Legal AF by MeidasTouch

Episode: 3/21/2026
Host: Michael Popok (solo), with guest segment from attorney Liz Tulis
Release Date: March 22, 2026

Overview

This episode of Legal AF, hosted solo by renowned trial lawyer Michael Popok, delivers an incisive rundown of this week’s biggest legal and political stories, marked by the passing of Robert Mueller, escalating congressional skirmishes over the Epstein files and Department of Justice integrity, watershed rulings on press freedom, and relentless scrutiny of the Trump administration’s ongoing legal and political maneuvers. Popok dissects ongoing threats to democratic institutions, discusses the economic and legal fallout from the Iran war, and spotlights emerging resistance—inside the judiciary, FBI, and government agencies—against attempts to subvert the rule of law.

Key Discussions & Insights

1. The Passing of Robert Mueller & Trump’s Reaction

[18:57 – 28:19]

• Robert Mueller’s Legacy:

  • Popok pays tribute to Robert Mueller, former FBI director and special counsel, who passed away at 81 from Parkinson’s. Popok details Mueller’s military background and his 12-year transformation of the FBI in the wake of 9/11.
  • “He completely reformed and rehabilitated the FBI... He was no-nonsense drill sergeant. He was a former Marine. His word was law within the halls of the Hoover Building.” (Popok, 15:20)

• Trump’s Response:

  • Popok recounts Donald Trump’s coarse statement: “I’m glad he’s dead. Good. He can no longer hurt innocent people.” (Popok quoting Trump, 18:29)—condemning it as depraved and immoral.

• Setting the Record Straight:

  • Revisiting the Mueller Report, Popok clarifies that Mueller never “exonerated” Trump, highlighting Mueller’s own words:
    • Q: Did you totally exonerate the president?
    • Mueller: “No.” (21:03)

2. The Iran War, Oil, and Economic Fallout

[28:20 – 36:50]

• Who Defines Victory?

  • Popok insists Trump’s claims that “he’ll decide when the war ends” are a lie; the war’s dynamic is driven by Iran’s strategies and demands.
  • “The war will be over when Iran says it’s over.” (Popok, 03:39)

• Drone Warfare & Economic Impact:

  • Iran’s use of cheap drones destabilizes US and allies’ expensive military efforts, causing massive spikes in global oil prices—“It’s $200 a barrel for oil in some parts of Asia.”
  • Popok predicts recession if oil prices remain high, pointing out the link to Trump’s failed economic and energy policies.

• Historical Parallels:

  • Popok draws comparisons to Nixon, warning that attempts to “bomb his way to popularity” backfired historically and suggests it may again.

3. Congressional Chaos: The Epstein Files, Pam Bondi, and Racist, Sexist Attacks

[39:06 – 48:14]

• Pam Bondi’s “Unhinged” Briefing:

  • Bondi attempts to sidestep a subpoena related to mishandling Epstein files, claiming errors releasing documents identifying victims were “less than 1%.” (42:21)
  • Popok describes Bondi as “a crash test dummy… a political hack who has no interest in being an independent chief law enforcement officer.” (40:19)

• James Comer’s Remarks Toward Rep. Summer Lee:

  • During the contentious hearing, Oversight Committee Chair James Comer refers to Rep. Summer Lee (the first Black Congresswoman from PA) as “bitching,” triggering a protest and walkout by Democrats.
  • Quote from Rep. Lee: “So I just walked out of a fake deposition... where Chairman Comer called me a [bitching]... She has no intention on cooperating with Congress. She is there to run cover for Donald Trump.” (46:24–47:51)

• Popok’s Commentary:

  • “Maybe we should defer to the person who’s got the comment hurled at them.” (45:29)
  • Popok celebrates Lee’s response and her interaction with the show’s coverage, showing the reach and influence of independent media.

4. The Press Corps, Pentagon Access & Judge Friedman's Ruling

[48:14 – 55:27]

• Trump's Crackdown on Journalists:

  • Trump administration imposed draconian new press credentials, criminalizing standard journalistic practices at the Pentagon, and replaced legacy media with far-right influencers like Laura Loomer and Mike Lindell.

• Judge Friedman’s Final Judgment:

  • In response to a New York Times lawsuit, Judge Friedman (a Clinton appointee) ruled the new Pentagon press restrictions violated 1st and 5th Amendment rights:
    • “Those who drafted the First Amendment believe that the nation's security requires a free press and an informed people...” (53:30)

• Popok’s Take:

  • “The purpose of a free press is at the very heart of our constitutional republic... Just because [Trump] wanders around on Air Force One… doesn’t mean the press isn’t being denied their ability to do their job.” (52:54)

5. Federal Courts, Grand Juries, and Judicial Resistance

[55:27 – 68:15]

• Judge Jeb Boasberg & DOJ Pushback:

  • Boasberg, Chief DC District Judge, dismissed the criminal case against Fed chair Jerome Powell, then instituted new rules for reporting failed grand jury indictments after repeated refusals to indict Trump’s political targets (“the seditious six”).

