Ordering a prosecution

Trump was just sharing his thoughts, not ordering a prosecution

From CNN's Katelyn Polantz

Comey points to a Truth Social post by President Donald Trump from September as an example of why the case against him is unfairly brought.

“Pam: I have reviewed over 30 statements and posts saying that, essentially, ‘same old story as last time, all talk, no action. Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam ‘Shifty’ Schiff, Leticia??? They’re all guilty as hell, but nothing is going to be done,’” Trump wrote, referring to Comey, Sen. Adam Schiff of California, and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

The Justice Department has argued in court documents that in that post, and others referring to Comey, Trump was just stating his belief that the former FBI director had broken the law. They also argue that Comey wouldn’t be silenced by this prosecution and that it chose on its own accord to bring the case — just as it has prosecuted others for lying to Congress in the past.

“The President does not harbor vindictive animus against the defendant in the relevant sense,” prosecutors wrote.

Trump’s social media posts “reflect the President’s view that the defendant has committed crimes that should be met with prosecution. They may even suggest that the President disfavors the defendant,” the Justice Department also wrote. “But they are not direct evidence of a vindictive motive.”