Pardon Me?

 Joyce Vance:

It’s a pardon on steroids for Trump, Trump’s family, and Trump businesses. The government agrees in this document, signed by Blanche, that it will never prosecute or pursue any civil claims against any of the Trumps, “whether presently known or unknown” that could have been brought as of the date of the settlement agreement. That date is yesterday. The IRS is “forever barred and precluded” from pursuing “examinations” of Trump, “related or affiliated individuals,” and related trusts and businesses. Any proceeding over “tax returns filed before the effective date” of the settlement is now off limits. Any crimes committed before Monday, whether prosecutors were aware of them or not, are off the table. It’s a virtual get-out-of-jail-free card, and also a get-out-of-debt one.

Except…

A presidential pardon is a constitutional instrument that is virtually absolute. This “settlement” might as well be written on toilet paper. 

There are a number of rules and regulations of the DOJ, commonly referred to today as “norms,” which have been trampled and disregarded since Trump took his hand off the Bible for the second time. The DOJ is being directed by people acting as Trump’s private lawyers. Did anyone seriously expect the IRS to investigate Trump or his family and businesses for dodgy tax practices? Not while he’s in office they won’t.

The DOJ is going to protect Trump until January 20, 2029. After that, it’s open season again. This “settlement” isn’t as binding as the regulations that govern the DOJ. Even if the court were to approve it, another court could repeal it. This document is simply a public acknowledgment of corruption. It’s not an irrevocable “Get Out of Jail Free” card. That would be a pardon. This is not a pardon; not in any sense of the word.

If anything, this should guarantee that Todd Blanche is never the appointed AG of the United States. And neither should anyone be who won’t tear up this “settlement.” (AG’s can be impeached. Congress has the whip hand. Time to use it.)

Blanche could strengthen it by submitting it to the trial court for approval and entry into the court record. That, of course, would be interesting….🤔