Donald Trump’s cocoon is all he has left
“President” Donald Trump has a protective cocoon around him. For whatever reason, those around him tend to protect him. Nowhere has this been more readily apparent than in the lawyers who worked at the White House and the Department of Justice. Government attorneys owe their allegiance and dedication to the United States of America and are not hired by, or on the private payroll, of any president. That is how it has worked for 230 years, but it apparently has broken down.
Attorney General William “Fu” Barr is a good example of this cocoon of Trump. FuBarr has claimed that Trump was wrongly accused, and so his obstruction of justice is justified. And this week, Barr stated in an interview that he is defending Trump because he “felt the rules were being changed to hurt Trump, and I thought it was damaging for the presidency over the long haul.”
FuBarr gives not a clue of what rules had been changed, but if he means the rule of law, it has not been changed. And make no mistake, he is not concerned with the office of president in general, at least not if it is occupied by a Democrat in the future. He is only cocooning Trump.
Another example is Don McGahn, who was White House Counsel. That position offers advice to the president in his official capacity and does not serve as the president’s personal attorney. In a letter from his attorney confirming his no show at the House Judiciary Committee, McGahn’s position was outlined: “Mr. McGahn remains obligated to maintain the status quo and respect the President’s instruction.” Reports are that Trump has suggested that the RNC stop using McGahn’s law firm if he agrees to testify. These government attorneys are all providing a cocoon around Trump. The rule of law is being cast asunder, and a constitutional crisis may be afoot.
Daniel is a lawyer writing and teaching about SCOTUS, and is the author of the book “The Chief Justices” about the SCOTUS as seen through the center seat.