Trump is tightening his grip around the neck of the Justice Department. Trump is probing the constitution for weaknesses, and finding them. Trump versus law enforcement: A confrontation with no precedent. Can the rule of law survive Trump? From Lawfare, David Kris on the Trump legal team’s remarkable letter to Mueller; and Bob Bauer on pardons, obstruction of justice and the rule of law in the demagogic presidency. The constitutional crisis is already underway. Trump’s memo response to Mueller’s interview subpoena is tyrannical. Giuliani’s new tactic: Arguing Trump can literally get away with murder. Why Trump hasn’t tried to pardon his way out of the Mueller probe — yet. Of course Trump will pardon himself.
