Legal AF Podcast Summary: "Pissed Off Judge Confronts Trump Mayor Scheme"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Legal AF by MeidasTouch
- Host/Authors: Ben Meiselas, Michael Popak, Karen Friedman Agnifilo
- Executive Producer: Meidas Media Network
- Release Date: February 18, 2025
- Episode Title: Pissed Off Judge Confronts Trump Mayor Scheme
Introduction
In the February 18, 2025 episode of Legal AF by MeidasTouch, hosts Michael Popak and Danielle Sassoon delve into a burgeoning corruption scandal involving former President Donald Trump's Department of Justice (DOJ) and New York Mayor Eric Adams. The discussion centers on allegations of an illicit deal between the Trump-era DOJ and Mayor Adams, reportedly orchestrating the dismantling of New York's sanctuary city policies in exchange for the dismissal of Adams' indictment.
Key Developments
Alleged Corruption Scheme
Michael Popak initiates the conversation by outlining the core of the scandal:
"Donald Trump's administration is swirling the drain concerning a new corruption scandal... this time about Mayor Adams of New York and an unholy deal struck by the Department of Justice under Donald Trump and Mayor Adams." ([00:25])
Danielle Sassoon elaborates on the implications:
"It's going to lead likely to Mayor Adams no longer being Mayor Adams." ([00:36])
The hosts discuss the potential motivations behind the DOJ's actions, suggesting that the Trump administration aimed to bolster their immigration policies by coercing Mayor Adams into compliance.
Role of Judge Dale Ho
A pivotal figure in this unfolding drama is Federal Judge Dale Ho. The hosts question whether Judge Ho will acquiesce to the DOJ's proposed deal or exercise his "inherent authority" to appoint a special prosecutor. Popak posits:
"Is Judge Ho in New York going to go along with the ride, or is he going to use a rare power of a federal judge to appoint a special prosecutor?" ([00:47])
Sassoon emphasizes the seriousness of the DOJ's integrity:
"Finds the Department of Just under Donald Trump so conflicted, so ethically challenged, so corrupt that he can't trust them?" ([00:59])
DOJ's Attempted Deal with Mayor Adams
The hosts dissect the nature of the alleged deal:
"They did, by the way, just to show you this is an amateur hour in the Trump administration." ([02:22])
Popak criticizes the DOJ's transparency and strategy:
"They didn't need to announce the deal. The fact that they were so cocky that they thought they could just announce...'We're gonna cut a deal with Adams.'" ([02:22])
Sassoon further exposes the quid pro quo:
"We're cutting a quid pro quo deal." ([04:03])
This transactional approach, according to the hosts, undermines the integrity of the judicial process and sets a troubling precedent for prosecutorial conduct.
Legal Implications and Precedent
Inherent Authority of Federal Judges
Popak references the 1987 Young vs. US Vuitton case to support the argument that Judge Ho possesses the authority to appoint a special prosecutor under exceptional circumstances:
"They're allowed to appoint a special prosecutor under the Young case from 1987." ([04:17])
Sassoon underscores the potential for judicial intervention:
"Appointed by a federal judge who believes there is monkey business going on." ([05:25])
The discussion highlights the balance of power and the separation of duties between the judiciary and the executive branch, emphasizing the rare step of a judge taking action independent of the DOJ.
Potential Outcomes
Should Judge Ho decide to appoint a special prosecutor, the hosts anticipate a thorough investigation divorced from the current DOJ's influence:
"Make them look into this unholy deal, this quid pro quo, this transactional of the most scandalous between the Trump administration and Eric Adams and have this special prosecutor report to you, not to the Department of Justice, which is conflicted, which is ethically challenged, which is corrupt." ([05:42])
This move, they argue, would restore public confidence in the criminal justice system by demonstrating accountability and transparency.
Calls to Action and Broader Implications
Encouraging Judicial Independence
Popak and Sassoon urge Judge Ho to act decisively:
"Now is the time. As Judge Kofador said in Seattle three weeks ago, we want history to look back. We don't want them to say where were the judges and where were the lawyers?" ([09:59] - [10:10])
They advocate for judicial intervention to prevent the erosion of justice:
"Use your inherent authority. Don't dismiss the indictment. Instead, appoint a special prosecutor." ([10:01] - [10:24])
Political Ramifications
The potential resignation of Mayor Adams is discussed as a significant fallout:
"We all got excited about whether Eric Adams is going to resign today or not because four of his deputy mayors... basically the co-mayor all resigned because Eric Adams and the Trump administration are too smart by half." ([11:09])
The hosts highlight the broader impact on New York's political landscape and the integrity of its leadership.
Conclusion
The episode of Legal AF presents a compelling analysis of the alleged corruption involving the Trump administration and Mayor Eric Adams. Through incisive discussion and strategic referencing of legal precedents, hosts Michael Popak and Danielle Sassoon illuminate the gravity of the situation and the critical role Judge Dale Ho may play in upholding the integrity of the judicial system. The conversation underscores the importance of judicial independence and the necessity of addressing ethical breaches within governmental institutions to maintain public trust.
Notable Quotes:
- Michael Popak [00:25]: "Donald Trump's administration is swirling the drain concerning a new corruption scandal."
- Danielle Sassoon [00:36]: "It's going to lead likely to Mayor Adams no longer being Mayor Adams."
- Michael Popak [04:17]: "They're allowed to appoint a special prosecutor under the Young case from 1987."
- Danielle Sassoon [05:25]: "Appointed by a federal judge who believes there is monkey business going on."
- Michael Popak [09:59]: "Now is the time."
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