Legal AF by MeidasTouch

Episode Title: Trump Official Stunned as Judge Readies Criminal Referral
Date: December 9, 2025
Host: Michael Popok (with references to colleagues and legal figures)

Overview of Episode Theme

This episode provides a deep dive into breaking legal developments surrounding criminal contempt allegations against members of the Trump administration, particularly relating to the deportation of 200 Venezuelans to El Salvador. The discussion centers on federal Judge Boasberg’s ongoing inquiry into whether Kristi Noem and other Trump officials willfully violated a court order. Michael Popok breaks down legal maneuvers, key players, and witness testimony that may lead to criminal referrals.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Background of the Case (“JGG” Case)

• The episode focuses on a high-stakes legal dispute involving the Trump administration’s deportation of 200 Venezuelans to El Salvador’s infamous Sikot Prison, despite an emergency restraining order.
• The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other advocacy groups successfully halted the deportation in court on March 15, but officials allegedly disregarded Judge Boasberg’s order.

2. Judge Boasberg’s Order and Contempt Concerns

• Judge Boasberg, Chief Judge of the D.C. Federal Trial Court, is advancing toward a determination of criminal contempt due to the disregard of his order to “ground the planes.”
• Michael Popok explains:
  • “He’s already determined that there’s probable cause… that there was criminal contempt that was committed by the Trump administration. Now he knows it’s Kristi Noem because they filed an admission just a few days ago in which they threw Kristi Noem under the bus…” (03:21)

3. Kristi Noem’s Role and Affidavit

• Kristi Noem, implicated as the official giving the “code red” to proceed with deportations, submitted a two-paragraph affidavit defending her actions.
• Popok:
  • “She submitted this ridiculous two paragraph affidavit under oath in which she said…my lawyers told me and I didn’t know and I gave the order—like, no, that’s not going to do it, Christie.” (03:56)
• Judge Boasberg found the affidavit and other declarations insufficient to determine if contempt was willful.

4. Emergence of Key Witnesses

• Judge Boasberg is now calling for live testimony from pivotal figures:
  • Erez Reuveni: Former DOJ lawyer turned whistleblower, now at Democracy Forward
  • Drew Ensign: DOJ attorney who advised Noem and is accused of misleading the court

5. Bombshell Whistleblower Revelations

• Erez Reuveni’s whistleblower complaint outlines DOJ leadership, under Emil Bove (now a judge), encouraging lawyers to ignore court orders during the Trump administration.
• Memorable recounting of the key meeting:
  • Reuveni: “And we were told at this meeting that over the weekend, the president of the United States would be signing a proclamation invoking… the Alien Enemies Act. This is a wartime law from 1798… Trump used it against more than 100 Venezuelans that the government said were terrorists. They were to be denied their right to be heard by a judge.” (06:07–06:53)
  • On Bove’s direction: “Bove emphasized those planes need to take off no matter what. And then after a pause, he also told all in attendance and if some court should issue an order preventing that, we may have to consider telling that court ‘you.’” (06:53–07:13)
  • Reuveni reaction: “What felt like a bomb had gone off. Here is the number three official using expletives to tell career attorneys that we may just have to consider disregarding federal court orders.” (07:15–07:27)

6. Emil Bove’s Non-Denial

• Bove, now a judge, claimed a lack of recollection when questioned by Congress—raising eyebrows about his conduct:
  • “I have no recollection of saying anything of that kind. To the extent I usually don’t… I did not suggest that there would be any need to consider ignoring court orders… Did you suggest telling the courts you in any manner? I don’t recall. You just don’t remember that.” (08:00–09:13)

7. Next Steps: Live Court Testimony

• Judge Boasberg orders Erez Reuveni and Drew Ensign to testify live:
  • “Erez Reuveni, come on down. December 15, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. you’re giving testimony in live court.” (12:17)
  • The government must produce Drew Ensign for testimony the following day.
  • The judge plans to directly question witnesses, then allow the ACLU and DOJ to cross-examine.

8. Potential Outcomes

• The episode outlines the real potential for criminal referrals and prosecution of Trump officials, including Kristi Noem.
• Popok’s closing note:
  • “This is going to be a s**t show of epic proportion against the Trump administration who have been effing with Judge Boasberg for too long and now they’re going to find out because somebody may be going to jail and her name may be Kristi Noem.” (13:29)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On contempt of court:
  “That, ladies and gentlemen, is a classic example of contempt of a court order—that’s called contumacious conduct.” (Popok, 02:50)

• On the inadequacy of Kristi Noem’s defense:
  “No, that’s not going to do it, Christie.” (Popok, 03:58)

• On Bove’s infamous instruction:
  “‘If some court should issue an order preventing that, we may have to consider telling that court you.’” (Reuveni quoting Bove, 07:14)

• On judicial skepticism:
  “I have no recollection of saying anything of that kind… Did you suggest telling the courts you in any manner? I don’t recall.” (Bove testimony, 08:00–09:13)

• On the coming showdown:
  “This is going to be a s—show of epic proportion against the Trump administration…” (Popok, 13:29)

Important Timestamps

• 01:21 – Popok introduces the case against the Trump administration regarding the deported Venezuelans.
• 03:21 – Judge Boasberg’s determination of probable cause and demanding Noem’s affidavit.
• 05:33–07:27 – Interview segments with whistleblower Erez Reuveni describing DOJ pressures.
• 08:00–09:13 – Congressional grilling of Emil Bove over his comments to DOJ lawyers.
• 12:17 – Judge Boasberg orders live testimony from Erez Reuveni and Drew Ensign.
• 13:29 – Popok predicts major ramifications and possible jail time for Kristi Noem.

Episode Flow & Tone

Michael Popok adopts an energetic, no-nonsense legal analysis style, mixing legal detail with clarity and occasional dry humor (“No, that’s not going to do it, Christie”). He scathingly critiques the Trump administration’s conduct, highlights the seriousness of the court’s intention, and keeps listeners engaged with vivid analogies (“like Keyser Soze”). The episode is fast-paced, urgent, and rich with primary-source testimony and insider legal perspectives.

Conclusion

The episode is a must-listen for those tracking high-level legal accountability for officials from the Trump administration. It provides exclusive insights into witness strategies, judicial attitudes, and the real possibility of criminal referrals. The forthcoming live testimony promises more explosive revelations, which Legal AF will cover in future episodes.