Heck thats nothing compared to what Obama did regarding Hillary and her various misdeeds while serving as secretary of state.
Which misdeeds are you referring to?
The email server that clearly violated the law.
My understanding is that President Trump was very clear about his intent to lock Hilary Clinton up once in office. That he was unable to do this makes me suspect that there was in fact no clear violation of any law allowing him to do so. Certainly, using private email to conduct government business doesn't seem to be a problem for people working under Trump . . . Ivanka Trump, Betsy DeVos, Jared Kushner, Steve Bannon, K.T. McFarland, Stephen Miller, Reince Priebus, and Gary Cohn all used private email for this purpose (https://www.newsweek.com/trump-officials-private-email-ivanka-jared-kushner-betsy-devos-1449556). FWIW, I think that all of the aforementioned (including Clinton) are idiots for doing this . . . but again . . . since nobody has arrested any of them either it would seem that there's no clear violation of the law for stupidity in this particular form.
I hold a security clearance, as did Hillary Clinton. We both signed the same standard government non-disclosure agreement, Standard Form 312 (see below).
If I were to send classified information on an unclassified system I would almost certainly have my security clearance revoked, and possibly face criminal charges. The latter is rare, but it does occur. Hillary Clinton absolutely sent classified information via unclassified means i.e. her private email. Just because it wasn't marked as such, doesn't change that it was classified and should have only been transmitted by secure means. The NDA and the law make it clear that ignorance is not an affirmative defense.
As in most things, the rules only apply to the little people. Whether it's a celebrity getting a slap on the wrist for a drug charge or assault, or a high-ranking government official not getting prosecuted for something that their subordinates certainly would.
"1. Intending to be legally bound, I hereby accept the obligations contained in this Agreement in consideration of my being granted access to classified information. As used in this Agreement, classified information is marked or unmarked classified information, including oral communications, that is classified under the standards of Executive Order 13526, or under any other Executive order or statute that prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of information in the interest of national security; and unclassified information that meets the standards for classification and is in the process of a classification determination as provided in sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4(e) of Executive Order 13526, or under any other Executive order or statute that requires protection for such information in the interest of national security. I understand and accept that by being granted access to classified information, special confidence and trust shall be placed in me by the United States Government."
"4. ...In addition, I have been advised that any unauthorized disclosure of classified information by me may constitute a violation, or violations, of United States criminal laws, including the provisions of sections 641, 793, 794, 798, *952 and 1924, title 18, United States Code; *the provisions of section 783(b}, title 50, United States Code; and the provisions of the Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1982. I recognize that nothing in this Agreement constitutes a waiver by the United States of the right to prosecute me for any statutory violation. "
I am also a government employee. Hillary did not follow protocol, as did many others. I am giving her the benefit of the doubt that she was clueless (Colin Powell and Condeleezza Rice, the people before her in that position did the same thing).
There has been SO much attention on this. Everyone should know the rules, there should be no excuse, right?
As someone else pointed out, the current White House, multiple people, multiple times, keeps breaking or going around security rules.
https://www.newsweek.com/trump-officials-private-email-ivanka-jared-kushner-betsy-devos-1449556 Trump can't stop twittering. He does presidential announcements and firings over twitter (and then deletes sh*t when he changes his mind).
More serious events were Trump meeting with Putin. Telling Putin classified information about our allies (
https://www.businessinsider.com/bombshell-report-trump-oval-office-meeting-russians-comey-2017-11). Trump trying to hide the problematic phone call by hiding it on a high security server, so it wouldn't show up on routine searches. And Trump physically ripping up official government docs, apparently on a regular basis. My favorite. Pruitt spending 43K of taxpayer money on a soundproof room. Why does any public servant need a f-ing sound proof room, unless you are transacting business you don't want anyone to know about?
https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/16/politics/pruitt-soundproof-booth/index.html. These are far more serious and damaging security issues. At least he was removed, which was the correct action.
I am constantly reminded that it seems Trump does not need to follow the rules that EVERY OTHER government employee needs to adhere to. Read the below ethical conduct principles and count how many of these Trump has broken. Compare him to any other President.
Fourteen Principles of Ethical Conduct for Federal Employees
(Executive Order 12674)
Public service is a public trust; employees must place loyalty to the Constitution, the laws, and ethical principles above private gain.
Employees shall not hold financial interests that conflict with the conscientious performance of duty.
Employees shall not engage in financial transactions using nonpublic Government information or allow the improper use of such information to further any private interest.
Employee shall not, except as permitted by the Standards of Ethical Conduct, solicit or accept any gift or other item of monetary value from any person or entity seeking official action from, doing business with, or conducting activities regulated by the employee's agency, or whose interests may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the employee's duties.
Employees shall put forth honest effort in the performance of their duties.
Employees shall not knowingly make unauthorized commitments or promises of any kind purporting to bind the Government.
Employees shall not use public office for private gain.
Employees shall act impartially and not give preferential treatment to any private organization or individual.
Employees shall protect and conserve Federal property and shall not use it for other than authorized activities.
Employees shall not engage in outside employment or activities - including seeking or negotiating for employment - that conflict with official Government duties and responsibilities.
Employees shall disclose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption to appropriate authorities.
Employees shall satisfy in good faith their obligations as citizens, including all financial obligations, especially those imposed by law, such as Federal, state, or local taxes.
Employees shall adhere to all laws and regulations that provide equal opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap.
Employees shall endeavor to avoid any actions creating the appearance that they are violating the law or the ethical standards set forth in the Standards of Ethical Conduct. Whether particular circumstances create an appearance that the law or these standards have been violated shall be determined from the perspective of a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts.