• Jeanine Pirro Rebuked:

  • When asked why grand juries reject her politically motivated prosecutions, Pirro lashed out at reporters:
    • “Cut it out... I'll take all the crimes and put of men.” (63:57–64:26)
  • Popok: “Such a word salad… sometimes when I watch Jeanine Pirro, I don’t know if I’m watching Cecily Strong from SNL or it’s really Jeanine Pirro.” (64:30)

• Federal Judges Speak Out:

  • Six sitting judges participated in a Legal AF panel on judicial threats, including Judge Beth Bloom (SD FL):
    • “Judicial independence doesn’t protect the judges, it protects the public... if judges cannot ensure that their decisions are followed... then the rule of law and our democracy is at risk.” (66:48)

6. The Arctic Frost Lawsuit: FBI Agents Fired for Doing Their Jobs

[81:53 – 83:56]

• Interview with Attorney Liz Tulis:

  • Two anonymized FBI agents, fired by Cash Patel and Pam Bondi after investigating 2020 election interference (under Jack Smith), sue for wrongful termination and reinstatement.

• Tulis on DOJ Norms:

  • “We were told, you do the right thing for the right reasons without fear or favor. To see the principles that defined my work... not honored... was really, really difficult for me.” (83:15)

• Case's Significance:

  • Decision on agent anonymity rests with Chief Judge Jeb Boasberg, referencing real threats and doxxing faced by FBI agents on Trump’s “enemies list.”

7. Supreme Court Watch: Defining “Election Day” and Voting Rights

[90:00 – 91:56]

• Upcoming oral arguments at the Supreme Court may determine whether ballots postmarked on Election Day but received later will be counted.
• Popok: “Republicans want to take away your vote. They call it voter fraud, voter integrity. It’s not. It’s voter suppression.” (91:10)
• Likens Republican efforts to suppress mail-in ballots to using “carrier pigeon or smoke signals” for voting.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Robert Mueller’s Death & Trump:
  “What a disgusting, immoral and depraved thing for our felon in chief to declare against the memory of his special counsel…” (18:29)
• On the Media’s Role:
  “The power of the pen or the quill over an out of control executive branch is what our founders and framers envisioned when they put [the press] in the first of the amendments.” (53:45)
• On Independent Media:
  “No one will ever tell me ... what I'm going to say. If that ever happened, frankly, I wouldn't be on the network.” (15:43)
• On Democratic Advocacy:
  “We don't have the luxury any longer of being on the sidelines. We got to get into the game and these are the ways to do it.” (27:30)
• On Federal Judges Speaking Out:
  “Judges are doing their jobs, they’re courageously doing their jobs in light of these escalating attacks and threats... But if they can’t do that, then the rule of law and our democracy is at risk.” (67:30, Judge Beth Bloom)

Important Timestamps

• Robert Mueller’s death and Trump’s reaction: 18:57–28:19
• Iran war & economic impact: 28:20–36:50
• Pam Bondi / Epstein scandal and Summer Lee’s stand: 39:06–48:14
• Pentagon press ruling by Judge Friedman: 48:14–55:27
• Boasberg, grand jury resistance, DOJ pushback: 55:27–68:15
• Interview – Liz Tulis on FBI agents fired: 81:53–83:56
• Supreme Court case on Election Day ballots: 90:00–91:56

Additional Highlights

• The Role of Legal AF and Independent Media:
  Popok underscores the unique value of audience-supported, editorially independent journalism, especially as corporate media shutters historic outlets and bends to corporate, often right-wing, interests.

• Calls to Action:
  Active resistance is urged: from registering to vote, supporting down-ballot Democrats, to engaging directly with local officials and independent media.

Concluding Notes

Michael Popok wraps with gratitude for the Legal AF community and previews the coming week’s live coverage of the crucial Supreme Court arguments on voting rights, reiterating the need for continued vigilance and activism.
He champions education, debate, and engagement as the pillars of preserving US democracy in an era marked by unprecedented institutional attacks.

Episode produced by Meidas Media Network. Find more via Legal AF’s YouTube, Podcast, and Substack channels. Support independent media and become a member to keep law-based, pro-democracy commentary thriving.