Can a President Obstruct Justice?

What’s the story?

• In a 20-page letter submitted to the special counsel’s office earlier this year, President Donald Trump’s lawyers asserted that “the president’s actions here, by virtue of his position as the chief law enforcement officer, could neither constitutionally nor legally constitute obstruction because that would amount to him obstructing himself.”
• Several GOP senators are questioning the veracity of this claim.

What are GOP senators saying?

• “I’d advise everybody from the president to the people operating the elevator, don’t obstruct justice,” said Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) who was one of the House managers of the impeachment proceedings against President Bill Clinton.
• Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), who voted to impeach Clinton on a charge of obstruction of justice, put it bluntly:

 “A president can obstruct justice.”

• And Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa, who also voted to convict Clinton in 1999, said, “Nobody is above the law. Otherwise we wouldn’t have a system of laws.”
• But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said Trump’s lawyers “were having an academic discussion about whether it’s possible [to pardon himself or obstruct justice]. I don’t know the answer to that."

What do you think?

Can a president obstruct justice? If Trump were to openly obstruct justice because he had “absolute authority” to do so, would you want your reps to push back? Hit Take Action and let them know, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: Michael Vadon via Flickr)