The Briefing with Jen Psaki – Episode Summary

Episode: Trump’s sketchy prosecutor switch made clear with expected Comey indictment
Date: September 25, 2025
Host: Jen Psaki (MSNBC)
Main Theme:
This episode discusses the Trump administration's alleged political weaponization of the Justice Department, focusing on the anticipated indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, controversial prosecutorial firings and hirings, attacks on free speech (highlighted by the Jimmy Kimmel-ABC incident), and broader patterns of using executive power to target perceived enemies. The episode features in-depth interviews and analysis with Preet Bharara (former SDNY U.S. Attorney) and journalist Terry Moran.

1. The Expected Indictment of James Comey

Starts at [01:01]

Main Points:

• Breaking News: The Trump administration is preparing to indict former FBI Director James Comey, widely viewed as a political vendetta.
• Context:
  • Trump has long resented Comey, especially after the Russia probe, despite Comey’s controversial pre-election reopening of the Clinton email investigation in 2016.
  • Trump fired Comey early in his first term for refusing loyalty and not clearing him in the Russia investigation.

“Indicting the former director of the FBI in a transparent attempt at political score is an absolutely brazen abuse of political power.” — Jen Psaki [01:09]

• Prior Attempts: Trump previously urged the DOJ to investigate Comey and Hillary Clinton, but White House aides warned him such steps could result in impeachment.
• Anticipated Charges: The indictment is said to center on Comey allegedly lying to the Senate Judiciary Committee about authorizing a leak concerning the Clinton case.
  • DOJ Inspector General found no wrongdoing by Comey on this matter.
  • Months-long investigations failed to establish probable cause against Comey; statute of limitations expires in just six days, suggesting a rushed process.

Notable Quote:

“It’s not exactly clear what the meat of the argument is based on. All of this seems pretty questionable, to say the least.” — Jen Psaki [05:16]

2. Manipulation of U.S. Attorneys & Prosecutorial Changes

Starts at [06:41]

Key Developments:

• Trump Fires Appointee: Trump fired Derek Siebert, his hand-picked U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, when Siebert refused to indict another Trump adversary (Letitia James).
• Replacement: Lindsey Halligan, a Trump loyalist and former defense team member with minimal trial experience, was installed to replace Siebert.
  • Halligan’s selection was reportedly based partly on a personal encounter at a Trump golf event.

“Trump made it very clear he was firing this prosecutor because the man would not go along with Trump's plans to just indict his enemies, regardless of the evidence.” — Jen Psaki [06:50]

• Pressure on Justice Officials: Trump openly admitted to wanting Siebert gone for his lack of “action.”
• Wider Pattern: Trump is also installing loyalists in other key U.S. attorney’s offices.

3. Interview with Preet Bharara

Starts at [12:56]

Insights:

• On the Weakness of the Case:
  • Bharara stresses that the case against Comey must be extremely weak, as even Trump’s own appointee (Siebert) and several career prosecutors signed off stating charges could not be brought.

“Think about how weak that case had to have been for that U.S. Attorney to write that memo...and then decide to walk away from the best job he may ever have as a public servant.” — Preet Bharara [14:19]

• Grand Jury Process:

  • He notes potential for the grand jury to reject the indictment.
  • Explains DOJ guidelines requiring prosecutors to present exculpatory evidence.
  • Warns about the scandal multiplying if more prosecutors resign or are fired.

• On Possible Arrest Tactics:

  • Expresses concern that Trump’s team could attempt a humiliating arrest of Comey (e.g., “armed agents at 6am”).

• Malicious Prosecution Argument:

  • Points out that all steps (firing prosecutors, rushing evidence, social media pressure) may contribute to a strong case for “malicious, selective, or vindictive prosecution.”

“If there’s going to be a meritorious argument for vindictive prosecution, the facts are here in this case.” — Preet Bharara [19:54]

4. Attacks on Media and Free Speech: The Jimmy Kimmel-ABC Controversy

Starts at [22:49]

Main Points:

• Incident: Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was suspended by ABC (owned by Disney) after Trump's FCC Chairman Brandon Carr warned ABC: “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” implying government retaliation for anti-Trump jokes.
• Backlash and Reinstatement: The suspension led to boycotts, activism, and rare bipartisan defense of free speech, including from Republican Senators Rand Paul and Ted Cruz.
• Kimmel’s On-Air Response:

“A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn’t like is anti-American. That’s anti-American.” — Jimmy Kimmel [24:43]

• Mass Viewership: Kimmel’s return drew over 6 million TV viewers (plus 26 million digital views), far surpassing his normal audience.
• Takeaways: Psaki and Moran agree the debacle backfired on the administration, strengthening public resolve for free speech.

