WATCH: Scrutinizing Trump and McGahn's interactions could have chilling effect, legal scholar says

The inquiry into whether President Donald Trump ordered White House counsel Don McGahn to fire special counsel Robert Mueller could have a "chilling effect" on conversations between future presidents and their legal advisers, said John Malcolm, a senior legal fellow at the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation, before the House Judiciary Committee on June 10. Responding to questions from Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., Malcolm said presidents often ask the White House counsel for their advice to do something "stupid" or even "illegal." If those conversations are subject to criminal prosecution, presidents might be hesitant to seek advice in the first place, Malcolm said.

Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app:
Find more from PBS NewsHour at
Subscribe to our YouTube channel:

Follow us:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Instagram:
Snapchat: @pbsnews

Subscribe:
PBS NewsHour podcasts:
Newsletters:

Trump,House hearing,obstruction,McGahn,Malcom,Don McGahn,Robert Mueller,Mueller investigation,chilling effect,White House Consel,Lawyer,John Malcolm,Heritage Foundation,