Obama, Bush veterans dismiss Trump-Putin interpreter subpoena
BY
OLIVIA BEAVERS AND
AMIE PARNES - 07/20/18 05:56 AM EDT
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Former officials from the Obama and George W. Bush administrations are pouring cold water on the idea that
President Trump’s interpreter from the summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin should appear before Congress.
While multiple former Obama officials say they understand the desire to talk to one of the only people in the room with Trump and Putin, several argued it would set a dangerous precedent.
“For the same reasons why we need to protect our own diplomats, there is a real concern about having translators be subject to subpoenas,” said David Mortlock, director of international economic affairs at the White House National Security Council (NSC) under Obama.
He acknowledged that there is “legitimate concern about what the president may have promised Vladimir Putin.”
But he said subpoenaing an interpreter is a bridge too far, and would prevent presidents from speaking freely.
“They’re at the center of diplomatic relationships and it raises concerns about whether you can truly have diplomatic communications,” he said.
Ben Chang, who served as an NSC official under Obama, said while interpreters have “seen or heard a ton,” they ultimately serve as a “vessel” to guide and channel the president’s thoughts and ideas.
He argued that Congress should get to the bottom of the summit, but he thinks lawmakers instead need to subpoena officials such as Secretary of State
Mike Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton.
The possibility that Trump summit interpreter Marina Gross will appear before Congress is remote for now given GOP control of both chambers.
Democrats were blocked Thursday when Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee rejected a motion to subpoena the interpreter.
Tony Fratto, who served as a White House deputy press secretary under former President George W. Bush, called it a “fruitless effort.”
“The law is clear. It would be bonkers to think this conversation doesn’t fall under executive privilege,” said Fratto, who frequently disagrees with Trump’s rhetoric and actions. “That’s not their job and the Constitution is pretty clear on that.”
Richard Fontaine, who served as a foreign policy adviser to Sen.
John McCain (R-Ariz.) and served at the NSC under Bush, also dismissed the suggestion.
“I feel their pain, but I don't think forcing the translator of the president to testify [about] what she heard will be successful,” Fontaine told The Hill, calling it “bad practice.”
“People on the Hill seem to have ever-short historical perspective, but at some point a Democrat will have a one-on-one with a leader or take a walk in the park with a leader and do you really want that?” he said. “I know they want this, but I don't know that they want that.”
Democrats say the circumstances surrounding the Trump-Putin summit are exceptional, and justify the step of having lawmakers talk to Trump’s interpreter.