Donald Trump has been accused of violating federal law by allegedly calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the ceasefire deal the U.S. is helping negotiate between Israel and Hamas.

The former president allegedly made the call on August 14, according to Axios, which cited two unnamed “U.S. sources who were briefed on the call.”

…

If Trump did make the call, he would potentially be breaking the law as the Logan Act, enacted in 1799, prohibits unauthorized private citizens from negotiating with foreign governments on behalf of the U.S.

American Muckrakers, an organization that states it seeks to hold politicians and officials accountable, has filed a request with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of State.

  • frezik@midwest.social
    34·
    2 months ago

    Of all the stuff Trump is accused and/or convicted of, this is the most not happening. More not happening than the Cannon case, because there’s at least a good possibility she gets removed.

    The Logan Act was passed by the first Adams Administration, it has only been prosecuted twice, and both were acquitted. Even a normal Supreme Court would probably strike down the law on First Amendment grounds. The slobbering wingnut Supreme Court we have now certainly would when Trump is involved.

    That all said, should voters put up with the idea that Trump is trying to fuck with the election by having Bibi continue a genocide? No, they absolutely should not.

    • ZoopZeZoop@lemmy.world
      4·
      2 months ago

      The first amendment has some pretty solid limitations. Someone could argue they don’t apply here, but I don’t think that would hold. Any constitutional lawyers have a take on this?

      That said, the likelihood that he’s convicted of it, sentenced, without a stay, where he sits a day in jail is sooooo slim that it’s practically two dimensional. As you said, there are barriers and interference everywhere, and he’s the king of stalling lawsuits.

      • Madison420@lemmy.world
        8·
        2 months ago

        Call it a national security concern and gitmo his ass as an official presidential act he couldn’t ever be prosecuted for.

        • ZoopZeZoop@lemmy.world
          4·
          2 months ago

          Yes, he’s been meeting with the leaders across the world. There’s no way they weren’t discussing the conflicts with which they are involved. I felt particularly betrayed by Volodymyr Zelenskyy meeting with Trump. If that wasn’t a sting to catch Trump in the act that was in trade for more arms and supplies, I’m angry.