A #SundayMorning thread deep dive with Kaz Weida
Let’s take a closer look at those involved in the Ukraine scandal. Which of the major players among the Trump administration & the GOP will face charges or further inquiries? How deep does this rabbit hole of corruption go?
Let’s start with the three amigos: Perry, Volker, and Sondland. Sondland committed perjury but then “revised” his statements. Hill’s testimony supports Perry was too stupid to realize what was going on and Volker has been forthright (mostly).
While it’s unlikely any of the three amigos will face charges, there have been some questions about who knew what in the OMB (Office of Management and Budget ) about the hold on foreign aid and how deeply those officials may be implicated in the scandal.
There are also questions about Pompeo’s role. He certainly knows more than he’s disclosed, but it’s unlikely his involvement would rise to the level of criminality. It may, however, put a damper on Pompeo’s plans for a Kansas senate run.
Recent news that Nunes, the ranking GOP member on the House Intelligence Committee, was involved in efforts to dig up dirt on Biden and met with a Ukranian prosecutor will almost certainly inspire his second congressional ethics inquiry. Congrats, Devin!
But there are two people within the administration who are genuinely in some really, really big trouble. Let’s start with the obvious. It sure looks like Rudy Giuliani is about to be indicted. And it’s not just Rudy’s role in the Ukraine scandal.
A grand jury issued a subpoena for Rudy’s consulting business on documents related to charges of money laundering, wire fraud, campaign finance violations, making false statements, obstruction of justice and violations of FARA (Foreign Agent Registration Act).
And last but not least, we arrive at the Emperor with No Clothes. Trump has been directly implicated in the withholding of foreign aid to Ukraine by the testimony of multiple witnesses. It’s doubtful but not impossible he’d face criminal charges.
What is likely is that the House will pass articles of impeachment. Public support has galvanized behind impeaching Trump and it will help Democrats as they move into an election year to demonstrate how clearly compromised GOP senators are.
It’s also worth noting that the Ukraine scandal is just the most easily impeachable offense. There will be a reckoning when Trump leaves office. And no amount of executive privilege will save him.
Originally posted on Twitter. Re-posted with permission.
.jpg){kind=link}