Trump to Bannon: I’m Suing You

Claims ‘Defamation by Libel and Slander’

President Donald Trump’s attorney says he has sent a letter to Steve Bannon notifying him that “legal action is imminent.” CNN reports the cease and desist notice threatens the president’s former top aide and campaign chairman he will be sued for “defamation by libel and slander,” and breaking his “confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement.” 

On Wednesday numerous media outlets published various damning excerpts from a new book, “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,” by journalist Michael Wolff. Bannon is quoted extensively, accusing Donald Trump Jr. of “treasonous” and “unpatriotic” acts for holding a meeting with several Russians in an attempt to obtain “dirt” on Hillary Clinton. 

Bannon also, according to Wolff, made damning comments about the Mueller investigation, according to The Guardian:

“You realise where this is going,” he is quoted as saying. “This is all about money laundering. Mueller chose [senior prosecutor Andrew] Weissmann first and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to fucking Trump goes right through Paul Manafort, Don Jr and Jared Kushner … It’s as plain as a hair on your face.”

Axios notes Trump’s attorney is Charles Harder, “who brought down Gawker.”

On Wednesday Trump issued a lengthy statement, saying, “Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.” The White House and First Lady also issued scathing statements about the book.

Overnight pundits said the confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement cannot legally apply to Bannon’s time as a White House employee. It is doubtful Trump would actually sue Bannon: it would involve discovery, including under oath depositions, which would expose the president, his family, administration, and any possible illegal acts.

Trump has a history of threatening to sue and not following through.

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