Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) referred to as the newest declare by an legal professional for Donald Trump “simply comical” after the previous president was indicted on Tuesday on 4 counts associated to his makes an attempt to reverse his 2020 election defeat.
John Lauro, an legal professional for Trump, referred to as the indictment “an assault on free speech and political advocacy” throughout a CNN interview.
However Raskin mentioned on MSNBC that Trump’s speech has nothing to do with it.
It’s his actions that led to the indictment.
“You could have a proper to say, for instance, ‘Oh, I feel that the assembly of the Home and the Senate in joint session to rely Electoral School votes is a fraud or is taking away Donald Trump’s presidency.’ You’ll be able to say no matter you need,” Raskin mentioned. “However the minute you truly attempt to impede the assembly of Congress, you crossed over from speech to conduct.”
He provided one other instance:
“It’s like, y’know, you’ll be able to say: ‘Nicely, I feel the forex is phony and all people needs to be allowed to make up their very own cash.’ You’ll be able to say that. However the minute you begin printing your individual cash, now you’ve run afoul of the counterfeit legal guidelines. And it’s the very same factor with the Electoral School.”
On this case, Raskin mentioned, Trump didn’t merely specific concepts concerning the election together with his debunked claims of fraud. He additionally assembled “counterfeit electors” and plotted to substitute them for the true Electoral School representatives.
“At that time, they’ve crossed over from speech to conduct,” he mentioned.
Raskin, who led Trump’s Senate impeachment trial on prices associated to the revolt, mentioned the Jan. 6 committee final yr accused Trump of aiding and abetting and giving support and luxury to insurrectionists ― however particular counsel Jack Smith didn’t cost the previous president on that rely.
He mentioned he believes that permits prosecutors to keep away from arguing about free speech and focus fully on conduct.
Raskin referred to as the proof in opposition to the previous president “overwhelming.”
See extra of his dialogue on MSNBC under: