Tillerson No Longer Bound By Executive Privilege

[berni_mccoy]

Trump has asked other members of his administration to use executive privilege in the Russia probe. Senate Intel Committee can now subpoena Tillerson and force answers from him regarding Trump's policies toward Russia. In particular:

1. Why haven't sanctions been implemented?
2. What has been the content of the secret meetings with high-ranking Russian officials?
3. Who authorized allowing banned Russian officials on U.S. soil?

etc.

And of course, I'm sure Mueller will be very interesting in speaking with Tillerson. Do you think Tillerson will be a hostile witness for the prosecution or defense?

[Yonnie3]

1. I don't think Mueller will be a witness at all, unless he's fired. n/t

[berni_mccoy]

3. Doh! Corrected.

Thank you.

[Yonnie3]

5. An answer to the intended question.

Thinking about Mueller being in a situation to testify was scary ...

I think unless Tillerson is very dirty, he will pretend to be a "friendly" witness. Otherwise he will be very "forgetful."

He had an agenda, but I don't think he was in the inner circle of the cheats, liars, thieves, and treasonists.

[beachbum bob]

2. executive priviledge gives you cover not to testify, but it can't stop you if you

want to testify. Just like the laws on the books about forcing a spouse to testify against the other.....unless the spouse wants to...

[duforsure]

4. If he makes it to Mueller's interview,

He knows he has to talk, along with others. That's why so many have turned against trump and Putin. They're hardened criminals. They don't do justice and the law.

[Gothmog]

6. Executive privilege has not yet officially been raised

First, Trump has to make the claim himself and to date trump has yet to officially assert executive privilege. On the POTUS can assert executive privilege and this has to be done in advance of any testimony. So far, Congress has allowed trump officials to simply refuse to answer questions just because they do not feel like answering these questions. No executive privilege has been officially asserted because congressional republicans are busy protecting trump. Again, until we have a new House who will be willing to force witnesses to answer, this is all speculation

Second if the privilege is officially asserted and applies, then Tillerson being fired does not affect that privilege. The privilege applies to specified communications between the POTUS and the fact that a person is no longer employed by the Fed. Govt. does not affect this privilege.

The Senate Intel committee is still conducting a bi-partisan investigation but there is so much to be investigated just on the basic Russian investigation that I doubt that it will get to the above issues.

Tillerson was not involved in the obstruction of justice. He was in the state department. I really doubt that Mueller will be calling him as a witness.

The best way to get an investigation on these issues is GOTV and turn the House blue.

[George II]

7. If he still thinks trump is a "fucking moron", he may WANT to testify. But you're right....

....in his job as SOS he was basically divorced from all that stuff.

But, if he was involved with the campaign or transition that could be a whole other story.

[Gothmog]

8. Tillerson will probably come out with a book in time before 2020

That book will discuss trump being a moron. I really doubt that Tillerson will be called to testify before congress. Before the midterms, the GOP will not do so and after the midterms the Democrats will have no reason to do so