‘Weissmann: Trump Violates Logan Act Again, But It’s a Law ‘Never Enforced’

Former top Justice Department prosecutor Andrew Weissmann has pointed out that Donald Trump has once again violated the law but noted that it’s a law rarely enforced. According to Axios, Trump recently spoke on the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal. Two U.S. sources briefed on the call indicated that Trump attempted to persuade Netanyahu to accept the ceasefire terms being offered.

Weissmann highlighted this incident as an example of history repeating itself, drawing parallels to past presidents who engaged in similar conduct. He recalled how Richard Nixon was involved in obstructing peace negotiations in Vietnam and mentioned a report by The New Republic that detailed how aides to then-Gov. Ronald Reagan (R-CA) made a secret deal with Iranian leaders to delay the release of American hostages.

In addition to his actions with Israel, Trump has been signaling to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he would end U.S. support for Ukraine in the ongoing war, which Weissmann notes is another instance of unauthorized foreign policy interference.

These actions, Weissmann pointed out, violate the Logan Act, a law that makes it illegal for an “unauthorized” American citizen to negotiate with a foreign government on behalf of the U.S. “Although never enforced,” Weissmann observed, the Logan Act remains on the books. Weissmann further explained that in previous cases where the Logan Act might have been applicable, the violators eventually became presidents, which may have deterred any potential enforcement of the law.

The context of Trump’s call is tied to the broader situation in Gaza. On May 7, Hamas accepted the terms of a ceasefire deal following a three-phase framework, according to a timeline from Al Jazeera. By May 31, President Joe Biden had endorsed the deal, as reported by The New York Times.

In response to the report about Trump’s call, Netanyahu’s team issued a statement on Thursday, claiming that the prime minister did not “discuss the Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal.” Netanyahu, however, has faced criticism for allegedly blocking the deal.

Weissmann’s comments highlight the ongoing concern over Trump’s involvement in foreign policy matters without official authorization, raising questions about the implications of such actions and the historical precedent they follow.