Judge denies Trump administration request to block Bolton book

[mystery-ak]

Judge denies Trump administration request to block Bolton book

The judge, Royce Lamberth, said he was troubled by aspects of the former national security adviser's conduct.



By JOSH GERSTEIN and KYLE CHENEY

06/19/2020 03:47 PM EDT

Updated: 06/20/2020 10:36 AM EDT

   
A federal judge denied on Saturday the Trump administration's request to block the release of John Bolton's memoir, noting that the former national security adviser's book had already been "printed, bound and shipped across the country."

U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth said the Justice Department’s request to suppress the tell-all book on national security grounds would be impossible to enforce, but criticized Bolton's decision to move ahead with publication without the explicit go-ahead from the government.

more
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/19/judge-trump-john-bolton-lamberth-329665

[Applewood]

The judge is right that the book is already out there; so trying to block its release is like closing the barn door after the horse ran out.    But he does open the door for any criminal proceeding.  Thing is, I believe Trump, et al. will have to prove just what in that book is classified or falls under executive privilege.  As to the latter, I understand Judge Lamberth once scolded his colleagues for interpreting "executive privilege" a bit too stringently.  Not everything is privileged communication.  If this judge is assigned to any criminal proceeding against Bolton, he might not rule the way Trump wants.

[mystery-ak]

Trump touts ruling on Bolton book: 'Now he will have bombs dropped on him!'
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/503717-trump-touts-ruling-on-bolton-book-now-he-will-have-bombs-dropped-on

[truth_seeker]

DNI Grennell says Bolton made up stuff

Who you gonna believe? Bolton's lifetime dream was to start a war,  it seemed.

[skeeter]

After everything the leftist media and bureaucracy have tried over the past four years - the tell-alls, "bombshells", investigations, hearings, yadda yadda - does anyone really think Bolton's book will add up to dry poop?

Still, the administration owes it to those who will follow to challenge it's release.

It is some consolation to see those formerly considered the 'adults' in DC proving themselves to be petulant, self interested and mediocre.

[mystery-ak]

White House says it plans to ensure Bolton gets 'no profits' from book
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/503724-white-house-says-it-plans-to-ensure-bolton-gets-no-profits-from-book

[Right_in_Virginia]

Statement from the Press Secretary

Issued on: June 20, 2020

The United States District Court for the District of Columbia today vindicated the Government’s claims against former National Security Adviser John Bolton, ruling that “Bolton likely jeopardized national security by disclosing classified information in violation of his nondisclosure agreement obligations.”  The court rightly chastised Bolton for treating as “intolerable” a review process for his book that the court believed was “reasonable.”  As the court explained, “Bolton has gambled with the national security of the United States,” hoping to secure profits by violating his nondisclosure agreements.  But Bolton bet wrong, and the downside of his losing bet is that he “stands to lose his profits from the book deal, exposes himself to criminal liability, and imperils national security.”

The court denied the Government’s request for an injunction solely because Bolton’s wrongful conduct—carried out in secret—had already ensured that the book was so widely disseminated that the court believed it could no longer grant an effective remedy.

The Government intends to hold Bolton to the further requirements of his agreements and to ensure that he receives no profits from his shameful decision to place his desire for money and attention ahead of his obligations to protect national security.


https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/statement-press-secretary-130/

[Right_in_Virginia]

Robert Barnes
@Barnes_Law

The real impact of the court's decision in the #BoltonBook case: @AmbJohnBolton likely isn't going to get a penny from his book sales, and now faces criminal prosecution.

11:16 AM · Jun 20, 2020·Twitter Web App

https://twitter.com/Barnes_Law/status/1274360517226872838

[Cyber Liberty]

Why did the President wait until the eleventh hour to stop it?