This is outrageous. The President of the United States does not simply “let a case go to trial” as if he (or she) has any say in the process.
As Joseph Arpaio’s federal case headed toward trial this past spring, President Trump wanted to act to help the former Arizona county sheriff who had become a campaign-trail companion and a partner in their crusade against illegal immigration.
The president asked Attorney General Jeff Sessions whether it would be possible for the government to drop the criminal case against Arpaio, but was advised that would be inappropriate, according to three people with knowledge of the conversation.
After talking with Sessions, Trump decided to let the case go to trial, and if Arpaio was convicted, he could grant clemency.
This is infuriating. Trump ignores the Constitution with every dollar he rakes in at one of his properties, and he treats the Judiciary as a nuisance. No wonder he was angry at Sessions recently, he was getting static over pardoning his birther buddy.
How far will Congress let this go? Pretty far. The Republicans are starting to get restless and so far only a few ex-members are willing to speak out (with the exception of Arizona’s senators, McCain and Flake).
Can we expect more pardons for much more serious crimes? Yes, especially if they’re closer to the President and bring him into focus in the ongoing Mueller investigations.
I am so disgusted with this… hairball.
Source: Trump asked Sessions about closing case against Arpaio, an ally since ‘birtherism’
