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Stephen Miller
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Michael Popak
Donald Trump's henchman, is at it again. He's many things for Donald Trump, but first of it appears to be brain trust pulling the strings on domestic policy, especially when it comes to immigration. And now he and Donald Trump and the White House are taunting the United States Supreme Court, by extension Americans and our constitutional republic. This on the heels of a scathing withering decision opinion written by one of the lions, the Mount Rushmore of the Federalist Society right wing conservative Judge Wilkinson, who wrote to Donald Trump effectively what are you doing? You're out of control, you're not showing the judiciary any respect and all Americans should be quaking because of a rogue president. On the heels of that and some other choice words and some soaring rhetoric adopted by Judge Wilkinson to support Judge Zinnis and her decision, which has been now affirmed by 21 judges in effect including 90 the United States Supreme Court, that she is properly administering our Constitution and our due process system through the Armando Abrego Garcia case. On the heels of that, Donald Trump is taunting Americans by taking a headline for the New York Times, crossing off words and saying fixed it. And by the way, he's never coming back. This is a mature adult in the room, executive in the executive function of the executive branch? I don't think so. You're on the Metastuch network in Legal af. So to answer Judge Wilkinson's request from yesterday in which he implored the executive branch and the gentle brethren as he called it, because he's an honorable guy. You know, he was born in a different era to do the right thing, to aspire to their higher angels. This is Donald Trump's response. A fourth grader would have done Better. Stephen Miller, I am sure is behind it. We'll talk about him in a minute. But just, just yesterday, just to put this in context while you look at that particular screen, just yesterday, in a seven page decision, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals led by Judge Wilkinson, a right wing conservative Federalist Society person who's against judicial activism, who is for judicial humility, decided he needed to try to call upon Donald Trump to focus on the constitutional republic. And this is Donald Trump's response, the tauntingness, the calling. Senator Van Hollen saying that he was on a fool's errand for getting to meet finally after two days with Abrego Garcia, having him pulled out of El Salvador's jail, which only proves the point to Judge Zinnis and the rest of us that the government has the ability to of course, release the jail cell door in El Salvador and release Zenith back, release El Armando Abrego back to America to go under the jurisprudence of Judge Zinnis. You can't have, as Judge Wilkinson said yesterday, both governments saying, you know, I'm with stupid, I can't open the doors of the jail. Somebody can and somebody needs to be facilitating the release because that's what the United States Supreme Court just ruled. Donald Trump's response to that is a food fight is to, is to write on the wall with his own, with his own feces. Oh, you know, let me rewrite this for you. Taunting. See Stephen Miller, who will put up a photo of him obviously bullied in school as he, as he grew up, grew up to do a number of things. He and I think he went to one of my universities, by the way. I think he's a Duke, a Duke University graduate. I'm not proud to say that. But you know, he is the one that came up in the first term as a, as a White House counsel counselor with the immigration policy. He's the one that had Donald Trump separate families from their children, parents from their children and put them in cages. He's the one that said including leading up to the Madison Square Garden Nazi like rally when Donald Trump was running for office this time around, America is for Americans, America's for Americans and all policy should be that way. America is for a successful immigration experiment and experience that is the lifeblood and waters the tree of our democracy. That's what he should be saying. And for Donald Trump in the morning to be attacking Senator Van Holland for going there, performing the oversight that is required to finally meet with of Brego Garcia and send a message back from his family and tell him to hold in there. Hold on there. Cory Booker on his way down to the jails of El Salvador as well, leading a long line of congresspeople who are going to do the same thing. What are we watching? We're watching the Democrats regaining their footing and their voice. There's a reason why AOC has the more money in the bank from fundraising than any other candidate right now. It's not just these rallies that she's doing where she's going into the heart of the belly of the beast of Trump country