Dem senator’s El Salvador trip might violate law liberals used as pretext for Michael Flynn probe: critics

Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s sudden trip to El Salvador to advocate for the release of deportee Kilmar Abrego Garcia has sparked controversy and raised questions about potential violations of the Logan Act. The Logan Act, a law dating back to 1799, prohibits unauthorized diplomacy by American citizens with foreign officials in an attempt to influence their actions in relation to disputes or controversies with the United States.

Critics have pointed to Van Hollen’s actions as potentially violating the Logan Act, drawing parallels to the case of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, who faced scrutiny for his communications with Russian officials prior to President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Longtime Republican consultant Roger Stone took to Twitter to question why Van Hollen had not been arrested for violating the Logan Act, suggesting that conducting one’s own foreign policy is illegal.

Conservative commentators and lawmakers have raised concerns about Van Hollen’s trip and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. Some have called for an investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee to determine whether Van Hollen’s actions constitute a violation of the Logan Act. The American Accountability Foundation has also sent a letter to Senate Ethics Committee Chairman James Lankford requesting an inquiry into the matter.

While the Logan Act has rarely been invoked and no one has been successfully prosecuted under it, the controversy surrounding Van Hollen’s trip underscores the ongoing debate over the law’s relevance and enforcement. Critics argue that Van Hollen’s advocacy on behalf of Garcia, a deported Salvadoran national, could be seen as undermining U.S. interests and engaging in unauthorized diplomacy.

Van Hollen has defended his trip as part of his role as a U.S. senator, emphasizing the importance of engaging with foreign leaders on issues of mutual concern. He has yet to comment on the allegations of Logan Act violations, but the controversy surrounding his trip to El Salvador continues to draw attention and scrutiny from both sides of the political spectrum. As the debate over the Logan Act and its implications for U.S. foreign policy continues, Van Hollen’s actions serve as a focal point for ongoing discussions about the limits of diplomatic engagement by American citizens.