#SistersInLaw Episode 236: Snake On A Plane
Release Date: May 17, 2025
Host/Authors: Politicon’s Joyce Vance, Jill Wine-Banks, Barb McQuaid, and Kimberly Atkins Stohr

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts sharing personal anecdotes about alarm sounds, setting a casual and relatable tone. While this segment includes brief promotions for Politicon merchandise and beauty products, the primary focus swiftly transitions to pressing political and legal issues.

2. Donald Trump's New Plane

[08:42] - [17:07]

The discussion begins with Kimberly Atkins addressing the controversial offer of a $400 million luxury plane to former President Donald Trump. The plane, described as a "flying palace" adorned with gold and lavish amenities, was initially intended for someone else who declined the offer.

Key Points:

• Cost and Renovation: The plane, reportedly 13 years old, requires approximately $1 billion in renovations to meet the stringent safety and security standards necessary for presidential use, including secure communications and anti-drone measures.

• Taxpayer Burden: The significant financial burden falls on American taxpayers, raising ethical concerns about public funds being used to retrofit a personal luxury item for a former president.

• Legal and Ethical Implications: The potential acceptance of this gift by Trump sparks debates over the Emoluments Clause, which prohibits presidents from accepting gifts without congressional consent. Barb McQuaid emphasizes the national security risks, likening the situation to a "modern-day Trojan horse" and questioning the integrity of accepting such a gift.

Notable Quote:

Barb McQuaid [12:50]: "I don't know why any president who really cared about the national security mission of the United States would give this even a second thought."

3. Supreme Court's Birthright Citizenship Case

[30:46] - [42:11]

The hosts delve into the Supreme Court's recent hearings on the birthright citizenship case, highlighting the justices' skepticism towards President Trump's executive order aimed at stripping citizenship from children born to undocumented immigrants.

Key Points:

• Court's Stance: A majority of justices recognize that the executive order contradicts the 14th Amendment and previous Supreme Court precedents, placing the order on "constitutional quicksand."

• Nationwide Injunctions Debate: The court faced arguments over whether to issue a nationwide injunction or require individual cases, with implications that a nationwide injunction might not be the proper remedy given the order's fundamental unconstitutionality.

• Potential Outcomes: The discussion anticipates a likely rejection of the executive order, emphasizing the order's misalignment with constitutional principles. The hosts express concern over the procedural tactics used by the administration to delay adjudication.

Notable Quote:

Jill Wine-Banks [32:16]: "It was a pretty interesting argument. I would say it's worth everyone listening or reading."

4. Department of Justice Appointments

[46:30] - [59:40]

Attention shifts to recent changes within the Department of Justice, focusing on Ed Martin's unsuccessful nomination as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and his subsequent appointments.

Key Points:

• Interim Appointment Controversy: Ed Martin, initially the interim U.S. Attorney, failed to secure Senate confirmation due to opposition from Senator Thom Tillis over his role in the January 6th events. Consequently, he is being reassigned to roles that do not require Senate approval, including Pardon Attorney and head of the Weaponization Working Group.

• Ethical Concerns: Barb McQuaid criticizes the Attorney General's decision to approve the plane gift without recusal despite previous lobbying work for Qatar, highlighting a potential conflict of interest.

• Implications for DOJ Integrity: Kimberly Atkins and Jill Wine-Banks express deep concerns over Martin's new roles, particularly the Weaponization Working Group, which they fear will lead to partisan witch hunts and undermine DOJ's ethical standards.

Notable Quote:

Jill Wine-Banks [55:20]: "I hope that Mr. Martin has some time to go through the DOJ rulebook and policies and brush up on that before he gets rolling in."

5. Listener Q&A Session

[60:46] - [71:53]

The episode transitions to addressing listener questions, providing insightful legal explanations and commentary.

a. Understanding Habeas Corpus

Question from Lisa, Newark, DE

Jill Wine-Banks explains habeas corpus as a fundamental constitutional right ensuring individuals can challenge their detention before a court. She ties it to the current immigration detention debates, emphasizing its role in due process.

Notable Quote:

Jill Wine-Banks [63:56]: "Habeas corpus... is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution to ensure that individuals can challenge their detention before a court."

b. Can the Supreme Court Reverse Presidential Immunity?

Question from Sandy, Fremont, OH

Jill Wine-Banks affirms that the Supreme Court can overturn its own precedents but notes the current court's reluctance to do so. She anticipates the court may provide clarity on the limits of presidential immunity but does not expect a reversal soon.

Notable Quote:

Jill Wine-Banks [66:16]: "I don't expect that to be overturned anytime soon."

c. Can Jim Comey Be Prosecuted for Posting '8,647'?

Question from Devin, Fremont, OH

Barb McQuaid and Jill Wine-Banks discuss the implications of former FBI Director James Comey's social media post, analyzing whether it qualifies as a "true threat" under current legal standards. They conclude that while the post was careless, it does not meet the legal criteria for prosecution.

Notable Quote:

Barb McQuaid [68:56]: "It is absolutely not what is known under the law as a true threat."

6. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reinforcing the importance of maintaining constitutional integrity and ethical standards within the government. They urge listeners to stay informed and engaged, highlighting the critical nature of the issues discussed.

Notable Quotes Overview

• Barb McQuaid [12:50]: "I don't know why any president who really cared about the national security mission of the United States would give this even a second thought."
• Jill Wine-Banks [32:16]: "It was a pretty interesting argument. I would say it's worth everyone listening or reading."
• Jill Wine-Banks [63:56]: "Habeas corpus... is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution to ensure that individuals can challenge their detention before a court."
• Jill Wine-Banks [66:16]: "I don't expect that to be overturned anytime soon."
• Barb McQuaid [68:56]: "It is absolutely not what is known under the law as a true threat."

Conclusion

Episode 236 of #SistersInLaw delves deep into significant political and legal challenges facing the United States, from the ethical dilemmas surrounding presidential gifts to critical Supreme Court rulings and controversial appointments within the Department of Justice. Through informed discussions and expert insights, the hosts shed light on the intricate workings of government and the pressing issues that impact both national security and constitutional rights.