Trump reportedly wanted top federal prosecutor in charge of probing Stormy Daniels hush money...

[DonViejo]

Source: CNBC



Trump reportedly wanted top federal prosecutor in charge of probing Stormy Daniels hush money affair — even after the former Giuliani partner recused

President Donald Trump last year suggested to acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker that Geoffrey Berman, the U.S. Attorney in Manhattan, take charge of an ongoing criminal investigating into hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal, The New York Times reports.

Berman had recused himself from case. Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty in the case.

The Times also reported that House Democrats are examing whether Whitaker committed perjury by telling a congressional committee this month that Trump never pressured him about various investigations.

Dan Mangan | @_DanMangan

Published 22 Mins Ago Updated 3 Mins Ago

President Donald Trump suggested last year that Geoffrey Berman, the U.S. Attorney in Manhattan, take charge of a criminal investigation into hush money payments made to two alleged sexual partners of Trump, despite the fact that the prosecutor was already recused from being involved in that case, a new report says.

The New York Times also reported Tuesday that House Democrats are examining whether former acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker perjured himself by telling a congressional committee this month that Trump never pressured him about various investigations — including the Manhattan federal probe into hush money payments.

The White House and the Justice Department had no immediate comment on the Times article, which was headlined, "Intimidation, Pressure and Humiliation: Inside Trump's Two-Year War on the Investigations Encircling Him."

Trump, in an Oval Office press event Tuesday, denied the anecdote about asking Whitaker if Berman could take over the hush money probe.

"No, not at all, I don't know who gave you that," Trump said. "That's more fake news."

Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/19/trump-wanted-prosecutor-in-charge-of-stormy-daniels-hush-money-probe.html

[MaryMagdaline]

1. Because every criminal gets to pick his investigator

[Princess Turandot]

2. I'm not sure how many people would be willing to risk prison for Trump..

..at least none who aren't already swimming in the sleaze. Likely far fewer than he may think.

When Berman was made the interim US Attorney in 1/2018, he could only hold that position for 120 days by law. However, Trump never actually submitted his name to the Senate for consideration as the actual US-A, which seemed a bit odd at the time. When his temporary appointment was about to expire, the SDNY judiciary appointed him as the actual US Attorney indefinitely, by unanimous consent, as the same law gives them the power to do. (He can remain in the position until there's a nominated and Senate approved replacement for the job.)

Berman is only 59. He appears to have had a quite decent career. I suspect that he's not about to ruin his name/future for Donald Trump.

(BTW, while Berman is a Republican, I'm not sure if his connection with Giuliani is all that strong. The articles keep referring to him as Rudi's 'partner', but Greenberg Traurig is one of the largest law firms in the US, employing ~2000 attorneys.)

[riversedge]

4. Well, looks like the House Dems are probing this issue. Hopefully we will know soon....

...The New York Times also reported Tuesday that House Democrats are examining whether former acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker perjured himself by telling a congressional committee this month that Trump never pressured him about various investigations — including the Manhattan federal probe into hush money payments........

[Midnight Writer]

3. Oh, c'mon! "Top Prosecutor in charge of Probing Stormy Daniels"? What editor let this through?

[gldstwmn]

5. When it it finally going to be enough?

What is it going to take for us to be "there"? He is basically waving a flag that says "I am obstructing justice."