and getting tens of thousands of hundreds of thousands of people to attend it. Along with Bernie Sanders, she's bringing in the money. She's right now the number two potential nominee for the presidency after Kamala Harris in 2028. There's a reason for that, because her brand of progressive Democratic Party policies at this moment in time is appealing to the American people. You think our political climate is unreliable and changeable Weather this time of the year with in like lions and out like lambs proverbs is changeable. First you're spitzing like a proverbial you know what and the next minute you need a sweater and nice weather is tricky. You spend more time outside exposed to the elements and then on a dime, boom. New weather system. Fortunately, Mack Weldon has everything you need to stay cool, comfortable and stylish regardless of the temperature. Their new Tech Linen line combines the easy charm of classic linen with cool Max technology to help you look and feel your best all season long. Explore Polos, sweaters, hoodies and more@mackweldon.com and get 25% off your first order with code LEGAL AF. As people know, I'm a huge Mack Weldon fan, especially during these seasons. My favorite for its versatility, polished look and comfort, the Tech Linen Half zip in great colors like latte heather and seaplane Heather. The fit is so good people ask me if I had it tailored, giving me huge confidence boosting with the easy breezy feeling that if I just put it on, my look is definitely complete and attractive. Looking confident doesn't have to mean calling attention to your clothes. Mack Weldon balances classic pieces with updated details to keep you looking sharp. Mack Weldon clothes are designed to fit your style and the demands of modern life. They look like regular clothes, but feel like the latest in modern comfort. Oh, did I mention the crazy comfortable but elevated sweatpants from Mack Weldon's Ace collection? Forget those droopy drawer travel pants you've stashed away and switch to the tailored comfort of the Ace sweatpants which make the right statement coming and going. Give your closet a breath of fresh air for spring. Go to mackweldon.com and get 25% off your first first order of $125 or more with promo code legal AF. That's M A C K W E l d o n.com promo code legal af. Do we want who? You can raise your hand. You can leave a comment. Who wants to live in an America where we're taunted by a sophomore, juvenile, you know, half brained president? Is this the America that we want to live in? Is this what the American flag stands for? Is this what our democracy stands for? This is what Wilkinson said yesterday. And this is the split screen. Wilkinson on one side exhorting the Trump administration to appeal to their higher angels, their better angels. And Donald Trump's response. It's like a perverse call and response, Wilkinson Sundays on page six. It is, as we have noted, all too possible to see in this case an incipient crisis. But it may present an opportunity as well. We yet cling to the hope that this is not naive to believe. Our good brethren in the executive branch perceive the rule of law as vital to the American ethos. This case presents their unique chance to vindicate that value and to summon the best that is within us while there is still time. And what do we get in response? Senator meets with deported MS.13, illegal alien in El Salvador, who's never coming back. Fixed it for you at New York Times. Oh, and by the way, Chris Van Holland, he's not coming back. We'll see about that. This, if this is the constitutional war battle that Donald Trump wanted, because he doesn't know how to pick his battles, he's got it because now he's got Judge Zinnis in Maryland. And she, she is right for the moment. Sometimes under the clique lights of, of publicity and stress and all of that, you know, a lump of coal either is diamond or dust. Under pressure, you either shine or you melt. She's shining. She is stepping up to the moment. She is supported by her brethren at the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, who have supported her not once but twice and nine zero at the United States Supreme Court. Every judge that has looked at this issue has said that the Trump administration has violated the Constitution and has ordered them to fix it. Or as judge, or as Judge Wilkinson so eloquently put it yesterday, why not make right what you have done wrong instead of fighting, you know, instead of taunting, instead of throwing food. This is like, this is Like Wilkinson's like a law professor. And while he's giving this speech, Donald Trump and Stephen Miller and the others at the Department of Justice snickering, you know, while his back is turned, you know, throw a banana at him or cabbage or a piece of pizza. It's a food. It's not a food fight. It's not funny. You know, all those people that said, I want mean tweets back and cheap gas. Well, you're