While it’s entirely likely that Trump and his associates have violated all kinds of laws (which is largely normal in “corporate America” and probably unavoidable given the prolificacy of overcriminalization and hyperregulation generally), this seems more like a calculated move to distract Trump from his position as the leadership of the “opposition party.” It may be intended to send a message that more serious action can be taken in the future. Increasingly, it appears both parties are looking for ways to create a de facto one-party state for themselves.

By MICHAEL R. SISAK, Associated Press