On Wednesday May 2, 2018, Special Counsel Robert Mueller threatened President Donald Trump with a subpoena. A subpoena is a writ ordering a person to attend court. This specific one forces Mr. Trump to testify as part of a probe into alleged Russian interference of the 2016 Presidential Election. This is believed to be the first time that the special counsel has used its power to show hostile behavior towards the president. Trump has repeatedly denied the conclusion that Russians hacked the 2016 Presidential Election. Meanwhile, Trump’s main lawyer in legal representation has now stepped down. Robert Muller's idea of declaring a subpoena came after Trump’s lawyers persisted in telling Mr. Mueller’s team that the President is under no obligation to face questioning by federal investigators. If Trump decides to decline investigation and the subpoena goes through, Mueller’s team has promised to give the administration information for possible questions that the President may be asked. Personally, I believe that this situation could have the potential to create bigger problems between the US and Russia. If not handled properly, this investigation could lead to a problem with Russia’s leaders as well as US government officials. I think Trump needs to follow through with this investigation and handle it in a proper manner without it getting out of hand.
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you think Trump will follow through with federal questioning?
2. How do you think this situation will continue to affect US-Russia relations?
3. Do you think Mueller poses a large threat to Trump and his presidency?
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I don't think that Trump will follow through with the questioning, seeing as he has already denied his involvement so many times. I think this situation can't be good for US-Russia relations in the long term, but I feel like this is an important issue to resolve, so it is worth it to tarnish the relations to get to the bottom of this issue that undermines the very definition of democracy. Personally I wish Mueller could pose more a threat but as of now he doesn't really have any power to threaten Trump's presidency without having concrete evidence against him.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kevin that Trump will resist the questioning, but I think that Mueller can pose a legitimate threat to Trump. However, if they continue to push US-Russia relations, it could lead to retaliation from Russia. If evidence is found linking Russian hackers with the election it could lead to a huge conspiracy, with neither country feeling safe towards the other. Worst case scenario, (although it probably won't happen), it could lead to something akin to the Cold War.
DeleteI agree with Victor and Kevin in that Trump will resist questioning. Even if Mueller's questioning cannot incriminate Trump in terms of treason, if he can have Trump state something under oath, that could pose a real threat to Trump's place in the presidency, what with the man's tendency to...lie and overspeak. As for its effect on US-Russian relations, I believe that, as Victor stated, it will add a lot of tension, especially since many of the allegations against Trump have ties to Russia.
ReplyDeleteTrump can't accurately investigate Russia if he is involved and the only way that he can be proven to be involved is if he is questioned. I think it's about time that the president is called out for his actions and is held accountable for them. I think it's important to go through the process regardless of the outcome. Obviously Trump has done everything he can do avoid being put in that position but eventually it will have to catch up with him and hopefully that time is now.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think that Trump has been put in a position where he is limited in the things he can say. If he wants to put this whole situation behind him, he needs to let the investigation follow through and prove to the people that he has nothing to hide. If we continue to pressure this relationship with Russia, we could be in some serious trouble. We can only hope he has the sense to handle this appropriately.
DeleteI agree with Kelsey that we should finally question the President about his involvement with Russia. Conflict with Russia is definitely a concern, but Donald Trump needs to have a trial that will prove whether he was involved or not. Additionally, it is almost certain that Trump will resist questioning but it is necessary that people hear the truth while the President is under oath.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure how Trump will follow through with federal questioning, but I really hope he handles the situation with maturity. I think that, if handled with maturity, the situation will not have a negative impact on America's relationship with Russia. I do think, however, that it would be best for Trump to proceed with caution when handling this investigation. I think that Mueller is a slight threat to Trump, because it seems like he has some leverage against him.
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