Refried Beans: The Squirmish Doctor Biscuits (feat. Frank Figliuzzi) | April 8, 2022

Hosts: Allison Gill & Dana Goldberg
Guest: Frank Figliuzzi, Author of The FBI Way, Host of The Bureau Podcast, Former Assistant Director of the FBI for Counterintelligence

1. Introduction to Current Investigations and Political Climate

The episode kicks off with Allison Gill summarizing major political and legal developments surrounding former President Donald Trump. The hosts delve into the ongoing investigations by various bodies, setting a critical tone for the episode.

• Donald Trump's Classified Materials Investigation:
  • Allison Gill [00:46]: "The Department of Justice is investigating the 15 boxes of classified material Donald stole from the White House."
  • Details: The DOJ is scrutinizing Trump's handling of 15 boxes of White House records, which allegedly include classified information taken to Mar-a-Lago after his presidency. This investigation comes amidst resistance from the National Archives (NARA) in sharing details with Congress.

2. Department of Justice vs. Congress Over Classified Documents

Allison Gill elaborates on the tension between the Department of Justice and Congress regarding access to the classified documents.

• DOJ's Restriction on Document Sharing:

  • Allison Gill [03:03]: "The Department of Justice is preventing NARA from cooperating with the committee's request, which is obstructing the committee's investigation."
  • Congressional Response: House Oversight Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney has reached out to Attorney General Merrick Garland, questioning the DOJ's blockade. Gill expresses skepticism about the DOJ's intentions, suggesting it's an attempt to impede investigations by committees with members like Matt Gaetz.

• Notable Quote:

  • Allison Gill [05:00]: "It's the Department of Justice's way of stonewalling Congress to keep them from getting information."

3. New York Attorney General Tish James' Legal Actions Against Trump

The discussion shifts to New York Attorney General Tish James' efforts to hold Trump accountable.

• Civil Contempt Motion:

  • Frank Figliuzzi [06:04]: "The New York Attorney General Letitia James asked a New York court to hold former President Donald J. Trump in civil contempt for allegedly failing to comply with a court order."
  • Non-Compliance: Trump has not produced the requested documents by the March 31 deadline, instead submitting 16 objections to the subpoenas.

• AG James' Argument:

  • Allison Gill [08:10]: "Trump's attorney response amounted to more delay and obfuscation."
  • Potential Fines: James is seeking fines of $10,000 per day to coerce compliance, referencing the Alex Jones case where escalating fines were imposed.

• Notable Quote:

  • Allison Gill [09:14]: "Under investigation for 15 boxes of stuff, of documents that he stole, and now in contempt for not being able to produce documents."

4. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's Ongoing Investigation

Frank Figliuzzi discusses Mayor Bragg's statements regarding his office's investigation into Trump, highlighting internal conflicts and continuity despite resignations.

• Investigation Continuity:

  • Frank Figliuzzi [09:37]: "The Manhattan District Attorney says he's continuing Cy Vance's investigation into Donald Trump despite the resignations of Pomerantz and Dunn."
  • Resignations Impact: Following disagreements over the case's strength, senior prosecutors Pomerantz and Dunn resigned, criticizing Bragg's handling of the investigation.

• Bragg's Defense:

  • Allison Gill [11:31]: "Bragg disputed Pomerantz's characterization of the investigation, basically calling Pomerantz a liar."
  • Public Perception: Bragg aims to maintain the investigation's integrity amidst public and internal criticisms.

• Notable Quote:

  • Allison Gill [12:46]: "I want to know why you declined to prosecute if the evidence didn't meet the requirements for prosecution under your criminal prosecuting rules."

5. Efforts to Disqualify Arizona Lawmakers Under the 14th Amendment

The hosts examine the progressive legal strategies aimed at barring certain lawmakers from reelection based on their actions surrounding the January 6th Capitol attack.

• Legal Challenges:

  • Frank Figliuzzi [14:12]: "A cluster of voters and progressive groups filed suit against three elected officials in Arizona to bar them under the 14th Amendment from running again."
  • Targeted Lawmakers: Representatives Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs, and State Representative Mark Fincham are the subjects of these candidacy challenges.

• Constitutional Basis:

  • Application of the 14th Amendment: Plaintiffs argue that these politicians acted as insurrectionists by supporting or inciting the January 6th events, thus disqualifying them under the Amendment's provisions aimed at punishing the Confederacy.

• Notable Quote:

  • Frank Figliuzzi [15:07]: "These suits are their latest bids to find a way to punish members of Congress who have encouraged or made common cause with those who stormed the Capitol."

