantage of any time delay.  Biden can't really do anything until he's actually sworn in either. 

Another issue will be getting his appointments Senate approval.  If the McConnell is still running things you can bet they will look to veto any AG appointment who might be looking to go after Trump.

True. I believe alluded to that.

Maybe the first thing which should happen come Jan 20th is for Trump's passport to be revoked, but I can understand why that would not happen unless there are pending serious charges against him.

[Red Beret]

True. I believe alluded to that.

Yes you are correct.

Everyone is on eggshells around Trump right now because it's well known he has a volatile temper and a foul mood - proof alone that he has never been suited to the office he currently occupies.  He's already trying to come to terms with this defeat - announcing pending charges could tip him dangerously over the edge when he's still in a position to wreak havoc.

[Red Beret]

If Biden wants to get anything done with a Republican-controlled Senate, he'll leave him alone. The only way anything proceeds is if the Republicans themselves give their approval.

Once Biden gets his cabinet nominations in place the Senate can do little more than swear at him.  It's just getting over that hurdle, which is why Georgia is so important.  It's also important for Biden to play the Trump Question cool, because if they want to flip the Georgia senate seats announcing loudly that you're going to torch your predecessor probably isn't the best strategy to win them over.

[Jiminy Cricket]

Yes you are correct.

Everyone is on eggshells around Trump right now because it's well known he has a volatile temper and a foul mood - proof alone that he has never been suited to the office he currently occupies.  He's already trying to come to terms with this defeat - announcing pending charges could tip him dangerously over the edge when he's still in a position to wreak havoc.

I expect that you are correct about that.

[John C]

Posting in here as more appropriate 

Not very. That would appear reactionary. It needs to be introduced in a measured way so as not to seem to be vindictive. There probably needs to slow emergence of evidence that requires investigating, which will be a natural situation anyway, and each case slowly taken up appropriately. This is one for the other thread


I'm thinking SDNY must be ready to go, or at least close to. I'm thinking whatever requests for information that are pending or outstanding, the objections will surely begin to melt away soon enough.

Plus, the Mueller report itself is chock full of evidence. I imagine a commission will be appointed to review the report in full to determine what, if any, charges are to be brought, and against who.

I cant see anything happening before March.  I'm worried Trump might do a runner in the meantime. 

Ah, I thought you meant about new cases or unknown crimes which will easily be unravelled within months. Yep, as we've discussed there are a few contained within SDNY, the district of Manhattan and sealed Meuller indictments which will emerge first.

I think there are hundreds of unknowns, not limited to the sealed Mueller indictments, SDNY cases as RB says and one or two others already live. The DoJ may prioritise or cherry pick depending on either seriousness or likelihood of conviction.

The vast remaining crimes will have to be approached strategically without a perceived political propensity.

[Red Beret]

I believe the Stormy Daniels case remains outstanding, with Trump an unindicted co-conspirator in what amounts to a campaign finance violation from the 2016 election.  Plus isn't he/they under investigation now for using the Whitehouse as a campaign platform?

[Shankly998]

If George W Bush isn't in a jail cell, the Donald won't be, there's one rule for the rich and another for everyone else.
I see large fines but no jail time.

[Red Beret]

If George W Bush isn't in a jail cell, the Donald won't be, there's one rule for the rich and another for everyone else.
I see large fines but no jail time.

There is absolutely no comparison between the two.  GWB didn't try to get his political opponents jailed, try to extort foreign powers for fabricated dirt, or encourage American on American violence.

A lot of corruption happened on GWB's watch, especially in relation to the Iraq reconstruction, but nothing like what we've seen over the past four years.

[arthur sarnoff]

If Biden wants to get anything done with a Republican-controlled Senate, he'll leave him alone. The only way anything proceeds is if the Republicans themselves give their approval.

This is the real problem though, is it not?  Having to play nice with the Republicans, who don't give a shit about that.

[Shankly998]

There is absolutely no comparison between the two.  GWB didn't try to get his political opponents jailed, try to extort foreign powers for fabricated dirt, or encourage American on American violence.

A lot of corruption happened on GWB's watch, especially in relation to the Iraq reconstruction, but nothing like what we've seen over the past four years.

