The big question that everyone is waiting to see answered now is how the Department of Justice will respond to President Donald Trump’s demand that the Obama administration’s surveillance of his campaign in 2016 be investigated.
Washington Post reporter Robert Costa breaks down the key aspects and players as this goes forward.
This is the moment DOJ has been waiting for. A presidential demand, following what had been discussions and subpoenas with Congress. https://t.co/IR0reC8Ihg
— Robert Costa (@costareports) May 20, 2018
Trump said he intends to make the demand official tomorrow. The text of it will be key.
The specifics of the demand/letter from POTUS will be important. Will the president ask for a general probe? Or, will he call on DOJ to declassify and/or release certain materials on the Counter Intel process and sourcing? https://t.co/IR0reC8Ihg
— Robert Costa (@costareports) May 20, 2018
From the sound of this report, Rudy Giuliani has been heavily involved in initiating this.
President Trump has been talking with Giuliani all weekend about next steps on DOJ/secret FBI source, Giuliani tells WashPost just now. Long chat by phone Sat night, another convo 6:30 a.m. Sunday…
— Robert Costa (@costareports) May 20, 2018
Giuliani to WashPost, Sunday: “I don’t see why [DOJ] would oppose this. They may want to put some strictures on it, like it has to be confidential or they don’t give the name but they give the information. If they don’t want to do anything, it’s a serious problem."
— Robert Costa (@costareports) May 20, 2018
But with all of the factors at play (special counsel probe, tension with Rod Rosenstein…etc), it is easy to see how the DOJ would be very apprehensive about capitulating to such a demand.
Why Giuliani matters here: he says he's telling the president to avoid doing a Mueller interview until the DOJ reveals more about its activities. So the president is being advised on this source/FBI front not just by Kelly/McGahn + lawmakers but his own personal legal team.
— Robert Costa (@costareports) May 20, 2018
Looks like this could be a standoff or a major deal could be brokered. Either way, it will be fascinating to watch it play out.
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