Podcast Summary: Legal AF by MeidasTouch
Episode: Wow: Trump Suddenly Fires Top DOJ Official
Date: February 14, 2026
Hosts: Ben Meiselas, Michael Popok, Karen Friedman Agnifilo
Main Contributor for this Episode: Michael Popok
Overview of Episode Theme
This episode centers on an explosive development at the Department of Justice: the abrupt firing of Abigail Slater, head of the Antitrust Division. Host Michael Popok breaks down the political maneuvering, corruption allegations, and the broader consequences for American consumers, positioning the event as a major turning point in the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to consolidate power over independent legal and economic institutions.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Who is Abigail Slater, and Why Was She Fired?
- Abigail Slater: Career antitrust lawyer; recently dismissed after 11 months as head of DOJ Antitrust.
- Context of firing: Slater’s career marked by aggressive pursuit of antitrust violations, including scrutiny of powerful tech and media conglomerates often aligned with Donald Trump or his allies.
- Trigger: Her resistance to Trump’s attempts to corrupt the DOJ’s antitrust enforcement; specifically, interfering in the proposed acquisition of CNN's parent company (Warner Bros.) by the Ellison family (close Trump allies and owners of Oracle).
- Insightful Quote [01:40]:
“Abigail Slater had been with the Department of Justice for a long time in antitrust...This is not about Abigail Slater. This is about the American consumer now not having anyone to push back against Donald Trump's efforts to raise prices, to make things uncompetitive, to benefit his tech bro buddies.”
— Michael Popok
2. Trump’s Pattern of Interference and the Media Stakes
- Firing Spree: Abigail Slater’s dismissal is part of a wider series of rapid, seemingly retaliatory firings at the DOJ, including a U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of New York who lasted just 24 hours.
- Media Consolidation: Trump wants the Ellison family to acquire Warner Bros. (including CNN), consolidating non-independent media outlets under his influence (including CBS, 60 Minutes, ABC).
- Trump’s Tell: Trump publicly said he would "not be involved" in DOJ’s decisions regarding this merger, but the hosts interpret this as a smokescreen for his behind-the-scenes actions.
- Memorable Exchange [05:35–06:14]:
- Host (to Trump): “Are you personally going to get involved in that deal?”
- Trump: “I haven’t been involved, I must say...I shouldn’t be involved. The Justice Department will handle it.”
- Michael Popok’s analysis: “So yes, his Department of Justice is controlled, but he doesn’t want Abigail Slater to be controlled. So she was canned as a to get her out of the way for Donald Trump to influence and try to award the prize of CNN and Warner Brothers assets to the Ellison family.”
3. Broader Corruption and the Antitrust Division’s Capture
- Antitrust Division's Role: Traditionally supposed to protect consumers from monopolies and anti-competitive mergers.
- Corrosion of Process: Trump allowed lobbyists representing the very companies under DOJ scrutiny to infiltrate the antitrust division — a move Popok describes as unprecedented and deeply corrupt.
- Slater’s Resistance: Slater pushed back against these lobbyists and maintained the division’s mission.
- Consequences for Consumers: Trump’s actions make it easier for allied corporations to consolidate and raise prices unchecked.
4. Other Recent Scandals and Pardons
- Pardon of Tim Lewecki: A Trump ally recently pardoned for bid-rigging — a case prosecuted under Slater’s watch.
- Pattern of Patronage: Popok connects this to a larger network of Trump rewarding or protecting loyalists or business associates at the expense of rule of law and public interest.
- Notable Quote [11:07]:
“Earlier in the year, we reported on lobbyists...you're not supposed to allow lobbying to come into the Antitrust division...But to Donald Trump, everything is transactional, right?...Elizabeth Warren...said that the dismissal or firing of Abigail Slater is corruption again in our midst.”
— Michael Popok
5. The State of DOJ and Legal Institutions Under Trump
- Summary of Departures: Reports of at least six U.S. Attorneys being fired in the past year — many lasting mere days due to lack of Senate confirmation or political patronage.
- Implication: Erosion of legitimate legal oversight and professional independence within one of the government’s most critical institutions.
- Quote [12:35]:
“The leading attorney prosecutor for one of the 93 federal districts made it 24 hours. And now you’ve got Abigail Slater, which is indicative of a broader disease and corruption and cancer within the Department of Justice named Donald Trump and Pam Bondi.” — Michael Popok
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Slater’s significance [01:40]:
“This is not about Abigail Slater. This is about the American consumer now not having anyone to push back against Donald Trump's efforts to raise prices to make things uncompetitive to benefit his tech bro buddies.”
-
On Trump’s media ambitions [05:45]:
“He wants the Ellison family...to acquire Warner Brothers and get their hands on CNN, giving Donald Trump yet another non-independent media company under his control...”
— Michael Popok -
On DOJ Capture [11:07]:
“You're not supposed to allow lobbying to come into the Antitrust division...that's wrong. That's corrupt.”
— Michael Popok -
On the broader trend [12:35]:
“You've got Abigail Slater, which is indicative of a broader disease and corruption and cancer within the Department of Justice named Donald Trump and Pam Bondi.” — Michael Popok
Timestamps for Critical Segments
- [01:00–02:40] Breakdown of Slater’s firing and its implications
- [05:35–06:14] Trump’s public statements on the merger; discussion of how this signals pressure on DOJ
- [10:10–12:20] Popok discusses the unprecedented lobbyist access under Trump and large-scale DOJ corruption
- [12:20–13:28] Sum-up of DOJ attorneys’ rapid departures as indicative of institutional crisis
Tone & Language
The episode maintains the Legal AF signature style: hard-hitting, direct, and often incredulous about the scale of what the hosts see as governmental corruption. The language is urgent and warning, focused on the real-world impacts for listeners and the critical role of independent institutions.
Takeaway for Listeners
This episode provides a clear, detailed account of how the firing of Abigail Slater is more than a staffing change—it marks a major escalation in the Trump administration’s effort to reshape antitrust policy and media ownership for personal and political gain. The hosts urge vigilance and continued public attention as these legal and institutional battles unfold, positioning the episode as essential listening for anyone concerned with law, democracy, and consumer rights in America.