There was just the small matter of torture camps, illegal war under Bush which I'd argue is far worse than anything Trump did. If that doesn't lead to jail time, nothing will for ex-presidents. No president wants to open the can of worms by letting their predecessor go down less the same happen to them.

[The North Bank]

He ll stand for re election in 2024, and will still be moving the millions in his base. He wont disappear, go to prison, or leave politics. You often get that in undemocratic 3rd world tin pot dictatorships. Unelected leaders with massive followings still dictate policy under the threat of civil war and chaos.

This may be the worse case scenario, but what is happening in the USA is very worrying, and wont end simply with a narrow Biden win.

[oldfordie]

He ll stand for re election in 2024, and will still be moving the millions in his base. He wont disappear, go to prison, or leave politics. You often get that in undemocratic 3rd world tin pot dictatorships. Unelected leaders with massive followings still dictate policy under the threat of civil war and chaos.

This may be the worse case scenario, but what is happening in the USA is very worrying, and wont end simply with a narrow Biden win.

I think his reaction to loosing has shocked everyone, we all expected the cheating accusations to come but did anyone expect him to look so devastated, he looks and acts like a broken man.
I don't put this down to him not being able to handle defeat or rejection, I think he's extremely worried over the position he will be in after he steps down, he will have lost the protection from prosecution the presidency gave him.
The only protection he can hope for is to try and deter the authorities from bringing prosecution in fear of riots, fear of massive civil unrest on the streets. his tactics to achieve this seem pretty obvious.
Convince his nutty supporters over the election being stolen from him. how he will not allow the 2024 election to be stolen from him. how the dark forces in the US will do every thing possible to stop him standing again in 2024. how we must fight it with everything we have, any talk of prosecutions after he stands down will be met with crys of they are trying to rig the 2024 election, they are trying to stop me standing again with these rigged charges.
I doubt if it will work as it should make the authorities even more determined to make him face the courts as they can't allow this type of politics to continue.

[Red Beret]

There was just the small matter of torture camps, illegal war under Bush which I'd argue is far worse than anything Trump did. If that doesn't lead to jail time, nothing will for ex-presidents. No president wants to open the can of worms by letting their predecessor go down less the same happen to them.

The difference, whether we like it or not, is that Trump did it to his own people.

You can argue all you want that GWB did "far worse"; but a systematic and sustained attack against the checks and balances, and institutions of the United States for personal gain - not to mention allowing a quarter million Americans die of a preventable disease because he literally couldn't be arsed - is pretty heinous in its own right.

Al Capone did "far worse" things than tax evasion, but that's what he got nailed on.

[Red Beret]

I think his reaction to loosing has shocked everyone, we all expected the cheating accusations to come but did anyone expect him to look so devastated, he looks and acts like a broken man.
I don't put this down to him not being able to handle defeat or rejection, I think he's extremely worried over the position he will be in after he steps down, he will have lost the protection from prosecution the presidency gave him.
The only protection he can hope for is to try and deter the authorities from bringing prosecution in fear of riots, fear of massive civil unrest on the streets. his tactics to achieve this seem pretty obvious.
Convince his nutty supporters over the election being stolen from him. how he will not allow the 2024 election to be stolen from him. how the dark forces in the US will do every thing possible to stop him standing again in 2024. how we must fight it with everything we have, any talk of prosecutions after he stands down will be met with crys of they are trying to rig the 2024 election, they are trying to stop me standing again with these rigged charges.
I doubt if it will work as it should make the authorities even more determined to make him face the courts as they can't allow this type of politics to continue.

It's what he can do after leaving politics that makes it all the more imperative that he be punished.  This is a guy used to getting away with shit.  There's no such thing as "I think he's learned his lesson, he's been punished enough".

You cannot appease a dictator.  Ever.  Hold back and he will simply take it as a sign of weakness, one to exploit.  Of course going after him carries its own risks, but if you want half a chance to "de-nazifi" a good chunk of the populace then it needs to be done.

And can you imagine him seeking the Republican nomination in 2024?  How is any prospective candidate going to effectively go up against him in the primaries, after basically writing him blank check support for the past four years?  How can they realistically criticise the man who won against the odds, and who they solidly backed through an impeachment?  The GOP will be just as glad to be rid of his influence.

