Trump asked Sessions about closing case against Arpaio, an ally since ‘birtherism’

The following article by Philip Rucker and Ellen Nakashima was posted on the Washington Post website August 26, 2017:

Maricopa County Sheriff Joseph Arpaio gestures to the crowd while delivering a speech at the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016, in Cleveland. (John Moore)

As Joseph Arpaio’s federal case headed toward trial this past spring, President Trump wanted to act to help the former Arizona county sheriff who had become a campaign-trail companion and a partner in their crusade against illegal immigration.

The president asked Attorney General Jeff Sessions whether it would be possible for the government to drop the criminal case against Arpaio, but was advised that would be inappropriate, according to three people with knowledge of the conversation.

After talking with Sessions, Trump decided to let the case go to trial, and if Arpaio was convicted, he could grant clemency. Continue reading “Trump asked Sessions about closing case against Arpaio, an ally since ‘birtherism’”