In a recent TV interview on Live NOW from FOX, legal analyst Attorney Andrew Lieb provided insightful analysis into the meeting between former President Donald Trump's legal team and Department of Justice (DOJ) officials. The conversation revolved around the potential charging decision that could significantly impact Trump's future and the unprecedented nature of this event in American history.
Rumblings of Imminent Charging Decisions:
Lieb acknowledged the rumors surrounding imminent charging decisions in both Florida and Washington, D.C., with grand juries present in both locations. He stressed the seriousness of the crimes Trump could be charged with, such as the Espionage Act and Obstruction of Justice. This potential indictment against a former President marks a significant moment in American history, making it an exhausting and sombering experience for many.
Political Fireball vs. Substance:
When questioned about the significance of the meeting, Lieb highlighted the initial letter sent by Trump's legal team, which he described as a political fireball lacking substance. Despite the political nature of the letter, it is customary for defense counsel to meet with prosecutors to present their case. However, Lieb expressed doubts about the effectiveness of Trump's approach, as the political tone of the letter may have hindered a more factual and productive discussion.
Trump's Social Media Posts and Expectations:
Lieb addressed Trump's recent all-caps post on social media, indicating that Trump believes that he will be charged. While it would be unlikely for the DOJ officials to reveal such information during the meeting, Lieb advised Trump to exercise caution and to avoid inflaming the prosecutor. Restraint and silence, he emphasized, would be a more strategic approach when facing potential criminal problems.
Pence's Cooperation and Lessons Learned:
The interview shifted focus to former Vice President Mike Pence, who cooperated swiftly in the investigation, resulting in the DOJ's decision not to charge him. Lieb praised Pence's approach as a model for handling such situations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and avoiding confrontation with the government.
The Leak and Future Developments:
Looking ahead, Lieb predicted that Trump's team would leak information about any charging decision, considering Trump's tendency to exploit such news for political and fundraising purposes. He anticipated that the announcement could come as early as the following week, revealing the charges Trump may face.
Uncharted Territory:
The interview concluded with an examination of the historical significance of potentially indicting a former President. Lieb emphasized that if Special Counsel Jack Smith were to indict Trump, it would mark the second pending indictment against a former president who currently leads the GOP nomination race—an unprecedented scenario in American politics. Lieb reminded the audience that the significance of both federal and state charges should not be underestimated, as state charges cannot be pardoned by the President alone.
