Trump Accused of Logan Act Violation After Posting Letter from Palestinian Leader
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Donald Trump faced accusations of violating federal law after posting a letter from Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on social media late Tuesday evening. Trump, who has previously used the term “Palestinian” disparagingly, shared the unexpected correspondence with his followers.
Abbas’s letter read, “It is with grave concern that I have received news and later on watched footage of your attempted assassination. Acts of violence must not have a place in a world of law and order.” In response, Trump scrawled in permanent marker, “So nice – thank you. Everything will be good.”
The post quickly sparked controversy, with allegations that Trump had breached the Logan Act, a federal law that prohibits private citizens from engaging in unauthorized negotiations with foreign governments. One Truth Social user, @Sainturho, stated bluntly, “Direct violation of the Logan Act.”
@SidneyReilly added to the criticism, calling the interaction an “awful leader meeting a fired leader failing to make a comeback.” The user continued, “As usual Trump is law-breaking. The Logan Act prohibits private citizens from engaging in foreign policy. He just can’t help himself. In case someone thinks it’s ok cos he’s a candidate it’s not, he’s still just a private felon.”
The outrage spilled over onto other social media platforms. On X, @smalls2672 commented, “Apparently, Bibi is going to make a special trip to Mar-A-Lago to hang out with Trump. How is this allowed to happen? Doesn’t this directly violate the Logan Act?”
Another user, @ashleighlondon, echoed the sentiment, asking, “Doesn’t this violate the Logan Act?” Even some of Trump’s supporters expressed concern. @Lela2New, a MAGA fan, warned, “This may be the Logan Act violation the Dems have been salivating for. Give Trump a heads up, would you?”
The Logan Act, according to Britannica, “forbids private citizens from engaging in unauthorized correspondence with foreign governments.” The law has rarely been enforced, but it remains a point of contention in cases where private individuals, especially those with significant political influence, communicate with foreign leaders.
This incident adds to the list of controversies surrounding Trump, who has been accused of legal and ethical violations on multiple occasions. Whether this particular act will lead to any formal charges remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly fueled further debate about his actions and their implications for U.S. foreign policy.
