Summary
Overview
In this episode, the hosts discuss multiple political developments including Trump's retaliation efforts, Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation, the Venezuela situation, Ukraine peace negotiations, Mark Kelly's military investigation, and the Epstein files. Congresswoman Summer Lee joins to discuss ICE abuses and accountability. The episode also touches on the RFK Jr./Olivia Nuzzi scandal and Trump's changing stance on ACA subsidies.
Trump's Failed Retaliation Cases and Illegal Appointments
A federal judge dismissed indictments against Tish James and James Comey after ruling that Trump and Pam Bondi illegally installed prosecutor Lindsay Halligan. The judge found that Halligan, an insurance lawyer with no prosecutorial experience, was the fourth interim U.S. attorney ruled unlawfully appointed. The ruling creates major problems for Trump's revenge prosecutions, though the administration plans to appeal and may try to find new prosecutors.
- Judge dismissed indictments against Tish James and James Comey due to prosecutor Lindsey Halligan's illegal appointment
- Halligan was an insurance lawyer with no prosecutorial experience, making her Trump's fourth unlawfully appointed interim U.S. attorney
- The judge ruled the DOJ can't send 'any private citizen off the street' to secure indictments
- Trump and Bondi are trying different tactics including convening a grand jury in Fort Pierce, Florida where only Judge Cannon presides
" The government could send any private citizen off the street, attorney or not, into the grand jury room to secure an indictment so long as the Attorney General gives her approval after the fact. That cannot be law. "
Pete Hegseth Targets Senator Mark Kelly in Intimidation Campaign
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a military investigation into retired naval officer Senator Mark Kelly for appearing in a video reminding service members they can refuse illegal orders. Trump demanded Kelly be tried for seditious conspiracy, which he said is punishable by death. Legal experts note Hegseth likely destroyed his own case through unlawful command influence by publicly calling Kelly guilty, and Kelly has multiple legal avenues to fight any recall to active duty.
- Hegseth launched investigation into Senator Mark Kelly for saying military members don't have to follow illegal orders
- Trump demanded Kelly and other Democrats be arrested and tried for seditious conspiracy, punishable by death
- Hegseth likely committed unlawful command influence by publicly calling Kelly guilty before any trial
- Junior military officers are already asking for written legal sign-off before participating in Caribbean boat strikes
" If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won't work. "
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