GOP Strategist Scuffles With Trump Supporter Over Mueller Probe on CNNi: Let Me ‘Rebut You With Facts!’
During a CNN International panel on the news that Robert Mueller may subpoena Donald Trump amid the special counsel’s escalating probe, GOP strategist Evan Siegfried tore into former Trump campaign adviser Steve Cortes for his lack of “facts.”
Cortes, who is also a CNN political commenter, kicked off the discussion by suggesting Trump supporters are not upset with the dramatic developments in the Mueller investigation, even if they look bad for the president. He also added that even if Trump is a totally innocent man, he could still justifiably ignore cooperating with Mueller out of fear that he could be caught in a legal trap.
Cortes then said that the president wouldn’t even have to “answer” Mueller’s subpoena if the request were made. Siegfried jumped-in to interrupt the Trump supporter and offer a correction to his claim.
“Actually, he does,” chimed Siegfried. “That’s erroneous, so I have to rebut you with facts.”
The author continued by detailing precedents set by previous similar situations to the president’s current dilemma:
“I’m gonna’ give you case law right now if you want to hear it. Okay, in 1974, the Supreme Court said that President Nixon had to comply with the subpoena to produce evidence in a criminal case. In 1988, the Supreme Court ruled 7-1 in Morrison v. Olson, they ruled 7-1 that a special counsel is 100 percent able to investigate the executive branch and any member of it. I’ve spoken to lawyers and judges, I’ve worked within the criminal justice system. They have to comply, presidents are not immune.”
Watch above, via CNN International.
[images via screengrab]
