Pelosi on Trump weighing in on Stone sentencing: ‘This is an abuse of power’

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) accused President Trump on Thursday of abusing the power of his office by weighing in on the Department of Justice sentencing of Trump’s associate Roger Stone, and called for an investigation.

“We also saw the president this week demonstrate once again that he has no respect for the rule of law … by engaging in political interference in the sentencing of his associate Roger Stone,” Pelosi told reporters at a press conference. 

“This is an abuse of power. The president is again trying to manipulate federal law enforcement to serve his political interests.”

After prosecutors recommended seven to nine years in prison for Stone, Trump tweeted that it is a “horrible and very unfair situation.” The Justice Department later revised the recommendation, calling for a lighter sentence. 

“He thinks he’s above the law. He has no respect for the rule of law,” Pelosi added of Trump. “But where are the Republicans to speak out on this blatant violation of the rule of law?”

Asked what Congress will do about this, or if she feels that “the president is untouchable at this point,” Pelosi said, “They should be investigated.” 

“This is not what America is about, it is so wrong,” she added.

The Justice Department, she said, should be “so above the political fray” to ensure Americans have confidence in impartial justice.

Pelosi also railed against Attorney General William Barr, who agreed to testify before the House Judiciary Committee in March. 

Pelosi said Barr “has deeply damaged the rule of law” by withdrawing the Justice Department sentencing recommendation. 

“What a sad disappointment to our country,” Pelosi said of Barr. 

Pelosi also commended the four prosecutors who recommended the original sentencing after the department revised it. 

“What an act of courage on their part,” she said.