I have previously discussed the problematic advocacy of Donald Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani, including repeated corrections of his statements on national television. The latest correction was to Giuliani’s insistence that, while Trump did continue to discuss a Moscow deal far later than previously claims, the thrust of the deal came down to an “unsigned letter.” That latest representation lasted only a few hours when the signed letter was found. Now, Giuliani is saying the letter was signed but it is just “bulls**t.” Again, I fail to see how this meets the standard of effective and professional representation.
In comments to the New York Daily News to correct his Sunday comments. He now claims “of course” Trump signed it but that it was “bulls**t” and “That was the end of it. It means nothing but an expression of interest that means very little unless it goes to a contract and it never did.” Of course, it is the “interest” that is driving questions on whether there was a desire to do business with the Russians that might have influenced Trump’s position or worse yet, was part of a quid pro quo.
Giuliani recognized that it was better for the letter to be unsigned because it would not show the direct act of Trump in pursuing business in Moscow. That highlighted the fact of the signature for Trump’s critics.
I still fail to see the evidence of such collusion but these continued missteps only fuel suspicions and undermine the defense. Trump’s team has been plagued by errors and embarrassing admissions or corrections from the start. They are continuing despite the increasingly precarious position of the President.