Legal AF Episode Summary: February 15, 2025

Podcast Information:

• Title: Legal AF by MeidasTouch
• Hosts: Ben Miceli, Michael Popak, Karen Friedman Agnifilo
• Description: A hard-hitting analysis of the week's most compelling developments at the intersection of law and politics.
• Release Date: February 16, 2025

1. Overview of Trump's DOJ Corruption and Incompetence

Ben Miceli opens the discussion by highlighting the rampant corruption and incompetence within Trump's administration, particularly focusing on the Department of Justice (DOJ). He criticizes Trump for appointing individuals like Pam Bondi—whom Popak evaluates as unqualified—to key legal positions.

Ben Miceli [01:30]: "If she was in a moot court competition, she'd come in dead last. She's not articulate. Her thought process is often mangled and muddied."

Michael Popak corroborates this by pointing out the ineffective actions taken by Bondi, especially her baseless allegations against New York officials.

Michael Popak [05:06]: "There actually weren't charges that were filed when she made the announcement. Actually, nothing was filed."

2. Mass Resignations within the Justice Department

The hosts delve into a significant exodus of competent attorneys from the DOJ and the Southern District of New York (SDNY). They discuss how even conservative MAGA-aligned prosecutors are refusing to comply with questionable directives from higher-ups.

Ben Miceli [03:00]: "We're actually now seeing a mass exodus, a mass resignation of the competent people."

Danielle Sassoon's Resignation: Popak highlights the resignation of Denise Sassoon, the acting U.S. Attorney for the SDNY, whose departure signifies a strong stance against the administration's corrupt practices.

Michael Popak [15:45]: "She has always considered it my obligation to pursue justice impartially without favor to the wealthy or those who occupy important public office."

Hagan Scott, another resigning attorney, emphasizes the moral conflict faced by DOJ lawyers when ordered to engage in unethical practices.

Michael Popak [25:21]: "If no lawyer within the earshot of the president is willing to give him that advice... then it was never going to be me."

3. Targeting New York Officials and Eric Adams

The podcast scrutinizes the administration's attempt to file charges against New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Mayor Eric Adams. The hosts argue that these legal maneuvers are baseless and politically motivated.

Ben Miceli [04:20]: "New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. It stops. It stops today."

However, Popak counters by explaining that no actual charges were filed as claimed by Bondi, revealing the deception behind these announcements.

Michael Popak [05:06]: "It turned out that a civil lawsuit was filed based on a 2019 law... nothing like what she was doing."

4. Bribery Schemes and Political Manipulation

The discussion shifts to allegations of bribery involving New York Mayor Eric Adams and Tom Homan, Trump's border czar. The hosts accuse Adams and Homan of engaging in quid pro quo arrangements with the DOJ, effectively sidelining lawful prosecution.

Michael Popak [07:12]: "They wanted to control him. So then he and Tom Homan went on Fox and just brazenly criminal."

This manipulation has led to multiple resignations within the DOJ, as attorneys refuse to partake in corrupt practices.

5. Impact on American Democracy and Legal Integrity

Ben Miceli and Michael Popak express deep concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and the rule of law under Trump's influence. They argue that Trump's administration is dismantling critical legal safeguards, leading to a concentration of power that threatens American democracy.

Ben Miceli [07:20]: "The Attorney General of the United States is not Pam Bondi... These are all just meat puppets that are just tasked by a combination of Trump."

Popak warns of a future where the enforcement of court orders could be undermined if the administration continues its current trajectory, questioning the judiciary's ability to uphold justice.

Michael Popak [42:22]: "What are they going to do? What is John Roberts going to do?"

6. Legal Challenges and Judicial Responses

The hosts examine the legal battles Trump is embroiled in, noting the high number of injunctions and restraining orders against his policies. They highlight the judiciary's resilience in maintaining checks and balances despite administrative pressures.

Ben Miceli [33:16]: "We're averaging three cases being filed on a daily basis... There are 19 different types of injunction."

Popak predicts that these cases will escalate to the Supreme Court, stressing the importance of judicial independence in safeguarding democracy.

Michael Popak [61:30]: "These cases will work their way up the various court of appeals... they are on their path to the United States Supreme Court."

7. Entrepreneurial Endeavors Amidst Chaos

Amidst the intense legal and political discussions, Michael Popak updates listeners on his new venture, The Popoc Firm, highlighting its commitment to representing families affected by catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths. Both hosts encourage listeners to support and utilize the firm's services.

Ben Miceli [24:19]: "It's more the response from our audience has been more overwhelming than even I had thought."

8. Future Outlook and Call to Action

Concluding the episode, the hosts emphasize the ongoing struggle to preserve democratic values and the rule of law. They urge listeners to stay informed, support legal initiatives opposing corruption, and participate actively in safeguarding their rights.

Michael Popak [74:20]: "We're on the forefront of and by extension, our committed, engaged audience... We have to continue to open the American's eyes."

Ben Miceli reinforces the critical role of the judiciary and the importance of resisting authoritarian tendencies.

Ben Miceli [74:20]: "We have to bust it out, right? Because you and I are just gonna spend the next three, four years... This is the difference between the parties and between fair minded and fair thinking people."

Notable Quotes

1. Ben Miceli [01:30]:
   "If she was in a moot court competition, she'd come in dead last. She's not articulate. Her thought process is often mangled and muddied."

2. Michael Popak [05:06]:
   "It turned out that a civil lawsuit was filed based on a 2019 law... nothing like what she was doing."

3. Denise Sassoon [15:45]:
   "I have always considered it my obligation to pursue justice impartially without favor to the wealthy or those who occupy important public office..."

4. Michael Popak [25:21]:
   "If no lawyer within the earshot of the president is willing to give him that advice... then it was never going to be me."

5. Ben Miceli [07:20]:
   "The Attorney General of the United States is not Pam Bondi... These are all just meat puppets that are just tasked by a combination of Trump."

6. Michael Popak [42:22]:
   "What are they going to do? What is John Roberts going to do?"

7. Michael Popak [74:20]:
   "We're on the forefront of and by extension, our committed, engaged audience... We have to continue to open the American's eyes."

Conclusion

This episode of Legal AF offers a comprehensive critique of the Trump administration's legal strategies and their implications for American democracy. Through incisive analysis and firsthand accounts, hosts Ben Miceli and Michael Popak shed light on the internal corruption within the DOJ, the resilience of the judiciary, and the urgent need for public awareness and action to uphold the rule of law.

For more insights and updates, subscribe to the Legal AF YouTube channel and support the hosts in their mission to deliver truth and justice.