6. Arrest of Impersonators Targeting Secret Service Agents

The episode features an in-depth discussion with Frank Figliuzzi about the arrest of two men impersonating federal officers, offering gifts and free apartments to Secret Service agents.

• Case Details:

  • Allison Gill [32:48]: "Assistant U.S. attorney Joshua Rothstein said Ali had told witnesses he was affiliated with the Inter Services Intelligence Agency in Pakistan and that he had multiple visas from Pakistan and Iran."
  • Arrested Individuals: Arian Taharzadeh and Haider Ali were apprehended for their elaborate impersonation of Department of Homeland Security officers, including providing substantial gifts to Secret Service agents.

• Equipment and Intent:

  • Discovery: The FBI found body armor, tactical equipment, drones, and surveillance devices, indicating a potentially sinister agenda.
  • Prosecutors' Allegations: The men falsely claimed to work on special task forces investigating gang violence connected to the January 6th insurrection and child sex trafficking.

• Notable Quote:

  • Allison Gill [28:30]: "It's mind boggling to me that this kind of stuff could go down, especially with the multiple trainings that we all take in the government to be able to see insider threats that we have to take."

• Discussion with Frank Figliuzzi:

  • Frank Figliuzzi [25:40]: "We have to figure out, who are these guys? Who's funding this? What is the objective?"
  • Speculations: The hosts and Figliuzzi ponder whether this was an attempt at corruption, a more extensive infiltration, or a foreign operation, but no definitive conclusions are drawn.

7. Conclusion and Insights

The episode wraps up with reflections on the discussed topics, emphasizing the complexities and ongoing nature of the investigations. The hosts express skepticism about the motivations and effectiveness of the current legal actions, urging listeners to stay informed and critical.

• Final Thoughts:

  • Allison Gill [44:23]: "Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, take care of the planet, and take care of your mental health."
  • Dana Goldberg [44:23]: "Do a small act of kindness for a stranger. Leave a note on the car. Pay for someone's coffee without their knowledge."

• Notable Quote:

  • Allison Gill [45:16]: "Donald Trump is under investigation by the Department of Justice. Them's the beans."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Allison Gill [00:46]: "The Department of Justice is investigating the 15 boxes of classified material Donald stole from the White House."

2. Allison Gill [03:03]: "The Department of Justice is preventing NARA from cooperating with the committee's request, which is obstructing the committee's investigation."

3. Allison Gill [05:00]: "It's the Department of Justice's way of stonewalling Congress to keep them from getting information."

4. Frank Figliuzzi [06:04]: "The New York Attorney General Letitia James asked a New York court to hold former President Donald J. Trump in civil contempt for allegedly failing to comply with a court order."

5. Allison Gill [09:14]: "Under investigation for 15 boxes of stuff, of documents that he stole, and now in contempt for not being able to produce documents."

6. Frank Figliuzzi [09:37]: "The Manhattan District Attorney says he's continuing Cy Vance's investigation into Donald Trump despite the resignations of Pomerantz and Dunn."

7. Allison Gill [12:46]: "I want to know why you declined to prosecute if the evidence didn't meet the requirements for prosecution under your criminal prosecuting rules."

8. Frank Figliuzzi [14:12]: "A cluster of voters and progressive groups filed suit against three elected officials in Arizona to bar them under the 14th Amendment from running again."

9. Allison Gill [28:30]: "It's mind boggling to me that this kind of stuff could go down, especially with the multiple trainings that we all take in the government to be able to see insider threats that we have to take."

10. Allison Gill [45:16]: "Donald Trump is under investigation by the Department of Justice. Them's the beans."

Key Takeaways

• Ongoing Legal Battles: Former President Trump faces multiple investigations and legal challenges concerning his handling of classified documents and compliance with subpoenas.

• Political Ramifications: Efforts to disqualify certain lawmakers under the 14th Amendment reflect a broader attempt to hold politicians accountable for their roles related to the January 6th Capitol attack.

• Security Concerns: The arrest of individuals impersonating federal officers and targeting Secret Service agents raises serious questions about internal security measures and potential vulnerabilities within federal agencies.

• Host and Guest Insights: Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg, alongside Frank Figliuzzi, offer critical perspectives on the complexities of these legal and political issues, highlighting the challenges in ensuring accountability and security within the government.

• Call for Vigilance and Compassion: The episode closes with a reminder to listeners to engage in acts of kindness and maintain mental well-being amidst a turbulent political climate.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussions of the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the key issues, viewpoints, and implications discussed by the hosts and their esteemed guest.