Does putting Ivanka in the WH help make her subpoena proof?

[malchickiwick]

Is this correct: that the Congress can't subpoena certain members of the WH staff, nor the prez., because of separation of powers? I'm wondering if that is part of the gambit for giving her an office in the West Wing? I for one would sure love to have her in front of an open committee explaining just WHAT THE HELL exactly she was doing in the Crimea last summer with one of Potty-poots girlfriends.

[C_U_L8R]

1. But they're also claiming she's not staff

To circumvent the anti-nepotism law.
They cannot have it both ways.
Doesn't mean they won't try.

[KittyWampus]

2. She's supposedly not on the staff and thus not held to ethical standards.

They are trying to have it every way possible.

[procon]

3. Since she's not even an employee, she probably has less protection.

The govt wouldn't be obligated to provide her with legal council or defend her. Since she has no formal job or duty, it would be difficult for her to use that as an excuse to avoid a subpoena.

[elfin]

4. Think she is there to be Daddy's Minder -- however, could be protecting Russia crap

The crap that involves the family biz, with which she is very familiar. She has had Russia related contacts on her own - supposedly by friending the girlfriend of Putin. Sorry, no link, but a photo somewhere, which I do not have the skills to retrieve.

Her Mom and her maternal grandparents are Czech, so the possibility is definitely there, depending on the exact connections.Research needed.They could be anti-Russia unless and until their familial connections in this day and age may turn out to be lucrative.

But she must know all the Russia business connections via plans for hotels in Moscow and Russia-involved satellites like Kyrgistan (sp?)

Methinks her PR image is more benign that it actually is. She and Jared are in for the big payoff and want to protect that.

But by all means - subpoena her. She will look delectable at the hearing, making the male inquisitors wilt, despite their best intentions to stay strong.

Lots of unsubstantiated suppositions in my reply, but I smell a very sleek and comely rat in the West Wing.

[Ilsa]

6. Make certain a bunch of democratic women are on that committee! NT

[elfin]

7. Good idea! Perhaps too late for this House committee. Let's change it in 2018! EOM

[GP6971]

5. As a supposedly "unpaid" advisor

she probably can be subpoenaed.

[Retrograde]

8. Is that how they're getting around the anti-nepotism laws? (n/t)

[GP6971]

9. That would be my guess.

supposedly unpaid advisors are only giving advice and are not professionals being paid for their expertise.

And we know dolt's family has no expertise when it comes to governing.

[mzteaze]

12. Ethics in Government

I think she's trying to skirt the basics of the Ethics in Government rules by saying that she isn't an employee, isn't taking a salary and promises to "voluntarily" submit to all ethics rules.

The thing is, the rules deal with EMPLOYEES, and the best I can tell, it doesn't really address this quasi-voluntary position she's trying to create.

BUT
1) She isn't truly stepping away from her businesses. She's asked other family members to step in for her. So conceivable she can still "quietly" provide direction and consult when needed.

2) She still has a book coming out next month. Which we are all sure she will need to promote it.


As far as the nepotism issue, being the adult child of the sitting president makes her position far harder to argue than in Jared's case. Again, see the Ethics in Government rules.

I truly think McGahn's plan (he signed off on it) is to play catch me if you can because while the OGE can send a strongly worded letter, at the end of the day, they are powerless to do more than that. See what happened when they (OGE) recommended censure for KellyAnne.

[jmowreader]

16. That's how they got around them with her husband

[RainCaster]

10. Legally she can't become his wife so...

She can be compelled to testify.

[malchickiwick]

11. But, for instance, neither could the chief of staff, or that KKKuck Bannon....

Based upon their roles in the Executive Branch. This is not about marital privilege, but separation of powers.

[OliverQ]

13. Congress can subpoena anyone they want

Rep. Swalwell said he would subpoena Trump and his family.

[malchickiwick]

14. Yeah, they can issue a subpoena, but the WH can fight it and win based on precedent.

Separation of powers prevents Congress from forcing WH insiders from testifying before Congress. That's pretty well established.

[Hamlette]

15. don't you remember Clinton's staff? They were subpoenaed multiple times by Congress.

I remember George Stephanopolous saying how many times he'd been subpoenaed and being shocked. the number was unbelievable high.