The Bulwark Podcast – Episode Summary: Andrew Weissmann: It Stinks to High Heaven

Release Date: July 25, 2025

In this compelling episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller engages in an in-depth conversation with legal expert and former DOJ official Andrew Weissmann. The discussion delves into the intricate and often troubling intersections of law, politics, and high-profile legal cases involving Donald Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Introduction and Setting the Tone

The episode opens with a humorous exchange between Tim Miller and Andrew Weissmann, setting a candid and relaxed tone for the discussion.

“I just wanna let you know that if you wanna talk about Trump's teeny tiny penis on this podcast, you're free to. I wanted to start there kind of as a tone setter.”
— [00:05] Tim Miller

COVID Up Investigation and DOJ Transparency

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the "COVID Up" investigation, highlighting concerns over the Department of Justice's (DOJ) transparency.

“On the one hand, they want to say, oh, we're being as transparent as possible... but instead they file this motion for grand jury material... Which, I mean, to me this is just so misleading.”
— [05:13] Andrew Weissmann

Weissmann criticizes the DOJ for claiming transparency while simultaneously withholding vast amounts of information, suggesting an underlying strategy to conceal critical details related to the Epstein investigation.

“They're busy going to court saying we need permission to release grand jury information... we are in, you know, Russia.”
— [03:31] Andrew Weissmann

Firing of Maureen Comey and DOJ Conduct

The unexpected termination of Maureen Comey, the lead prosecutor on the Epstein and Maxwell cases, becomes a focal point of the discussion.

“It's just a single. A person getting singled out... this is just a single. A person getting singled out.”
— [19:47] Tim Miller

Weissmann underscores the unprecedented nature of Comey's firing, drawing parallels to past administrations and emphasizing the potential implications for DOJ's integrity.

“The Deputy Attorney General is supposed to have so much on their plate... This is not what the Department of Justice is supposed to be set up for.”
— [14:00] Andrew Weissmann

Ghislaine Maxwell Deal and Its Implications

The conversation shifts to the DOJ's interactions with Ghislaine Maxwell and the possible motivations behind her deal.

“It's highly, highly unlikely because this is so long ago... and to me, that's a lot.”
— [12:29] Andrew Weissmann

Weissmann posits that the DOJ's approach to Maxwell may involve offering her protection in exchange for information, raising ethical and legal concerns about the administration's intentions.

“This really stinks to high heaven in terms of what's going on here.”
— [14:00] Andrew Weissmann

J.D. Vance's Comments on Epstein Files

J.D. Vance's statements regarding the Epstein files are scrutinized, highlighting inconsistencies and lack of transparency.

“Anytime somebody says that, it was pretty clear what I said. They are red flag was not clear, actually.”
— [35:59] Andrew Weissmann

Vance's dismissal of the Wall Street Journal's reporting without providing substantive evidence fuels suspicions of a broader cover-up.

Emile Bove Nomination to Third Circuit Court of Appeals

The podcast addresses the contentious nomination of Emile Bove, a Trump associate, to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

“This is certainly as bad as you can think.”
— [45:06] Tim Miller

Weissmann criticizes Bove's nomination, citing whistleblower complaints and concerns from career prosecutors about his suitability and ethical standing.

“If you're Donald Trump, one of the ways that you eradicate any checks and balances is to put people like Bove onto the courts.”
— [47:22] Andrew Weissmann

George Santos's Legal Consequences

George Santos's recent sentencing for wire fraud and identity theft is discussed, juxtaposed with broader issues of political accountability.

“He is clearly a serial liar... that's a worse lie.”
— [54:17] Andrew Weissmann

Weissmann draws attention to dishonesty at various levels of governance, emphasizing the severity of Santos's actions in undermining democratic integrity.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, both host and guest reflect on the overarching themes of legal misconduct and political manipulation, reinforcing the need for accountability and transparency.

“You're sitting on tons of information from lots and lots of different sources... it just stinks to high heaven in terms of what's going on here.”
— [43:26] Andrew Weissmann

Tim Miller and Andrew Weissmann underscore the critical importance of vigilant oversight to prevent the erosion of democratic institutions and rule of law.

This episode of The Bulwark Podcast offers a profound examination of contemporary legal and political challenges, providing listeners with expert analysis and thought-provoking insights into the mechanisms that shape our justice system.