Legal AF by MeidasTouch
Episode: "Cornered Trump Buried by His Own Scandals"
Release Date: July 26, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Legal AF by MeidasTouch, host Michael Popak delivers a scathing analysis of the current state of the United States Department of Justice (DoJ), highlighting what he perceives as deep-rooted corruption under the administration of former President Donald Trump. Popak delves into various scandals, with a particular focus on the Epstein case, illustrating how Trump's actions and alliances have allegedly compromised the integrity of the DoJ.

The Corruption Within the Department of Justice

Michael Popak opens his discussion by asserting the unprecedented level of corruption within the DoJ during Trump's tenure. He emphasizes that this corruption is not merely political but structural, impacting the very foundations of legal integrity in the country.

“I never thought I'd have to say that a Department of Justice was corrupt, but here we are.”
(01:26)

Popak argues that the corruption is evident through the actions of key figures like Pam Bondi and Todd Blanche, who he claims have manipulated the system to serve Trump's interests.

Unconstitutional Appointments and Legal Manipulations

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to detailing what Popak describes as unconstitutional maneuvers by Trump to appoint US Attorneys without proper Senate confirmation. He cites the example of Alina Haba, whose term extension was blocked by 17 federal judges in New Jersey.

“He's withdrawn her name from the Senate confirmation process, knowing he can't get past the two Democratic senators, Cory Booker and Senator Kim...”
(03:45)

Popak contends that Trump's attempts to bypass the Constitution in appointing US Attorneys undermine the checks and balances designed to prevent executive overreach.

Weaponization of the Civil Rights Division

Popak shifts focus to the Civil Rights Division of the DoJ, claiming it has been "weaponized" under the leadership of Harmeet Dhillon. He alleges that instead of protecting civil rights, the division is now pursuing individuals defending those rights.

“They've weaponized it. Now they're going after people instead of protecting their civil rights...”
(06:15)

This transformation, according to Popak, has led to a brain drain within the DoJ, as nonpartisan prosecutors disassociate themselves from what they perceive as a compromised institution.

The Epstein Scandal and Trump's Involvement

The centerpiece of Popak's argument revolves around the Epstein scandal, which he portrays as a pivotal moment showcasing the corruption within the DoJ. He alleges that Trump is desperately trying to distance himself from the scandal despite overwhelming evidence linking him to Epstein.

“Donald Trump has a tell when he is lying to the American people. He says, I don't know anything about something. He knows everything about the thing...”
(11:22)

Popak highlights the involvement of key DoJ figures like Todd Blanche and Pam Bondi, suggesting they are actively participating in a cover-up to protect Trump. He also brings attention to the role of Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer, David Marcus, in attempting to secure a pardon for Maxwell, further entangling legal and political corruption.

Legal Implications and Future Outlook

Concluding his analysis, Popak warns of the long-term implications of DoJ's corruption, predicting ongoing legal battles and further erosion of public trust in federal institutions. He underscores the importance of accountability and transparency to restore the integrity of the justice system.

“This is how the Department of Justice and how corrupt it is to its core. This is why federal judges don't respect the Department of Justice under Donald Trump and don't listen to it at all.”
(12:55)

Popak also promotes the Legal AF Substack, encouraging listeners to engage with ongoing reporting and in-depth analyses available through their platform.

Conclusion

This episode of Legal AF provides a fervent critique of the current state of the Department of Justice, highlighting alleged systemic corruption tied to Donald Trump's administration. Michael Popak's detailed examination of various scandals, particularly the Epstein case, serves as a clarion call for vigilance and reform within the American legal and political landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• “I never thought I'd have to say that a Department of Justice was corrupt, but here we are.”
  (01:26) — Michael Popak

• “He's withdrawn her name from the Senate confirmation process, knowing he can't get past the two Democratic senators, Cory Booker and Senator Kim...”
  (03:45) — Michael Popak

• “They've weaponized it. Now they're going after people instead of protecting their civil rights...”
  (06:15) — Michael Popak

• “Donald Trump has a tell when he is lying to the American people. He says, I don't know anything about something. He knows everything about the thing...”
  (11:22) — Michael Popak

• “This is how the Department of Justice and how corrupt it is to its core. This is why federal judges don't respect the Department of Justice under Donald Trump and don't listen to it at all.”
  (12:55) — Michael Popak

Legal AF continues to offer incisive legal and political analysis, encouraging listeners to stay informed and engaged through their Substack platform for exclusive content and updates.