CNN legal analyst calls Trump's release of text messages 'most appalling obstruction of justice'

CNN legal analyst Jeff Toobin called it "insane" that President Donald Trump is more concerned about releasing text messages than stopping Russia from hacking American elections. It's so egregious he called it the "most appalling obstruction of justice" (in the colloquial sense).

It was announced Monday that Trump’s administration demanded the Department of Justice release all documents pertaining to the Russia Investigation.

"He could declassify how to make an atomic bomb," Toobin said of the power the president has to declassify documents. "I mean he's got plenary authority to declassify anything he wants. Let's be clear about what is going on here: The president is doing nothing to reveal what went on when the Russian government tried to determine the outcome of our election. He has done nothing but obstruct that investigation."

What Toobin said, however, is that Trump is using his special selection of powers to pursue his political enemies and discredit the Russia investigation.

"And he has done nothing to try to stop the interference in our elections by the Russian government," Toobin said.

CNN reporter Kaitlin Collins explained that the White House has incorrectly said that the FISA warrant that began the intelligence monitoring was triggered by Carter Page. In fact, it was George Papadopolous, who pleaded guilty.

"That's important," Collins argued. "The president has tried to make the case it is illegal and he has fudged the facts while he tried to make that case publicly. He will be able to pick and choose the text messages that he believes are most unflattering of the FBI and tweet them out."

CNN's Gloria Borger called it "total revenge" for the people he hates. "Some people would argue it is an abuse of his authority."

Toobin chimed back in, "Meanwhile the Russians continue to try to interfere in our elections. And continue to try to manipulate the outcomes, and we don't care about that. We just want to trash James Comey and Bruce Ohr, a lawyer nobody has ever heard of. I mean it is just insane what's going on here."

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