Attorney and legal analyst Andrew Weissmann suggested on MSNBC’s The Katie Phang Show that former President Donald Trump may have committed a new crime, in addition to the four criminal indictments he is currently facing in connection to the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. Trump, who is the presumed 2024 GOP presidential nominee, has been charged with federal felony counts including conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of an official proceeding. Despite pleading not guilty and claiming the indictments are politically motivated, Weissmann raised concerns about a potential new crime stemming from a video shared by Trump on his social media platform depicting President Joe Biden bound and gagged.
Weissmann highlighted a warning issued by Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya during Trump’s arraignment hearing in August 2023, cautioning the former president not to violate any laws as a condition of his bond. Weissmann questioned whether the video posted by Trump, showing a decal on a pick-up truck appearing to depict Biden bound and gagged, could be considered as threatening the president of the United States. The video received widespread backlash, with former Republican Representative Joe Walsh describing it as an incitement to violence. Biden’s campaign also condemned Trump’s actions, accusing him of regularly inciting political violence.
In response to Weissmann’s comments, a spokesperson for Trump dismissed the allegations, calling Weissmann a sufferer of “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” The spokesperson also defended the video as merely showing a picture on the back of a truck traveling down a highway, suggesting that Democrats and others have called for violence against Trump. The controversy over the video underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding Trump’s rhetoric and actions, particularly in the aftermath of the Capitol riot and his legal challenges.
The discussion about Trump’s potential new crime comes as he faces mounting legal challenges and scrutiny over his conduct during and after his presidency. The charges against him related to the Capitol riot are seen as a significant test of accountability for his actions, which many critics argue fueled the violence on January 6. Weissmann’s comments add to the ongoing debate about Trump’s behavior and the consequences he may face as a result of his actions.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Trump’s legal troubles and potential new criminal allegations are likely to remain in the spotlight. The implications of his conduct, both during his presidency and in the aftermath, are being closely scrutinized by legal analysts, political commentators, and the public. The controversy surrounding the video shared by Trump serves as a reminder of the divisive and polarizing impact of his actions, highlighting the challenges of holding a former president accountable for alleged criminal offenses.
