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kentuck

(111,110 posts) Thu Apr 5, 2018, 08:16 AM Apr 2018

4 theories on what Mueller telling Trump hes not a target means (A must read)

https://www.vox.com/2018/4/4/17197128/mueller-trump-target

<snip>
The new report that special counsel Robert Mueller has told Trump’s team that the president is not a “target” in his investigation — but is, instead, a “subject” — has set off a frenzy of speculation in the political world.

Is it good news for Trump on the legal front? Or is that just what Mueller wants Trump to think, as he negotiates for a sit-down interview? Or is it a mere statement of the obvious, given the Justice Department’s view that a sitting president can’t be indicted? Or is it a fairly straightforward statement of how Mueller views the investigation — one that’s subject to change?

The questions have sprung out of the Washington Post’s Carol Leonnig and Robert Costa’s Tuesday night report on Mueller’s communication to Trump’s legal team, which occurred in early March during negotiations about the president potentially sitting for an interview.

It is important to keep the sourcing for the Post’s scoop in mind. The reporting describes what Mueller’s team is said to have told Trump’s team. Its sources appear to be from the Trump side. So obviously, it should not be viewed as an entirely reliable window into Mueller’s own strategy.

....more at link above

4 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

4 theories on what Mueller telling Trump hes not a target means (A must read) (Original Post) kentuck Apr 2018 OP

i feel like i'm back in high school. "s/he said s/he 'likes' me! what does that meeeeean??" unblock Apr 2018 #1

Trump refuses to be interviewed. kentuck Apr 2018 #2

My first reaction to the question is that Mueller can't lie or he puts his investigation at risk. Nitram Apr 2018 #3

In my opinion, this is the money pararaph: kentuck Apr 2018 #4

unblock

(52,309 posts)

1. i feel like i'm back in high school. "s/he said s/he 'likes' me! what does that meeeeean??"

Reply to kentuck (Original post)

Thu Apr 5, 2018, 08:21 AM

Apr 2018

does s/he "like" me?
or does s/he "like like" me?
i mean, as a friend?
or as more than a friend?
will s/he go to the prom with me?
ohhhhhhhhwa!
i can't stand not knowning!

kentuck

(111,110 posts)

2. Trump refuses to be interviewed.

Reply to unblock (Reply #1)

Thu Apr 5, 2018, 08:30 AM

Apr 2018

What can Mueller do?

I think he should subpoena him before the Grand Jury and force him to take it to Court. I think this is a landmark decision awaiting the Supreme Court.

Nitram

(22,861 posts)

3. My first reaction to the question is that Mueller can't lie or he puts his investigation at risk.

Reply to kentuck (Original post)

Thu Apr 5, 2018, 10:07 AM

Apr 2018

My question is, what exactly is the legal definition of a target as opposed to a subject of an investigation? According to the article at the link, a target is "someone about whom investigators have “substantial evidence” that ties them to a crime, and who is a “putative defendant” (someone likely to face charges)." Given this definition, Mueller doesn't start with substantial evidence against Trump. In classic prosecutorial style, he is using Trump's close associates to gather that evidence.

A “subject” is someone whose conduct is “within the scope” of the investigation — basically, someone who’s under scrutiny. That clearly doesn't let Trump off the hook. So technically, Trump is not a target. Yet!

kentuck

(111,110 posts)

4. In my opinion, this is the money pararaph:

Reply to Nitram (Reply #3)

Thu Apr 5, 2018, 10:42 AM

Apr 2018

"It is important to keep the sourcing for the Post’s scoop in mind. The reporting describes what Mueller’s team is said to have told Trump’s team. Its sources appear to be from the Trump side. So obviously, it should not be viewed as an entirely reliable window into Mueller’s own strategy."

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