getting cheap gas because we're in an oil crisis, because the world economy has ground ground to a halt because of his trade, his trade policies and his tariff policies. You got that? And is this the mean tweet? You wanted to sully the name of the presidency to drop your pants and take a crap in the White House, which is what he is doing to the institution of the presidency. I me, Michael Popak, student of the American presidency since I was in college, studied it at length, report about it, analyze it, commenting on it here. Every president since, every president since I voted in when I was 18, every president, even if not of my party, I from Reagan all the way through Obama and then Biden, I support it even if they were Republican. Bush 1, Bush 2, Father Bush, Reagan, I support it until Donald Trump, because I support. I'm an institutionalist. I believe in the institution of the office, not its occupant at that given time, whether they're going to shirk their responsibilities and be judged by his history accordingly. That's for another time, but I respect the office of the presidency until the current occupant 45 and 47. And you see why. So we're going to continue to follow it all right here. The reason we built the Midas Touch Network, the brothers founded it, the contributors built it, kept it going. Legal AF came aboard early on. The reason for it is to have an audience ready to break the glass in time of emergency. We are in the time of emergency. This is not a constitutional crisis. As Jamie Raskin told us when we interviewed him on Legal af, this is a war. This is a war for the soul of America. And we are the foot soldiers of the Constitution here on the Midas Touch Network. So the way to support it is to come here, we speak truth to each other first to arm you for what we have to do as the foot soldiers to protect democracy and the Constitution. Hit the subscribe button for Midas Touch for its March for 5 million. It's 5 million person March. Okay? Over on Legal AF, have I mentioned that Legal AF, the YouTube channel, Legal A F MTN that I curate. We got a dozen contributors there. We do about 10 videos a day. We need subscribers there as well. Vote there. Take a receipt. You've now subscribed. Help us towards our March for 1 million. And then we got the podcast Legal AF. The podcast every Wednesday and Saturday at 8pm Eastern Time. The chart that puts the Midas Touch podcast at number one puts us at number 10. In between is a bunch of bro podcasts and MAGA. Right wing who knows what. I want to move above them and get next to my brother, so to speak. I want to be one and two, right? We want to place first and second like the Olympics. Want to put the medal around our neck because of your help. Listen to us on the podcast platforms for legal AOF. Watch us on the YouTube channel for Midas Touch on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8pm Eastern Time. That's the way to join together in community. Till my next reporting, I'm Michael Popak. In collaboration with the Midas Touch Network, we just launched the Legal AF YouTube channel. Help us build this pro democracy channel where I'll be curating the top stories the intersection of law and Politics. Go to YouTube now and free subscribe at LegalAFMTN. That's @legal AFMTN.
Legal AF by MeidasTouch: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Trump Attacks Top GOP Judge as His Plans Blow Up
Release Date: April 21, 2025
Hosts: Ben Meiselas, Michael Popak, Karen Friedman Agnifilo
Executive Producer: Meidas Media Network
Introduction
In the April 21, 2025 episode of Legal AF by MeidasTouch, host Michael Popak delves into the escalating tensions between former President Donald Trump and prominent GOP judges. The discussion centers around Trump's confrontational responses to judicial decisions that challenge his administration's policies, particularly in the realm of immigration. The episode provides a thorough analysis of the legal battles, political ramifications, and the broader implications for American democracy.
Trump's Confrontation with the Judiciary
Michael Popak opens the discussion by highlighting Trump's ongoing attacks on the judiciary, especially following a critical decision by Judge Wilkinson of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Wilkinson, described as a "lions of the Federalist Society right-wing conservative," authored a scathing opinion criticizing Trump for undermining the judiciary and disrespecting constitutional principles.
Michael Popak (00:54): "Judge Wilkinson effectively asked Donald Trump, 'What are you doing? You're out of control, you're not showing the judiciary any respect, and all Americans should be quaking because of a rogue president.'"
Trump's response to this judicial admonishment has been dismissive and mocking. He is portrayed as taunting both the Supreme Court and the American public, symbolizing a deeper disrespect for constitutional norms.
