We Will Know Soon Who The Author of the New York Times Editorial Is.

It’s Illegal To Lie To The President.

Keith
Keith
Sep 6, 2018 · 2 min read

The Trump Administration has been rocked by the bombshell editorial in the New York Times, entitled “I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration.” The editorial confirms all the other stories suggesting members of the Trump administration are working to protect the nation from the worst effects of a mentally unhinged President.

We don’t know who author is, but I believe we will, and soon. Trump is obviously obsessed with finding who it is. He will be asking all his people if they were involved. And there is the rub. To lie in answering that question is to commit a felony.

The relevant statute is 18 U.S.C. 1001, making false statements, the same statute used to convict Mike Flynn. Let’s take a look:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States, knowingly and willfully —

(1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact;

(2) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or

(3) makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry;

shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years . . .

As you can see it is a broad statute. Questions from the Chief Executive are clearly within the jurisdiction of the executive branch. It is ironic that a chronic liar, like Trump, must be told the truth, but that is the law.

Trump should remind those he presents this question to of this statute before doing so, letting them know the dilemma they are in. Of course anyone asked can refuse to answer, but they will be immediately asked to resign.

Keith

Written by

Keith

Retired lawyer & Army vet living the good life in Key Largo. Lifelong: Republican (pre-Trump), Constitution buff, science nerd & dog lover. Twitter: @KeithDB80

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