Trump’s Pick for Attorney General Is Even WORSE Than You Think (w/ Andrew Weissmann) | Illegal News
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Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Todd Blanch, Trump's nominee for Attorney General, has a documented history of legal incompetence and politically motivated actions, including devising a failed 'slush fund' and making false public statements.
- ❖Blanch was part of the losing defense team in the Stormy Daniels case and oversaw multiple vindictive prosecutions against political opponents and federal officials that were rejected by grand juries or quashed by federal judges.
- ❖The Department of Justice's election integrity unit has been quietly dismantled, a move seen as facilitating election fraud conspiracy theories by removing career oversight.
- ❖Trump's 'cosmetic' actions, such as hosting a UFC fight on the White House lawn and attempting to rename the Kennedy Center, are framed as symbolic manifestations of a broader attack on institutional norms and the rule of law.
- ❖Senators are expected to confirm Blanch, demonstrating a capitulation to Trump's agenda despite Blanch's problematic record, raising concerns about accountability and the politicization of justice.
Insights
1Todd Blanch's Record of Incompetence and Political Malfeasance
Todd Blanch's history reveals a pattern of legal missteps and politically driven actions. He approved and devised a 'slush fund' that failed, forcing the DOJ to explain its legitimacy to a judge. He made factually incorrect statements on Fox News regarding the Southern Poverty Law Center case, which he later had to retract. As Trump's personal lawyer in the Stormy Daniels case, he was part of the losing team and demonstrated a lack of presence and persuasive argumentation in court. His tenure as Deputy Attorney General included overseeing vindictive prosecutions against figures like Leticia James and James Comey, attempts to indict members of Congress that grand juries rejected, and the quashing of subpoenas to the Federal Reserve by a federal judge due to 'bad faith.'
Blanch approved and devised a 'slush fund' (); made factually wrong statements on Fox News about the SPLC case (); was Trump's personal lawyer in the Stormy Daniels case (); approved vindictive prosecutions against Leticia James and James Comey (, ); sought to indict six members of Congress, rejected by grand jurors (); oversaw subpoenas to the Federal Reserve that a federal judge quashed for 'bad faith' (, ).
2Dismantling of DOJ's Election Integrity Unit Fuels Conspiracy Theories
The Department of Justice and the FBI have quietly dismantled their election integrity unit, which was staffed by career professionals. This move is seen as highly problematic, especially given Trump's persistent and unfounded claims of election fraud. By removing a cadre of independent, career individuals who would typically investigate and report on election anomalies, the administration eliminates crucial witnesses and oversight, thereby creating an environment ripe for the propagation of conspiracy theories without credible counter-evidence.
DOJ and FBI have quietly dismantled the election integrity unit (), removing career people who would ensure no election fraud and provide insight, which is problematic when trying to start a conspiracy theory ().
3Symbolic Actions as Manifestations of Corruption
Beyond substantive legal and political actions, Trump's 'cosmetic' or symbolic gestures are interpreted as direct manifestations of corruption and an attack on the rule of law. Examples include hosting a UFC fight on the White House lawn with a massive, unprecedented structure ('the claw') and attempts to rename or exert control over institutions like the Kennedy Center. These actions, while seemingly superficial, are seen as deliberate defilements of national symbols and historical norms, reflecting a broader disregard for established principles and institutions.
Trump hosted a UFC fight on the White House lawn with a 92-foot-tall, 600-ton 'claw' structure (, ); a federal judge ruled Trump's actions regarding the Kennedy Center illegal, leading to the removal of his name from materials (); the DOJ argued in court that bulldozing the Statue of Liberty might have 'no remedy' if not stopped quickly ().
Bottom Line
The Department of Justice, under Trump, asserted in court that if a monument like the Statue of Liberty were quickly bulldozed, there would be 'no remedy' if not stopped immediately, reflecting a 'better never than late' approach to legal enforcement against executive actions.
This legal stance suggests a dangerous precedent where rapid, destructive executive actions could become irreversible, effectively circumventing judicial oversight and accountability if not challenged instantaneously, thereby undermining the foundational principle of checks and balances.
This insight highlights the critical importance of proactive legal monitoring and rapid response mechanisms to executive overreach, suggesting an opportunity for legal advocacy groups to develop strategies for immediate injunctions against potentially irreversible government actions.
Lessons
- Demand rigorous, disciplined, and consistent questioning from senators during confirmation hearings for high-level nominees like the Attorney General, focusing on specific past actions and potential conflicts of interest.
- Educate yourself and others on the specific legal and ethical track record of political nominees, moving beyond broad political affiliations to scrutinize concrete actions and decisions.
- Recognize and challenge the 'better than the alternative' argument often used to justify problematic nominations, understanding that such compromises can incrementally erode institutional integrity and accountability.
Notable Moments
Andrew Weissmann's Freudian slip, referring to 'political silence' instead of 'political science,' perfectly encapsulates the perceived capitulation and willful ignorance of many politicians regarding Trump's actions.
This slip highlights the hosts' frustration with the lack of moral courage and accountability among elected officials, suggesting that a deliberate 'silence' on critical issues contributes to the erosion of democratic norms more than a lack of understanding.
Quotes
"The way to get someone nominated is that you put somebody really awful in the wings to say like, 'Well, he's better than this person.'"
"You didn't see him saying, 'No, no, no, we're not going to do this.' That's one where in a remarkable case, a federal judge quashed that is, um, said that the the subpoenas to the Federal Reserve are uninforcable because they're in such bad faith. Do you know when that happens, Sarah? Never."
"If you are trying to start a conspiracy theory, the last thing you want is a group of people who are going to have insight and be able to look into what is going on."
"What could in other circumstances be viewed as more embroidery or or superficial, I think, um, are easy tells as to what he's about."
"It's not I don't know him personally. I think the reason it's particularly offensive to people who've been in the Department of Justice is because we know his background... we know he knows better."
Q&A
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