Bannon and executive privilege

[independentusa]

It is apparent that the Whitehouse told Bannon not to answer any questions concerning the Russian investigation starting after the election and continuing until the time he was fired claiming executive privilege. So he refused even under subpoena to do so. I have a question about this and that is when does executive privilege begin? Does it begin as soon as the election is over? The president elect is not president until January 20th of the next year, so can he claim executive privilege until he has taken the oath? As far as the legislative investigations are concerned, because of the separation of powers, it seems that Bannon might get way with claiming executive privilege. But when he comes before a Grand jury and a judicial investigation, it seems that neither Bannon or any other person in the Trump Whitehouse or cabinet, including the President may be forced to answer questions or take the 5th. It seems things are just beginning to get interesting.

 

[Tanngrisnir]

It is apparent that the Whitehouse told Bannon not to answer any questions concerning the Russian investigation starting after the election and continuing until the time he was fired claiming executive privilege. So he refused even under subpoena to do so. I have a question about this and that is when does executive privilege begin? Does it begin as soon as the election is over? The president elect is not president until January 20th of the next year, so can he claim executive privilege until he has taken the oath? As far as the legislative investigations are concerned, because of the separation of powers, it seems that Bannon might get way with claiming executive privilege. But when he comes before a Grand jury and a judicial investigation, it seems that neither Bannon or any other person in the Trump Whitehouse or cabinet, including the President may be forced to answer questions or take the 5th. It seems things are just beginning to get interesting.

The White House directed him not to answer any questions, although it didn't claim executive privilege. Nothing like a little witness tampering to further bolster the obstruction case.

Here, you might find this useful.

https://twitter.com/SethAbramson/status/953458326095974403

 

[Parrish]

He may not have answered questions about the transition and WH happenings but that didn't mean he could not answer questions about the campaign. He will, however, be compelled to answer before he Grand Jury.

 

[Barnacle]

Yeah; I heard rooster head Gowdy is most upset, too; what a shame he can't give another stellar performance ... :lol:

 

[Skeptic Bob]

Since President-Elect isn’t a Constitutionally recognized position I don’t think privilege begins until office is actually taken. I don’t think it has ever been tested, though.

 

[Parrish]

We have only one president at a time. Executive privilege would not begin until Jan. 20 at noon.

 

[PLizzy]

Let see all the things Trump has done.

1)Attacked the press.
2)Cried about witch hunts.
3)Fired people investigating him.
4)Asked people heading investigations to help him stop the FBI.
5)Threatened his political opponents with retaliation via law enforcement.
6)Claiming executive privilege in testimony.

All he needs to do now is proclaim he's not a crook, that way he'll have completed Wategate II, and can resign and put his WH out of it's misery.

 

[Vetplus40]

Since President-Elect isn’t a Constitutionally recognized position I don’t think privilege begins until office is actually taken. I don’t think it has ever been tested, though.

You would be correct.