An expert in legal matters has highlighted Donald Trump’s recent misstep when asked a question considered the ‘easiest’ in the world to answer.
Donald Trump has been frequently featured in recent news, particularly concerning the disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and his subsequent error regarding Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
The Trump administration has urged the public to move past Epstein, prompting individuals to revisit Trump’s history with the financier.
Despite Trump’s long-standing acquaintance with Epstein, he has consistently asserted that he disliked him and had severed ties with him years before Epstein’s criminal activities became widely known.
Nevertheless, an article by the Wall Street Journal revealed that Maxwell had compiled messages from Epstein’s contacts to mark his 50th birthday in 2003, with Trump reportedly among those extending well wishes.
The Wall Street Journal indicated that the message included several typewritten lines, framed by a sketch of a naked woman.
“Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret,” the purported letter concluded.
While Trump claimed the letter was counterfeit, a report by the New York Times last week indicated his name did indeed appear on Epstein’s birthday book list.
Maxwell, currently serving a two-decade prison sentence for aiding Epstein in abusing minors, has reportedly been highly cooperative with authorities concerning Epstein’s network.
The president now finds himself embroiled in controversy, as a CNN legal expert has critiqued his uncertain response to a straightforward inquiry about Maxwell.
When questioned on whether Maxwell provided credible information, Trump responded: “[I]t’s going to be up to her whatever she thinks is credible, she should release.”
Subsequently, he was asked if he would consider granting Maxwell a pardon or commutation.
In response to a Fox News reporter, Trump said: “It’s something I haven’t thought about. It’s something – I’m allowed to do it, but it’s something I have not thought about.”
This answer prompted CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig to express astonishment at Trump’s indecisive reply.
“It’s the easiest question in human history,” Honig remarked during a broadcast on Saturday, July 26.
Honig was taken aback by Trump’s response.
“A pardon for the single worst, or No. 2 after Jeffrey Epstein, worst child sex trafficker in modern history?” he questioned. “Absolutely not. N-O.”
Honig further remarked that it’s challenging to envision Trump pardoning Maxwell, yet noted that ‘others who have worked closely with Trump suggest it is a possibility’.
Currently, there are calls for Trump to unveil the documentation concerning the case.
If Maxwell does not receive a pardon, she is set to complete her prison term after being convicted of sex trafficking minors, conspiracy to entice a minor to engage in illegal activities, and conspiracy to transport a minor for criminal sexual acts.