The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

Opinion I was Sweden’s prime minister and no, Mr. Trump, I could not have freed A$AP Rocky either

July 26, 2019 at 4:08 p.m. EDT
Rapper A$AP Rocky was arrested and detained after an alleged street fight in Sweden on June 30. Celebrities, President Trump and more have rallied around him. (Video: The Washington Post)

I have no idea whatsoever what happened that evening in the streets of Stockholm in late June that led to the detention of three U.S. citizens — including the rapper A$AP Rocky — and to them facing assault charges.

But once upon a time, I was prime minister of Sweden, so I have to confess to having a certain knowledge of both the powers and the limitations of that office.