The Chris Cuomo Project
Episode: BONUS: Trump’s Revenge Tour and Bolton’s Indictment
Date: October 20, 2025
Host: Chris Cuomo
Episode Overview
In this bonus episode, Chris Cuomo explores the recent indictment of John Bolton and the broader context of what he terms "Trump’s Revenge Tour" — a wave of legal actions targeting Trump’s perceived enemies. Cuomo distinguishes between justice and retribution, critiques the motivations behind high-profile prosecutions, and analyzes the implications for American political and legal standards. He also discusses how prediction markets, such as Kalshee, reflect public sentiment about these ongoing legal battles.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Framing “Trump’s Revenge Tour”
[00:29]–[04:00]
- Cuomo highlights the difference between revenge and justice, emphasizing that "revenge is not justice" and questioning whether recent indictments reflect legitimate legal action or political vendetta.
- He references James Comey and now John Bolton as examples of figures targeted by the Trump administration for perceived slights or disloyalty.
- Quote:
“I do not agree that two wrongs come anywhere close to being a right. I don’t even think it’s a close call.” — Chris Cuomo [03:13]
2. Analysis of the Comey Indictment
[04:01]–[10:15]
- Cuomo openly shares personal views on Comey, expressing disapproval over Comey's handling of the 2016 Hillary Clinton investigation and the Russia probe, but stresses that personal dislike should not dictate prosecution.
- He maintains skepticism over the strength of the case against Comey, noting DOJ departures over the issue and concerns over abuse of prosecutorial discretion.
- Quote:
“I’m big on let 100 guilty men go free so that one innocent man does not get falsely convicted. I believe in that. I believe that justice has to be beyond reproach, and we are nowhere near that standard right now.” — Chris Cuomo [09:23]
3. Dissecting the Bolton Indictment
[10:16]–[21:00]
- The Bolton indictment involves 18 counts, primarily relating to alleged improper handling and sharing of classified documents.
- Cuomo downplays the seriousness of the documents, suggesting none involved highly sensitive national security information.
- He emphasizes the difficulty in proving intent or substantive wrongdoing for high-level officials, given the endemic “culture” of top government figures taking materials home for memoirs, archives, and other reasons.
- Quote:
“All taking their papers home at the end. Why? Their memoirs or libraries and stuff gets shuffled in it for no other reason. So many things are classified and then unclassified, in different degrees of classification — and they’re not that important.” — Chris Cuomo [17:01]
4. Lawfare, Political Betting Markets, and Public Perception
[13:30]–[18:40]
- Cuomo references prediction markets like Kalshee, highlighting how users’ bets reflect expectations of an expansive Trump retaliation campaign.
- He notes high betting odds for Bolton and Comey being arrested, while skepticism remains over charges for figures like Nancy Pelosi.
- Quote:
“You guys betting on Kalshee absolutely believe that this is going to be an expansive vengeance tour. And I think it is a really dicey play for the President.” — Chris Cuomo [15:45]
5. The Problem of Prosecutorial Discretion
[21:01]–[25:42]
- Cuomo consistently returns to the issue of prosecutorial discretion, voicing concerns about charging decisions made on the basis of political score-settling, rather than justice or objective standards.
- He draws parallels with previous cases against Trump, acknowledging that while wrongdoing may have existed, charges often seemed driven by who was being prosecuted, not what was prosecuted.
- Quote:
“I think you wind up bringing the case because of who it is. Now, I know you may not like that, but that’s not my problem. That’s your problem. My problem is justice and fairness under law and prosecutorial discretion.” — Chris Cuomo [23:58]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the legitimacy of revenge prosecutions:
“This is a play to the base that will separate the President from the majority. It looks petty, it looks vindictive, it looks wrong. That’s my feeling about it.” — Chris Cuomo [25:34]
-
On the Kalshee markets and political betting:
“It is a better indication of preference than just some preference poll…because people are putting their money where their mouth is." — Chris Cuomo [14:16]
-
On Nancy Pelosi’s legal vulnerability:
“What a bad look that is. It’s bad enough with Comey and Bolton, and people don’t like them and they’re not, you know, old, old, frail people. So I get that with Pelosi, and it’s kind of reassuring to me that, like, the smart money isn’t like, yeah, that’s how vengeful, that’s how raw, that’s how rabid we are, is that even she is vulnerable…” — Chris Cuomo [16:53]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:29 – Introduction: Distinction between revenge and justice
- 03:13 – “I do not agree that two wrongs come anywhere close to being a right…”
- 09:23 – Standard of justice: “Let 100 guilty men go free…”
- 13:30 – Analysis of Kalshee prediction markets: Bolton, Comey, Clapper, Pelosi
- 15:45 – Trump “vengeance tour” as a dicey political move
- 17:01 – Explaining the “culture” of classified document handling at senior levels
- 21:01 – Discussion of prosecutorial discretion and why it matters
- 23:58 – “I think you wind up bringing the case because of who it is…”
- 25:34 – Closing reflection on the dangers of retributive prosecutions
Closing Summary
Chris Cuomo delivers a clear-eyed, critical examination of the recent spate of indictments associated with Trump’s efforts to punish political adversaries. Through personal anecdotes, legal analysis, and reflections on public reaction, he consistently foregrounds the importance of justice over vengeance, warning that politicized prosecution risks eroding both American institutions and public trust. His take is candid, passionate, and peppered with direct challenges to both MAGA loyalists and those celebrating payback, encapsulating his independent, justice-focused approach.