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  • 2017-07-11 (xsd:date)
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  • Did Donald Trump Jr. Commit Treason? (en)
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  • Media headlines went into a frenzy following revelations that Donald J. Trump Jr. met with a Russia-linked lawyer to obtain dirt on Hillary Clinton. Trump Jr. released a chain of emails Tuesday related to the meeting. Amidst the discussions surrounding Trump Jr., numerous Democratic leaders such as Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton and others have leveled descriptions of Trump Jr.’s actions as treason and treasonous. Verdict: False The U.S. Constitution specifically defines the crime of treason as a crime that can only take place during acts or times of war. Trump Jr.’s actions do not legally qualify as treason based on this specific constitutional definition. Fact Check: The crime of treason is the only crime specifically defined by the U.S. Constitution. Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution states: Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. The operative phrase here is Treason... shall consist only in levying war against [the U.S.]. As cold as U.S.-Russia ties have been, Russia is not legally an enem[y] for the simple reason that the U.S. isn’t at war with Russia. The U.S. and Russia diplomatically recognize each other and have active treaties and pacts. Given that the U.S. is not in a state of war with Russia and that Trump Jr. was also not colluding to wage an armed insurrection against the U.S., his actions – from what’s been made by public by Trump Jr. and various media outlets – are not legally treason or treasonous. Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution goes on to explain, No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court. This high and specifically defined bar of evidence like two witnesses or public confession is indicative of the serious legal scrutiny warranted to any allegations of treason. When asked by a reporter whether Trump Jr.’s actions constituted treason, Kaine replied , That, the investigation – it, it’s not – nothing is proven yet. But, we’re now beyond obstruction of justice in terms of what’s being investigated. This is moving into perjury, false statements, and even into potentially treason. Trump Jr.’s discussions and possible collusion with figures linked to the Russian state may perhaps be ethically defined as treasonous. Legally speaking, however, any claim that Trump Jr. committed treason or that his actions were treasonous is false. Follow Kush on Twitter Send tips to [email protected] Editor’s Note: This fact-check has been updated with Sen. Tim Kaine’s comment to provide the utmost clarity. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected] . (en)
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