Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) said that Democrats should consider using the doctrine of inherent contempt to arrest and jail Trump administration officials.
Trump White House officials could be arrested and jailed for contempt
Rep. Doggett said on CNN, “We should consider the power of inherent contempt, an old doctrine that allows the Congress itself to issue a summons, arrest warrant to an official and demand they appear at a congressional hearing, be subject to fines, to jail time. I think we ought to explore contracting with area correctional institutions, provide additional support to the sergeant in arms, so the White House knows we’re serious.”
Video:
https://youtu.be/ZneOi2tXSO0
To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily.
Democrats need to add more pressure to Trump officials
House Democrats have a legal strategy and it is working. They are building cases to get Trump’s tax returns, and the full Mueller report evidence.
The political strategy has also been very effective. The constant investigations and Trump’s attempted obstruction of them are resulting in rising support for impeachment.
Rep. Doggett is talking about increasing the pressure to get compliance. Democrats could take the step of trying to issues arrest warrants and summons for testimony. It would help their cause to show the courts and the public that they are doing everything in their power to get the Trump administration to comply. The majority of Americans already believe that Trump is a dishonest criminal.
House Democrats should consider treating Trump and his administration like the criminals that they appear to be.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
