Following Donald Trump Jr.’s Senate questioning today, the Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) posted this response on Twitter:
mobile.twitter.com/...
You can tell Schiff cut his teeth as a DOJ prosecutor. He masterfully lays out the ways in which Don Jr.’s prepared statement only made things worse for him and his father:
“...no longer mentions that President Trump knew nothing about the meeting or these events."
If it turns out that Trump Sr. did know, as the omission implies, then Don Jr.’s original claim that he didn’t know could be considered obstruction. And Trump Sr. would have obstructed too, by creating false cover stories.
"For the first time includes the argument that Trump Jr. sought information concerning the fitness, character or qualifications of a presidential candidate."
This makes Trump Sr.’s personally-dictated, original explanation that the meeting was about adoption look like obstruction. This brand new explanation could also be an example of Don Jr.’s lying to Congress, which is a crime.
“For the first time...admits to the existence of three other phone calls between Trump Jr. and Emin Agalarov."
Sounds like still more evidence of collusion.
“...apparently knew he should consult a lawyer before or after the meeting."
This suggests Don Jr. knew what he was doing might be illegal.
Please proceed, Uday!