VIDEO Former Nixon Attorney: Donald Trump's Criticism Of Don McGahn 'Risky' | Rachel Maddow | MSNBC

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Former Nixon Attorney: Donald Trump's Criticism Of Don McGahn 'Risky' | Rachel Maddow | MSNBC In a recent episode of "The Rachel Maddow Show" on MSNBC, former Nixon attorney William Jeffress expressed significant concerns regarding President Donald Trump's treatment of former White House counsel Don McGahn. Jeffress described the president's actions as "risky," particularly in light of ongoing investigations into potential obstruction of justice.

Key Points Discussed:​

1. Threats to Witnesses:
   • The White House's stance of blocking current and former personnel from responding to congressional subpoenas has raised alarms. Jeffress noted that retaliation against witnesses could lead to severe legal repercussions under federal law, specifically citing statutes that punish such behaviors.
2. Implications of McGahn's Testimony:
   • McGahn's effective cooperation with Robert Mueller’s inquiry into presidential conduct raises concerns about the president’s public criticisms of him. Jeffress warned that taking shots at witnesses like McGahn, who provided crucial testimony, could invite legal scrutiny against Trump himself.
3. Retaliation Risks:
   • Jeffress pointed out that any actions perceived as retaliation toward McGahn or comparable witnesses could potentially result in criminal charges. He highlighted a particular worry about the harm that could come to witnesses as a consequence of the president's statements.
4. Executive Privilege Argument:
   • The debate over whether the White House can claim executive privilege to block McGahn from testifying was also covered. Jeffress argued that, given McGahn's public testimony, the White House may not have a strong legal stance in claiming privilege.
5. Legal Landscape:
   • Drawing parallels between the current political landscape and the Watergate scandal, Jeffress pointed out that the legal warnings issued today are coming from unlikely quarters, adding an interesting layer to the ongoing drama surrounding Trump's presidency.
     

     Conclusion:​

     William Jeffress’s insights offer a compelling perspective on the intersection of legal boundaries and presidential power. For those following the intricacies of political accountability, particularly in the context of the Trump administration, these discussions provide food for thought on what it means to respect the integrity of witness testimony and the legal implications of presidential actions.​

     What do you think about the risks posed by Trump's behavior towards witnesses like McGahn? Do you see parallels between this situation and past presidential behaviors? Share your thoughts!