Trump could face espionage charges

This references a Washington Post article where sources claim that Trump's staff moved documents to different locations in Mar-a-Lago after Trump's attorney said all of them had been returned. Sources also allege that Trump showed these documents to people not authorized to see them.

[c=003BB2]https://talkingpointsmemo.com/morning-memo/espionage-act-donald-trump-mar-a-lago[/c]

I wonder if Saudi Arabia's decision to hold the LIV golf tournament at Trump properties was in return for him providing them information on Iran's nuclear program. We should know in a month as the fact-finding phase of Jack Smith's investigation has concluded, and the indictment should be issued sometime in June.

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whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

Yes. The elements for an espionage charge are there. And in the picture splashed globally of documents at MaraLago are a number which appear to be photocopies. Something itself expressly forbidden under the act.. The only way Trump walks from this one (assuming they actually charge him) is if the US offers Trump as a prisoner exchange to Putin.😷

Pitchblue

@whowasthatmaskedman There's information that he left documents out so people could look at them.

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@Pitchblue Yes. But good luck proving that, unless someone comes forward. The mere act of photocopying them should be major jail time. Now you know he did it and I know he did it. But what can be proved that wont be overturned on appeal.. It will be nice to get a win..But this isnt America saving stuff. If Trump is jailed it will cost the state or the nation (depending on the case) a bundle to make special arrangements for him..😷

Pitchblue

@whowasthatmaskedman What's the penalty for treason?

LeopoldBloom · M

@whowasthatmaskedman People have already come forward. Aides have testified to moving documents around after Trump's attorney said they had returned all of them, and holding "rehearsals" in case of a raid. This is clear obstruction of justice even if there were no top secret documents.

LeopoldBloom · M

@Pitchblue I believe it's the firing squad. But so far the possible charge is espionage, not treason. The definition of treason includes working with the enemy, not allies. Jonathan Pollard wasn't executed for providing documents to Israel since they're an ally.

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@LeopoldBloom I agree the charge is evident. But until the judge hands down a verdict I wont be counting chickens.. I mean with Covid you coule make a legitimate charge of mass manslaughter. But it aint never going to happen. No politician wants the precedent that would set..😷

LeopoldBloom · M

@whowasthatmaskedman Holding Trump liable for his response to COVID would be difficult. Generally, politicians can't be sued for doing a bad job as the remedy for that is being voted out of office.