The sheer lunacy of Donald Trump
We’re learning more every day about the innerworkings of Donald Trump’s determination to hold onto the classified documents he stole. The Washington Post’s recently published piece reveals that one of Trump’s attorneys proposed a settlement with the DOJ. “Settlement” may not be the appropriate word in this instance, as a “settlement” typically involves both parties getting some but not all of what they want. There was no “some” when it came to classified documents; that is and always will be an “all or nothing” proposition. The documents belong to the government-period. Turns out Trump’s former attorney, Christopher Kise, wanted to do just that: return those documents to the government in exchange for no criminal charges. Donald Trump wanted no parts of it.
Had Trump gone along with his attorney’s suggestion, he wouldn’t be under indictment; however, Trump thinks he’s above the law, and he is going to do what Trump wants to do. He now claims that the Presidential Records Act (the “PRA”) gave him the right to possess the documents. Trump is desperate. The PRA is clear: … that Presidential records automatically transfer into the legal custody of the Archivist as soon as the President leaves office.” Those classified documents should never have left Washington, let alone be shuffled back and forth between Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence and his club in Bedminster. Trump can use this lie all he wants, but it is just that: a lie. Regardless of how much his campaign spokesman tries to clean up the lies with more lies, nothing will “fix” what Trump has gotten himself into. Herein lies one of the biggest problems with this situation.
Republicans want to run to Trump’s defense, but they really have no proverbial leg to stand on. According to Huffington Post, CNN conservative commentator Alice Stewart agrees. She wants all of these hangers on to look at where attaching themselves to a broken down horse like Trump will lead them. She asked some pointed questions in an opinion piece published this past Wednesday, including: “Why are you standing by someone who will not win over suburban women and disaffected independent voters in the 2024 general election? Exit polls in 2020 show Biden beat Trump with the help of suburban women and independent voters.” They’re certainly not returning to Trump after he has risked the safety and security of every man, woman, and child in this country. Some Republicans are changing their tune, including Mike Pence who told the Wall Street Journal that the charges are “very serious” and went on to say: “I can’t defend what is alleged.” No one can. Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson chimed in to call the indictment “very solid” as he urged Trump to drop out.
The biggest problem here is the Republicans who continue to try to point fingers at others instead of urging Trump to take responsibility for his wrongdoings. They won’t because he’s their “savior.” Good luck with that. Republicans can continue to support Trump all they like, but they better be prepared for Washington to clear itself of all Republicans, which wouldn’t be a bad thing.
Shirley is a former entertainment writer and has worked in the legal field for over 25 years