[oldfordie]

It's what he can do after leaving politics that makes it all the more imperative that he be punished.  This is a guy used to getting away with shit.  There's no such thing as "I think he's learned his lesson, he's been punished enough".

You cannot appease a dictator.  Ever.  Hold back and he will simply take it as a sign of weakness, one to exploit.  Of course going after him carries its own risks, but if you want half a chance to "de-nazifi" a good chunk of the populace then it needs to be done.

And can you imagine him seeking the Republican nomination in 2024?  How is any prospective candidate going to effectively go up against him in the primaries, after basically writing him blank check support for the past four years?  How can they realistically criticise the man who won against the odds, and who they solidly backed through an impeachment?  The GOP will be just as glad to be rid of his influence.

Yeah, was going to add the Republicans will be just as glad to get rid of him, they've placed themselves in a terrible position and many must be praying he does face justice to get back to where they were pre Trump. they also must know it would be a massive mistake to make him the Republican candidate for the 2024 election as I don't think he stands a chance of winning after the way he's acted over the last week and we can be sure there's more to come. Trump will keep his nutty fans but many voters must see him for what he is now, he will not get anywhere near the votes needed to win if he did stand in 2024.

[Shankly998]

The difference, whether we like it or not, is that Trump did it to his own people.

You can argue all you want that GWB did "far worse"; but a systematic and sustained attack against the checks and balances, and institutions of the United States for personal gain - not to mention allowing a quarter million Americans die of a preventable disease because he literally couldn't be arsed - is pretty heinous in its own right.

Al Capone did "far worse" things than tax evasion, but that's what he got nailed on.

Two points really on this:

1. In terms of crimes while in office it's number of presidents not convicted and jailed 45,  presidents convicted and jailed 0 so the odds are certainly against it, short of Trump attempting an actual coup I just don't see it
2. For his out of office crimes well if Wall Street Bankers aren't in jail for their massive financial crimes as a result of the 2008 crash do you really believe a former president will be for his financial crimes

Of course I'd like the see the turd in a jumpsuit colour to match his skin but I just don't think it's going to happen.

[CHOPPER]

If he calls barley, we're fucked.

[Red Beret]

Two points really on this:

1. In terms of crimes while in office it's number of presidents not convicted and jailed 45,  presidents convicted and jailed 0 so the odds are certainly against it, short of Trump attempting an actual coup I just don't see it
2. For his out of office crimes well if Wall Street Bankers aren't in jail for their massive financial crimes as a result of the 2008 crash do you really believe a former president will be for his financial crimes

Of course I'd like the see the turd in a jumpsuit colour to match his skin but I just don't think it's going to happen.

Again, you're drawing a false equivalency by putting Trump in the same bracket as

a) competent career politicians who engaged in nefarious actions, and
b) actual businesspeople who screwed a financial system

Trump is neither of these things.  Most crimes, if we wish to call them that, committed by presidents whilst in office have been against foreign powers, not against their own people.  Nixon was undone by his actions domestically; Bill Clinton was impeached for lying about a blow job.

It is the actions that Trump has committed against his OWN nation that should fuck him up.  Attempting to interfere in domestic investigations into his activities and those of his subordinates; asking intelligence chiefs, to "let things go"; potentially owing millions to foreign powers that mark him down as a security risk.

The line has to be drawn somewhere.

[Shankly998]

Yeah, was going to add the Republicans will be just as glad to get rid of him, they've placed themselves in a terrible position and many must be praying he does face justice to get back to where they were pre Trump. they also must know it would be a massive mistake to make him the Republican candidate for the 2024 election as I don't think he stands a chance of winning after the way he's acted over the last week and we can be sure there's more to come. Trump will keep his nutty fans but many voters must see him for what he is now, he will not get anywhere near the votes needed to win if he did stand in 2024.

If there's one thing that's true about American politics it's never underestimate the stupidity of the electorate.
Is it likely that Trump would win? Probably not

Is it possible, yes for 2 reasons:

1. It will be very difficult for the Democrats to get anything done without the votes in the Senate which will lead to democratic voter disillusionment and reduce turnout in the next election
2. The economy will be a mess post covid as a result of the lockdowns and the republicans will do all they can to stymie Biden's efforts to rectify it so he and the democrats take the blame for it, if it's still a mess voters might look pack at the economy pre-covid when trump was in charge and decide they want a return to that

[Red Beret]

In case anybody is interested, there are 34 "Class 3" Senate seats up for grabs in 2022.  12 are Democrat and 22 are Republican.  They were last elected in 2016.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_United_States_elections#Senate_elections

I guess there's a chance that the Republicans could retake Congress in 2022 if Biden is struggling, so there's a lot riding on the next round of midterms.