5. Interview with Terry Moran on the Free Speech Crisis

Starts at [25:53]

Insights:

• Authenticity and Public Reaction:
  • Moran lauds Kimmel’s authenticity, credits public solidarity for Disney’s decision.
  • Points out deep, bipartisan attachment to First Amendment, even among some Trump supporters.

“This administration will try to silence its critics with the power of the state...the American people won’t have that.” — Terry Moran [26:21]

• Business Considerations:

  • Disney likely acted due to bottom-line concerns and activism, but corporate interests may temper their willingness to confront the administration in the future.
  • Moran explains Disney’s leverage over affiliates and wider industry implications.

• Trump’s Political Calculus:

  • Trump balances his desire to attack the media with populist instincts — doesn’t want to be seen as “the censor of America.”

• Comparative Media Landscapes:

  • Moran warns of “crony capitalism” trends seen in authoritarian states, while also arguing American media’s fragmentation makes total control impossible.

6. DOJ Weaponization: Alex Jones and the Sandy Hook Lawsuits

Starts at [36:33]

Main Points:

• Background on Alex Jones:
  • Infowars host known for conspiracy theories, including accusations that the Sandy Hook massacre was staged.
  • Jones lost civil suits against him by Sandy Hook families, resulting in $1.4B in damages.
• Trump DOJ Official’s Involvement:
  • Ed Martin, Trump’s DOJ appointee, met with Jones and three days later sent a letter to Sandy Hook first responder William Aldenberg implying he was under criminal investigation related to lawsuits against Jones.
  • Jones publicized the letter as “proof” of DOJ and Democratic “conspiracy” against him.
• Public Response:
  • Widespread outrage led to DOJ retracting the letter, but the disinformation damage remains.
  • Jones claims more such actions are coming, with Martin allegedly continuing investigations to aid Jones.

“A top DOJ official handpicked by the President of the United States is weaponizing the Justice Department to help Alex Jones, of all people, attack a Sandy Hook shooting first responder.” — Jen Psaki [42:46]

7. Trump and Epstein: Controversial Public Art

Starts at [43:36]

Main Points:

• Statue Installation: A statue titled “Best Friends Forever” celebrating the relationship between Trump and Jeffrey Epstein was installed in front of the U.S. Capitol.
• Sudden Removal: Park Police removed it early in the morning, despite organizers’ claims of a valid permit.
• Symbolism: Psaki notes the incident is “quite the metaphor” for Trump’s ongoing efforts to erase or obscure his connection to Epstein.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jen Psaki on Abuse of Power:
  “Indicting the former director of the FBI in a transparent attempt at political score is an absolutely brazen abuse of political power.” [01:09]
• Preet Bharara on Prosecutorial Independence:
  “Think about how weak that case had to have been for that U.S. Attorney to write that memo...and then decide to walk away from the best job he may ever have as a public servant.” [14:19]
• Jimmy Kimmel on Free Speech:
  “A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn’t like is anti-American. That’s anti-American.” [24:43]
• Terry Moran on Solidarity:
  “Solidarity works. Standing up for each other, standing up for each other’s rights and freedoms when they come under assault...you can come together and stop it. Not stop it, but at least check it.” [27:45]
• Jen Psaki on DOJ Weaponization:
  “A top DOJ official handpicked by the President of the United States is weaponizing the Justice Department to help Alex Jones, of all people...” [42:46]

Key Timestamps

• [01:01] – Introduction to expected Comey indictment and Trump’s vendetta
• [03:45] – Comey’s own advice on handling Trump’s intimidation tactics
• [06:41] – Trump fires prosecutor Siebert; installs loyalist Lindsey Halligan
• [12:56] – Preet Bharara interview begins
• [22:49] – Jimmy Kimmel-ABC free speech controversy
• [25:53] – Terry Moran interview on free speech and media
• [36:33] – Ed Martin, Alex Jones, and DOJ weaponization
• [43:36] – Trump-Epstein statue incident

Summary for New Listeners

This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about American justice, separation of powers, and constitutional freedoms. It offers a clear, deeply reported look at the Trump administration’s efforts to criminalize adversaries and suppress dissent, pairing legal analysis with real-world examples (from law enforcement machinations to media clampdowns), while highlighting the power of public pushback and solidarity in defending American democracy.