Probation status could make role tough for Petraeus
WASHINGTON — Donald Trump, on the campaign trail, would occasionally compare the criminal investigation into whether Hillary Clinton mishandled classified information to the case of former CIA director David Petraeus. In Trump’s view, Petraeus, who pleaded guilty to mishandling classified information, was pursued unfairly, while Clinton deserved to be treated more harshly.
“The system is rigged,” Trump tweeted after the FBI recommended Clinton not be charged. “General Petraeus got in trouble for far less. Very very unfair! As usual, bad judgment.”
That assessment has long irked Clinton supporters and even the FBI — which feels Petraeus’ case was a clear cut example of criminal wrongdoing with aggravating factors, while Clinton’s was not. And now, Petraeus is under consideration for a job in Trump’s administration — possibly even as secretary of state, the job Clinton used to hold.
Petraeus and Trump met earlier this week, and Trump wrote on Twitter that he was “very impressed!”
If nominated to be secretary of state, Petraeus would have to undergo a potentially bruising confirmation hearing that would likely re-examine the lurid case that led to his conviction and dredge up old comparisons to Clinton. His and Clinton’s cases both involve investigations of mishandling of classified information, but under dramatically different circumstances.
Petraeus pleaded guilty last year to a misdemeanor charge of mishandling classified information, admitting that he gave sensitive materials to his former lover and biographer, Paula Broadwell. He was sentenced to two years of probation and a $100,000 fine. His probation includes several restrictions that could complicate his holding a Cabinet position, including that he must get his work-related travel approved by the U.S. Probation Office and that he submit to warrantless searches by his probation officer at any time.
Petraeus’ probation expires in April 2017, and Trump, upon taking office, could commute his sentence.
People briefed on the transition say the president-elect is now considering three candidates in addition to Petraeus: Mitt Romney, the former Republican presidential nominee; Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City; and Sen. Bob Corker, the Tennessee Republican who is chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.