great post. THANKS!
Newly released documents from the National Archives confirm—beyond a shadow of a doubt—that then–Vice President Joe Biden and Barack Obama were in collusion-——routinely mishandling sensitive government information, which were reroutrd through private Gmail accounts.
Acts commonly described as “collusion” can violate various criminal laws. When high-ranking government officials work secretly to violate U.S. laws, they can be prosecuted for several offenses.
Here is the breakdown of the legal landscape:
1. What is “Collusion” Legally?
While “collusion” is often used in political discourse to mean improper, secretive cooperation with foreign or hostile entities, it is not a specific legal charge. The relevant criminal terms are conspiracy, aiding and abetting, or solicitation.
2. Potential Crimes in “Collusion”If “collusion” involves working with a foreign power to influence an election or violate other laws, it may trigger the following charges:Conspiracy to Defraud the United States (18 U.S.C. § 371): This is the most common charge, covering agreements to interfere with government functions through deceit or dishonesty.
Foreign Contribution Violations (52 U.S.C. § 30121): It is illegal for a foreign national to contribute money or “anything of value” to a campaign. If government officials cooperate in receiving such value (e.g., hacked data), it is a crime.
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (18 U.S.C. § 1030): Assisting, advising, or facilitating foreign hackers (e.g., DNC emails) can violate this act.
Treason (18 U.S.C. § 2381): In extreme cases, if collusion involves aiding enemies during a declared war, it can be charged as treason, though this is rare.
3. Obstruction of Justice
Often, the act of “collusion” is less likely to be proven than the subsequent attempt to hide it. If officials lie to investigators or try to cover up the activity, they can be charged with:False Statements (18 U.S.C. § 1001): Lying to federal agents.Obstruction of Justice (18 U.S.C. § 1505/1512): Lying to Congress or coaching others to lie.
4. Special Considerations for Public Officials
High-ranking federal officials are subject to specific bribery, graft, and conflict-of-interest statutes (18 U.S.C. §§ 201–227). Under § 201(b), soliciting, accepting, or agreeing to receive anything of value in exchange for an official act (a quid pro quo) is a serious felony.
Summary Table
Alleged Activity
Potential Legal Charge
Secretly helping foreign entities
Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371)
Accepting “dirt” on a political opponent from a foreign source
Campaign Finance Violation (52 U.S.C. § 30121)
Covering up contacts
False Statements / Obstruction (18 U.S.C. § 1001, 1512)
Offering official acts for favors
Bribery (18 U.S.C. § 201)