Source-thehill.com
Former Adviser Criticizes Trump’s Post-Presidency Engagement with Putin
Susan Rice, former White House adviser and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, raised concerns over reports that former President Donald Trump has had multiple conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin since leaving office. According to a report by journalist Bob Woodward, Trump has spoken with Putin at least seven times after stepping down in early 2021. Susan Rice expressed the view that such interactions could potentially violate the Logan Act, a law designed to prevent unauthorized private diplomacy with foreign governments.
The Logan Act, enacted in 1799, prohibits American citizens from negotiating with foreign governments that are involved in disputes with the U.S. without official authorization. It aims to prevent undermining the current administration’s foreign policy efforts. The allegations concerning Trump’s interactions with Putin, outlined in Woodward’s recent book, have raised questions about whether Trump may have violated this federal law. Susan Rice, addressing these concerns, wrote on social media that such actions could represent another legal breach by Trump, comparing it to previous accusations he made against others for the same issue.
Trump’s Alleged Violation of the Logan Act and Comparison to John Kerry
Susan Rice specifically drew parallels between Trump’s alleged behavior and his past criticism of former Secretary of State John Kerry. Trump had accused Kerry of violating the Logan Act during the Trump administration, claiming Kerry had unauthorized discussions with Iranian officials regarding the Iran Nuclear Deal. Trump had called for Kerry’s prosecution for these actions. However, Kerry was never charged with violating the law, as he had kept top U.S. officials informed of his discussions with Iran.
The former president’s current campaign has denied the claims made in Woodward’s book regarding his frequent calls with Putin, dismissing the allegations as baseless. Despite this, Trump has consistently emphasized his close relationship with the Russian leader and has opposed U.S. military support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Rice’s comments underscore her belief that Trump’s actions post-presidency merit closer scrutiny, especially in light of the Logan Act.
Trump’s Foreign Engagements Continue to Raise Concerns
This is not the first instance in which Trump has been suspected of potentially violating the Logan Act. Earlier in 2023, the former president met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a NATO member who has been openly supportive of Trump and has taken a pro-Kremlin stance in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Orbán’s support for Trump and his opposition to certain U.S. foreign policies have created tensions between Hungary and the Biden administration. Hungary, under Orbán, has also delayed approving a $50 billion Group of Seven loan to Ukraine, further straining its relations with NATO and the U.S.
While concerns over Trump’s actions are growing, it is worth noting that the Logan Act has rarely been enforced. In fact, only two people have ever been charged under the act, with both cases occurring in the early 19th century. Neither case led to prosecution, making enforcement of the law a historical rarity. Nonetheless, Rice’s comments highlight the ongoing debates around Trump’s diplomatic behavior and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.
