Donald Trump’s suspicious ties to Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy and his family revealed
On June 27, 2018, Supreme Court of the United States Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement from active service. The 14th longest serving SCOTUS justice, his retirement was lauded by Donald J. Trump. Turns out, there may be more to the story than meets the eye. Trump tweeted on Kennedy’s announcement: “I’m very honored he chose to do it during my term in office because he felt confident in me to make the right choice and carry on his great legacy.”
The New York Times has started looking into the quiet campaign to get Justice Kennedy to retire. Questions are being raised about what Senator Mitch McConnell knew about the potential retirement when he cancelled the August recess.
Turns out, it gets worse. Much worse. Deutsche Bank was recently fined additional amounts in addition to the $630 million it was fined in early 2017 for Russian money laundering allegations. Those with memories of any kind will recall that one Donald J. Trump started obtaining serious money from Deutsche Bank that financed several of his properties. Money that came from Russia and was loaned to Trump.
It gets worse. Who was Donald Trump’s “most trusted advisor” at Deutsche Bank? Last name is Kennedy. The Kennedy clan from Boston, you say? Nope, try again. California gets you there. Son of one Anthony Kennedy, Justin Kennedy was that “most trusted advisor.” The Financial Times has an outstanding report, “Donald Trump’s debt to Deutsche Bank,” that is published in August 2017.
Another posting that can be found has Trump referring to Justin as “your boy…. Special guy.” This was after Trump’s first speech to Congress. While walking out, he stopped, and the microphone caught the exchange. The total exchange between Trump and Kennedy: “Say hello to your boy,” Trump said, “Special guy.” “Your kids have been very nice to him,” Kennedy replied. “Well,” Trump said, “they love him, and they love him in New York.”
In 2017, as noted, Deutsche Bank paid a massive $630 million fine for $10 billion for laundering of Russian money into the hands of clients in cities including New York. Stephanie Ruhle, who is on MSNBC, posted on Twitter that Justin did not work with Trump during his twelve years there. Other reports indicate he was the head of the commercial real estate group at Deutsche and has been a partner in various ventures with his partner, Tobin “Toby” Cobb. The exchange noted above suggests more than just coincidental overlap. All of this may well be above board, but it raises questions about what is happening here and what, if any, pressure was placed on a sitting justice. We are sure to see the digging for information continuing over the weeks ahead.
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.