Todd Blanche’s Jaw-Dropping Ethics Violation (w/ Andrew Weissmann) | Illegal News

The Department of Justice settled a lawsuit with Michael Flynn, awarding him $1.25 million, despite his prior guilty plea for intentionally making false statements to the FBI. Andrew Weissmann argues this settlement lacks a 'good faith belief' of a meritorious claim, especially since Flynn admitted guilt under oath. This action is framed as a potential 'theft' of taxpayer money, driven by political motivations rather than legal merit, setting a dangerous precedent for future administrations.

Michael Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI, was never sentenced, and was pardoned by Trump in 2020. The DOJ later settled his lawsuit for $1.25 million. Weissmann questions the good faith basis for this settlement.

Todd Blanche, who previously served as Donald Trump's defense lawyer, now holds a position within the Department of Justice. He publicly tweeted, calling Jack Smith a 'proven liar' and accusing him of a 'failed vendetta.' This conduct is a severe ethics violation, as a former defense attorney should be recused from commenting on cases they were involved in or related to their former client, especially when now serving in public office. His statements lack factual basis and demonstrate a disregard for ethical boundaries.

Todd Blanche's tweet: 'Jack Smith is a proven liar consistent with these fake accusations from his failed vendetta against the president.' Weissmann states, 'Todd Blanch should not be saying anything about this because he was the president's defense lawyer... You cannot have a role in cases where you were involved as a private attorney. Period. The end. You are recused.'

Inadvertently released documents from Jack Smith's investigation into the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case suggest that some of the highly sensitive materials retained by Donald Trump might have been connected to 'business interests.' This revelation provides a potential motive beyond mere curiosity or personal collection, indicating a more calculated reason for their retention. The sensitivity of these documents was extreme, with some accessible by only six people in the U.S. government.

Reporting on inadvertently released documents indicates Jack Smith's team 'determined that there was a business reason that they could connect as to why certain documents were taken.' Some documents were 'so sensitive that only six people in the US government were permitted to have access to them.'

A federal district court in D.C. ruled that the Pentagon's policy of excluding journalists from briefings based on viewpoint discrimination was unconstitutional, violating the First and Fifth Amendments. This policy allowed the Pentagon to bar journalists who were critical or asked demanding questions while credentialing individuals like Matt Gaetz and Laura Loomer. The ruling was significant because major media organizations, including Fox, CNN, and The New York Times, united to challenge the policy, demonstrating a rare cross-ideological defense of press freedom.

Judge Paul Freriedman struck down the Pentagon's policy, citing violations of the First and Fifth Amendments. The New York Times, CNN, and Fox News all opposed the policy. The Pentagon credentialed 'journalists' like Matt Gaetz and Laura Loomer.

The Department of Defense attempted to coerce AI company Anthropic into allowing its Claude AI to be used for two specific purposes: autonomous targeting for overseas killings without human intervention and mass domestic surveillance. The DoD threatened to designate Anthropic as a 'supply chain risk' if it refused, which would devastate its business. Anthropic sued, arguing that Claude is not designed or tested for such uses and that mass domestic surveillance is against its company principles. This case highlights the legal system's struggle to keep pace with advanced technology and the potential for governmental overreach.

Anthropic sued the DoD after being threatened with a 'supply chain risk' designation for refusing to allow Claude AI for 'identifying targets... to kill overseas without human intervention' and 'mass domestic surveillance.' Anthropic stated Claude 'can't do it. It wasn't created to do it. It hasn't been tested to do it.'

Robert Mueller, who passed away at 81, is remembered as a 'truly great American' who exemplified selfless public service and exceptional competence. As FBI Director, he oversaw the agency's profound transformation into a counterterrorism organization after 9/11, a complex task fraught with potential for failure. His leadership prioritized expertise and dedication over personal recognition, famously prohibiting the use of 'I' in speeches. His model of integrity and effectiveness continues to inspire those in public service, contrasting sharply with current trends of political loyalty over competence.

Mueller took over as FBI Director one week before 9/11 and transformed the agency into a counterterrorism organization. He prohibited the use of 'I' in speeches. Weissmann notes, 'He drove himself harder than anyone.'