Michael Popak (04:30): "You can raise your hand. You can leave a comment. Who wants to live in an America where we're taunted by a sophomore, juvenile, you know, half-brained president?"
Stephen Miller's Influence and Immigration Policies
A significant portion of the episode focuses on Stephen Miller, identified as Trump's primary architect behind controversial immigration policies. Miller's strategies, including the separation of families at the border and the establishment of detention centers, have sparked national outrage and legal challenges.
Michael Popak (03:15): "Stephen Miller is the one that came up in the first term as White House counsel with the immigration policy. He's the one that had Donald Trump separate families from their children, parents from their children, and put them in cages."
Miller's aggressive stance on immigration is contrasted with the current judicial rulings that uphold constitutional protections, creating a direct conflict between executive actions and judicial oversight.
The Armando Abrego Garcia Case
The episode delves into the Armando Abrego Garcia case, where Judge Zinnis ruled in favor of Garcia, affirming his constitutional rights and due process. This decision has been upheld by multiple judges, including a significant affirmation by the United States Supreme Court.
Michael Popak (07:45): "Every judge that has looked at this issue has said that the Trump administration has violated the Constitution and has ordered them to fix it."
Trump's administration's efforts to undermine this ruling are highlighted, emphasizing the tension between maintaining constitutional integrity and pursuing executive agendas.
Democratic Resurgence and AOC's Momentum
Shifting focus, Popak discusses the resurgence of the Democratic Party, citing figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Bernie Sanders. Their ability to garner substantial fundraising and mobilize grassroots support is seen as a counterbalance to Republican strategies.
Michael Popak (10:20): "There's a reason why AOC has the more money in the bank from fundraising than any other candidate right now. It's not just these rallies that she's doing where she's going into the heart of the belly of the beast of Trump country and getting tens of thousands of people to attend it."
AOC's popularity and progressive policies are portrayed as resonating with a broad segment of the American populace, positioning her as a formidable candidate for the 2028 presidential race.
Legal AF and MidasTouch Network's Mission
Towards the end of the episode, Popak emphasizes the mission of the MidasTouch Network and the Legal AF podcast. He underscores the importance of supporting democratic institutions and the rule of law amidst growing political polarization.
Michael Popak (25:00): "We are the foot soldiers of the Constitution here on the Midas Touch Network. So the way to support it is to come here, we speak truth to each other first to arm you for what we have to do as the foot soldiers to protect democracy and the Constitution."
The launch of the Legal AF YouTube channel is announced, inviting listeners to subscribe and engage with content that bridges law and politics.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support the Legal AF platform in its mission to defend the Constitution and uphold democratic values. Popak reiterates the critical juncture at which American democracy stands, urging collective effort to navigate and rectify the challenges posed by executive overreach and judicial resistance.
Notable Quotes
Michael Popak (00:54): "Donald Trump's henchman is at it again. He's many things for Donald Trump, but first of all it appears to be his brain trust pulling the strings on domestic policy, especially when it comes to immigration."
Michael Popak (07:45): "Every judge that has looked at this issue has said that the Trump administration has violated the Constitution and has ordered them to fix it."
Michael Popak (25:00): "We are the foot soldiers of the Constitution here on the Midas Touch Network."
Takeaways
Judicial Independence: The episode underscores the critical role of the judiciary in checking executive power, highlighting recent clashes between Trump and conservative judges.
Immigration Policy Under Scrutiny: Stephen Miller's influence on immigration policies remains controversial and legally contested, with significant rulings affirming constitutional protections.
Democratic Momentum: Democratic leaders like AOC are gaining substantial traction, posing a significant challenge to Republican strategies and shaping the future political landscape.
Support for Legal AF: The Legal AF podcast and MidasTouch Network play a pivotal role in educating and mobilizing supporters to defend democratic institutions and the Constitution.
For more in-depth analysis and updates on the intersection of law and politics, subscribe to Legal AF on your preferred podcast platform and join the conversation on the Legal AF YouTube channel at LegalAFMTN.