Podcast Title: The Jim Acosta Show
Host: Jim Acosta
Episode Title: Michael Cohen has some choice words for Chuck Schumer and former DOJ attorney Liz Oyer explains what bothered her most about Trump's speech at Justice Department
Release Date: March 17, 2025

Summary:

1. Introduction and Overview

In this episode of "The Jim Acosta Show," host Jim Acosta engages in a heated discussion with former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, followed by an in-depth interview with Liz Oyer, a former pardon attorney at the Department of Justice (DOJ). The conversation centers around President Donald Trump's attempts to invalidate pardons issued by his predecessor, critiques of Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, and alarming changes within the DOJ under the Trump administration.

2. Trump's Attempt to Void Biden’s Pardons

The episode opens with Acosta addressing President Trump's recent actions to invalidate pardons granted by President Joe Biden. He highlights a tweet from Trump on Truth Social where the president claims, "the pardons that sleepy Joe Biden gave to the unselect committee of political thugs are void, vacant, and of no further force or effect" (00:20).

Michael Cohen responds skeptically, questioning the legality and precedent of such actions:
"Is he or is he taking the position that I, King Donald, have so decreed that whatever the previous administration has done, I now deem null and void?” (01:45)

Cohen emphasizes the constitutional limits of the pardon power, questioning whether a president can undo a pardon:
"There is no evidence, documentary or otherwise, other than the fact that I think it, therefore it is right.” (03:00)

Jim Acosta reinforces this by citing The New York Times, stating, "There is no power in the Constitution or case law to undo a pardon.” (04:13)

3. Discussion on Presidential Pardon Powers

Michael Cohen elaborates on the broad scope of the presidential pardon power, explaining its historical use across administrations:
"It is the one unchecked power that is given to a president for any federal crimes to provide a pardon.” (02:18)

He further critiques Trump's reckless approach to using the pardon power without adhering to constitutional processes:
"It is so reckless in a comment, it's so reckless in a post... because he used an auto pen. I'm not so sure that the use of an auto pen negates that it's legitimate.” (03:16)

Acosta adds context by explaining the legitimacy of auto pen usage in signing official documents, tracing it back to the Obama administration:
"Auto pens have been used going back to the Obama administration... Presidents use them because they can't sign every document that goes across their desk.” (04:13)

Cohen compares Trump's behavior to fantastical actions, humorously stating, "It's one thing for me to say Jim Acosta is an alien. Right. And I don't mean one from a foreign country.” (03:00–03:11).

4. Critique of Chuck Schumer and Democratic Leadership

Transitioning from Trump's actions, Acosta shifts focus to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. He criticizes Schumer for compromising with Republicans on a Continuing Resolution (CR), which, according to Acosta, allows Trump and Elon Musk to continue undermining federal institutions:
"Chuck Schumer is in a world of hurt right now because he compromised with the Republicans... which has been lambasted by progressives as a giveaway to Elon Musk and Donald Trump.” (15:00)

Michael Cohen echoes this frustration vehemently:
"Fuck Chuck. That's the only thing that I could possibly say when I saw him do that.” (15:06)

Cohen further criticizes Schumer for relinquishing Democratic power without resistance, attributing it to the party's declining support:
"He gave away the only power that the Democrats had within which to stop this Republican barrage on our rights... That's exactly why Kamala Harris lost.” (15:37)

Acosta expresses bewilderment over Schumer's strategy, questioning why Democrats would allow such concessions without enforceable conditions:
"I just don't get that part of it. And then the other part is exactly what you said, Michael. People want the Democrats to fight...” (17:13)

5. Trump's Expansion of Executive Power and DOJ Control

The conversation intensifies as both hosts condemn Trump's attempts to dominate the DOJ and expand executive power. Acosta notes Trump's overnight activities aimed at manipulating the justice system, which Cohen interprets as efforts to cement control:
"Trump is really attacking it from both directions. He is waging a, a multifaceted war on the rule of law.” (34:51)

Cohen warns of Trump's broader ambitions to centralize power:
"When Donald Trump says that he intends to destroy our tripartite system of government, he intends to strip the legislative branch and the judiciary of their co-equal powers... He's the person who is setting the agenda for the Department of Justice.” (11:02 & 09:34)

6. Interview with Liz Oyer: Inside the Troubled DOJ

Following the debate with Cohen, Acosta interviews Liz Oyer, former DOJ pardon attorney, who provides a firsthand account of the internal turmoil within the department under Trump's leadership.

