Legal Reporter Ari Melber Fact Check: Collusion Is A Crime | The Beat With Ari Melber | MSNBC In this informative segment from MSNBC's The Beat with Ari Melber, the host addresses a significant misconception regarding the legal implications of collusion, particularly in light of President Trump's and Rudy Giuliani's claims that collusion itself is not a crime. The discussion, set against the backdrop of ongoing legal proceedings, unfolds the complexity of this statement and clarifies the legal realities surrounding collusion in the context of U.S. election laws.
Key Highlights:
The Nature of Collusion: Ari Melber articulates that while there is no specific law that defines "collusion" as a crime, actions that fall under collusion can indeed violate various federal crimes. For example, obtaining anything of value from foreign nationals to influence a U.S. election is illegal.
Four Primary Crimes Involved:
Receiving Anything of Value: It's a crime to receive foreign assistance or any material advantage.
Defrauding the United States: Engaging in activities that mislead governmental operations can lead to serious legal consequences.
Theft of Information: Whether it's in the form of traditional theft or through cyber means, this remains a prosecutable offense.
Conspiracy: Colluding with others to commit any of the aforementioned crimes constitutes conspiracy, an action that carries severe penalties.
The Course of Investigation: While current investigations, particularly by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, have yet to charge Americans with collusion, this doesn't negate the existence of possible crimes. The segment emphasizes understanding the broad implications of collusion beyond mere terminology.
Defensive Strategies: The discussion also serves to dissect the evolving legal defense strategies employed by Trump's team, particularly their attempt at distancing themselves from established legal definitions and their portrayal of collusion as an innocuous act.
Broader Political Context: Melber points out that the conversation about collusion often resurfaces during key political developments, suggesting that this might be a tactical discussion point whenever legal scrutiny intensifies around the Trump administration.
Conclusion
The segment provides a robust analysis illuminating that while "collusion" may not be explicitly categorized as a crime, it encompasses a range of illegal activities that are prosecutable under U.S. law. Melber's insights into these legal nuances prompt viewers to reconsider the implications of seemingly simple statements regarding the legality of political interactions with foreign entities.
What are your thoughts on the legal arguments presented in this video? Do you think the perception of collusion will continue to change as more information comes to light? Feel free to share your insights or related experiences below!