The Daily Blast: Trump’s Angry New Rants at Jack Smith Suddenly Signal Much Darker Aims
Oct 25, 2024
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Barbara McQuade, a former federal prosecutor, dives into Donald Trump's recent fiery remarks directed at special counsel Jack Smith. She discusses the alarming notion of Trump claiming Supreme Court-sanctioned immunity, hinting at his potential unchecked power if re-elected. McQuade elaborates on the dire implications of a president firing a special counsel, the integrity of the Department of Justice, and the historical context of political pressures faced by legal professionals. The conversation also touches on the risks of distorting history and the importance of civic engagement.
Trump's expressed intent to fire special counsel Jack Smith reveals a disturbing belief in operating with presidential immunity and accountability bypass.
Concerns arise over Trump's potential actions, such as granting pardons for January 6th participants, which could undermine the rule of law and reshape historical narratives.
Deep dives
Trump's Threat to Fire Special Counsel
Donald Trump expressed his intent to fire special counsel Jack Smith if elected, highlighting a perception of being above the law. He characterized Smith in derogatory terms, insisting that he would dismiss him instantly—alluding to a belief in immunity based on a Supreme Court ruling concerning presidential actions. This attitude underscores a significant shift in norms surrounding presidential accountability. Trump's willingness to disrupt established procedures poses a threat to the integrity of the Department of Justice and raises concerns about potential abuses of power under a second Trump administration.
Perceived Presidential Immunity
Trump's claims of immunity from prosecution reflect his interpretation of legal protections available to a president. The conversation emphasized the distinction between actions taken in official capacities and those which are personal, but Trump's belief in a blanket immunity could embolden him to obstruct justice without fear of repercussions. Legal experts highlighted that Trump's preceding actions on January 6th could still result in prosecution, as some behaviors may not be shielded under the current interpretation of presidential immunity. This notion of immunity raises alarm over a possible future in which a president operates unaccountably.
The Dangers of Presidential Power and History's Narrative
The implications of Trump's potential actions, such as pardoning January 6th attackers, trigger fears about rewriting history and erasing accountabilities for grave offenses. The concern is that by awarding pardons to those involved in insurrections, Trump could reshape narratives in a way that legitimizes illegal acts. This potential scenario threatens to undermine the rule of law and alter public perception of critical events, positioning Trump's administration as a tool for historical revisionism. The significant implications compel citizens to reflect on their civic responsibilities, emphasizing the urgency of active participation in the electoral process.
In a new interview, Donald Trump seethed with anger at Jack Smith, and confirmed that if elected president, he’ll fire Smith as special counsel immediately. On top of that, Trump also boasted that the Supreme Court has now given him immunity from criminal prosecution. Which suggests Trump really does think that if he wins, he’ll be able to function as president with something like absolute impunity, unaccountable to any laws. We talked to former federal prosecutor Barbara McQuade, who explained what actually would unfold if a newly elected President Trump fired Smith, and how dangerous he could get as a totally unshackled president.