Departure from DOJ: Oyer explains her departure was forced by political pressures, particularly her assignment to a politically motivated task force:
"I was tasked with participating in a working group related to restoring gun rights...” (34:51)

She criticizes the politicization of DOJ roles, highlighting the lack of independence and the appointment of Trump loyalists:
"The president appears to be steamrolling his way... the internal brakes are off, so the external resistance is more important than ever.” (50:07)

Trump’s Speech at DOJ: Oyer discusses Trump's alarming declaration of himself as the chief law enforcement officer, undermining the Attorney General's authority:
"Trump came into the Department of Justice and announced that he is the chief law enforcement officer in this country...” (38:40)

She emphasizes the erosion of ethical standards within the DOJ:
"There is no longer a career official overseeing those things. There are now members of President Trump's personal defense team...” (43:57)

Pardon Power Critique: Oyer reflects on the abuses of the pardon power, agreeing with Acosta and Cohen that Trump's actions overextend presidential authority:
"There is no precedent for that, and there's no basis in law for that.” (43:57)

7. Violence Against Journalistic and Democratic Institutions

Both Cohen and Oyer express deep concern over Trump's hostility towards journalistic entities and democratic institutions. Acosta cites Trump's actions against Voice of America and other media outlets:
"He's going after Voice of America, which is near and dear to my heart... they're now putting out music, is putting out muzak.” (25:59)

Cohen warns of the broader implications for First Amendment rights and democratic safeguards:
"When Donald Trump says that he intends to destroy our tripartite system of government...” (11:02)

Oyer reinforces the importance of the judiciary as a last defense against executive overreach:
"The courts seem more important than ever now because they are the last line of defense against this steamroll...” (50:07)

8. Closing Remarks and Kennedy Center Commentary

In the concluding segment, Acosta shifts focus to President Trump's scheduled takeover of the Kennedy Center, symbolizing a broader hostile takeover of key institutions. He laments the cultural degradation and mocks the president's misplaced priorities:
"Donald Trump could not be smaller. He does not command the stage at the Kennedy Center... he just does not measure up to the job.” (30:50)

Acosta underscores the cultural and democratic stakes, vowing resilience against what he perceives as institutional assaults:
"We are in the midst of sheer madness here in the nation's capital, but we're going to get through it...” (29:47)

Key Takeaways:

• Constitutional Limits on Pardon Power: Trump's attempt to invalidate Biden’s pardons lacks constitutional and legal backing, as confirmed by both hosts and interviewed experts.

• Criticism of Democratic Leadership: Chuck Schumer is heavily criticized for compromising with Republicans, leading to waning Democratic support and weakening opposition to Trump's agenda.

• DOJ's Compromise Under Trump: Liz Oyer reveals how Trump's administration has infiltrated the DOJ with loyalists, undermining its independence and threatening the rule of law.

• Threat to Democratic Institutions: The episode underscores fears that Trump is systematically dismantling checks and balances, targeting media entities, and eroding democratic safeguards.

• Cultural Symbolism: The Kennedy Center takeover symbolizes the broader cultural and institutional battles unfolding in the nation's capital.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Cohen (01:45): "Is he or is he taking the position that I, King Donald, have so decreed that whatever the previous administration has done, I now deem null and void?"

• Jim Acosta (04:13): "There is no power in the Constitution or case law to undo a pardon."

• Liz Oyer (34:51): "Trump is really attacking it from both directions. He is waging a, a multifaceted war on the rule of law."

• Michael Cohen (15:06): "Fuck Chuck. That's the only thing that I could possibly say when I saw him do that."

• Liz Oyer (43:57): "He is just a bully whose actions have largely gone unchecked."

Conclusion

This episode of "The Jim Acosta Show" presents a critical examination of President Trump's actions undermining democratic institutions and the DOJ, paired with strong critiques of Democratic leadership. Through candid discussions with Michael Cohen and Liz Oyer, the show highlights significant concerns about the erosion of checks and balances, the abuse of executive power, and the vulnerabilities within the American justice system.

Note: This summary encapsulates the key discussions and viewpoints expressed during the episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the critical issues addressed without the need to reference the original transcript.