[Shankly998]

Again, you're drawing a false equivalency by putting Trump in the same bracket as

a) competent career politicians who engaged in nefarious actions, and
b) actual businesspeople who screwed a financial system

Trump is neither of these things.  Most crimes, if we wish to call them that, committed by presidents whilst in office have been against foreign powers, not against their own people.  Nixon was undone by his actions domestically; Bill Clinton was impeached for lying about a blow job.

It is the actions that Trump has committed against his OWN nation that should fuck him up.  Attempting to interfere in domestic investigations into his activities and those of his subordinates; asking intelligence chiefs, to "let things go"; potentially owing millions to foreign powers that mark him down as a security risk.

The line has to be drawn somewhere.

I just don't think a rich soon to be ex-president who got 73 million votes is going to end up in jail can you imagine how toxic the entire spectacle of Trump on trial would be? It's for that reason there'll be some waffle about wanting to heal the divisions in America which will mean he won't spend a single day behind bars. He'll probably face some massive fines and asset seizures and directorship barrings with a lot of his crony's ending up in jail but I doubt the big boss will spend a day in the big house. Anyway we'll see who's right over the next 4 years.

[Eeyore]

I just don't think a rich soon to be ex-president who got 73 million votes is going to end up in jail can you imagine how toxic the entire spectacle of Trump on trial would be? It's for that reason there'll be some waffle about wanting to heal the divisions in America which will mean he won't spend a single day behind bars. He'll probably face some massive fines and asset seizures and directorship barrings with a lot of his crony's ending up in jail but I doubt the big boss will spend a day in the big house. Anyway we'll see who's right over the next 4 years.

That only makes sense if Trump was prepared to act like Nixon and quietly fade into relative obscurity. I think Trump will be his own worst enemy and make criminal charges inevitable. He will continue to act as if he is untouchable and continue to break the law. Personally I think his own stupidity will be his undoing. 

[oldfordie]

If there's one thing that's true about American politics it's never underestimate the stupidity of the electorate.
Is it likely that Trump would win? Probably not

Is it possible, yes for 2 reasons:

1. It will be very difficult for the Democrats to get anything done without the votes in the Senate which will lead to democratic voter disillusionment and reduce turnout in the next election
2. The economy will be a mess post covid as a result of the lockdowns and the republicans will do all they can to stymie Biden's efforts to rectify it so he and the democrats take the blame for it, if it's still a mess voters might look pack at the economy pre-covid when trump was in charge and decide they want a return to that

You make some powerful points which are true. you would think Trump will loose support but we can be sure the next Democrat candidate will as well.

[Red Beret]

I just don't think a rich soon to be ex-president who got 73 million votes is going to end up in jail can you imagine how toxic the entire spectacle of Trump on trial would be? It's for that reason there'll be some waffle about wanting to heal the divisions in America which will mean he won't spend a single day behind bars. He'll probably face some massive fines and asset seizures and directorship barrings with a lot of his crony's ending up in jail but I doubt the big boss will spend a day in the big house. Anyway we'll see who's right over the next 4 years.

He is not rich.  He owes $450m to unknown parties and is currently grifting the hell out of his own supporters because his campaign is deeply in debt.  His businesses are making a loss, especially due to Covid - as Michael Cohen said, he has no source of income.  You can't fine someone who is broke.

And yes, it will be very toxic.  But it's a boil that needs to be lanced if America wants to move forward. 79 million voters wont tolerate watching Trump get off.

[Shankly998]

That only makes sense if Trump was prepared to act like Nixon and quietly fade into relative obscurity. I think Trump will be his own worst enemy and make criminal charges inevitable. He will continue to act as if he is untouchable and continue to break the law. Personally I think his own stupidity will be his undoing.

Could well be part of the quid pro quo that happens there's various gagging orders put in place in exchange for him avoiding jail time.