The MeidasTouch Podcast: Legal RAMIFICATIONS of Trump APPOINTMENTS - Detailed Summary

Introduction On the November 14, 2024 episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the controversial appointments made by former President Donald Trump. The episode features special guest Harry Littman, a former United States Attorney from Pennsylvania and host of The Talking Feds YouTube channel. Littman's expertise provides an in-depth analysis of the potential legal and democratic implications of Trump's nominations.

Matt Gaetz's Nomination as Attorney General Ben Meiselas initiates the discussion by highlighting the nomination of Matt Gaetz for the position of Attorney General of the United States. Despite Gaetz being under federal investigation and his recent resignation from Congress, Trump appears intent on securing his appointment, possibly through recess appointments to bypass Senate resistance.

Ben Meiselas [00:01]: "Matt Gaetz has now apparently resigned from Congress. He's intent on taking this position... but some real dangerous people."

Harry Littman's Analysis Harry Littman expresses profound concerns regarding Gaetz's suitability for the role. He underscores Gaetz's antagonistic stance toward the Department of Justice (DOJ) and predicts a detrimental impact on the institution's integrity.

Harry Littman [02:41]: "He is deeply unpopular... He will approach not just with zeal but with a certain viciousness the goal of hollowing out the career staff."

Littman elaborates on Gaetz's history, including allegations of illicit drug use and sexual misconduct, painting him as a figure whose appointment could undermine prosecutorial impartiality and the DOJ's foundational principles.

Harry Littman [07:29]: "This is the department where on the fifth floor, you're talking Merrick Garland... He's coming in like with an ax at the foundations of the entire department."

Recess Appointments Explained The podcast transitions to a technical discussion about recess appointments. Littman explains that such appointments allow the President to bypass Senate approval temporarily, holding the appointee in office for up to a year without the usual background checks or hearings.

Harry Littman [23:13]: "The Constitution permits recess appointments... he doesn't have to go through the background investigation, the hearing, the vote."

He cautions that while recess appointments can expedite the appointment process, they often lead to legal challenges and can cast doubts on the legitimacy of the appointee's authority.

Harry Littman [23:13]: "The question will be, is there a real recess here? Is it the kind of thing that the Supreme Court will uphold?"

Other Controversial Nominations Beyond Gaetz, Trump has nominated several other figures whose appointments have sparked debate:

1. Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI):

   • Ben Meiselas [02:41]: "Tulsi Gabbard to be the DNI head... compromised by Russia."
   • Gabbard's alignment with Russia's narratives, particularly regarding Ukrainian biolabs, raises concerns about national security and intelligence integrity.

2. Christie Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security:

   • Ben Meiselas [02:41]: "Christie Noem to be the Homeland Security secretary."
   • Noem's tenure is critiqued for her hardline stance, which some argue could escalate deportations and border tensions.

3. Marco Rubio as Secretary of State:

   • Ben Meiselas [02:41]: "Marco Rubio probably the most normal of them."
   • While Rubio is considered more conventional compared to other nominees, his policy positions remain under scrutiny.

4. Lauren Boebert as Secretary of Education:

   • A potential nomination discussed amid misinformation, highlighting the chaotic nature of the appointment process.

Ben Meiselas [23:39]: "I saw Harry memes of that as a prank... but we do know the following."

Michael Popok's Insights Michael Popok, host of the Legal AF YouTube channel, provides additional perspectives by presenting controversial statements made by Matt Gaetz during committee hearings, emphasizing the problematic nature of his public remarks.

Michael Popok [08:50]: "Matt Gaetz said that the only women who care about reproductive rights are ugly women."

Popok and Tulsi Gabbard further dissect Gaetz's behavior, highlighting the offensive and unprofessional nature of his comments, which contribute to his unpopularity across the political spectrum.

Tulsi Gabbard's Commentary Tulsi Gabbard, serving as the head of DNI in this hypothetical scenario, delivers critical remarks about Trump's appointments, comparing them unfavorably to established professionals and expressing concern over their impact on America's global standing.

Tulsi Gabbard [26:31]: "Donald Trump is doing inside this country what our adversaries could never hope to accomplish... putting these inflatable dolls, these puppets in front of these major institutions."

She underscores the symbolic and practical ramifications of appointing individuals perceived as incompetent or compromised, arguing that such moves weaken democratic institutions and embolden foreign adversaries.

Tulsi Gabbard [32:57]: "This is not only an F you to the American people, it's an F you to our allies around the country and to the American brand."

Rebuilding and Resisting Democratic Erosion The hosts advocate for proactive measures to counteract the perceived erosion of democratic institutions. They emphasize the importance of legal challenges, public awareness, and supporting pro-democracy voices to restore integrity within the DOJ and other governmental bodies.

Ben Meiselas [35:19]: "We're going to do our part and support other pro-democracy voices... make sure you subscribe to Harry's YouTube channel."

Conclusion The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to engage with pro-democracy platforms, subscribe to relevant YouTube channels, and participate in community discussions to safeguard democratic principles against what the hosts perceive as a series of detrimental appointments by Trump.

Harry Littman [36:23]: "These legal arcane points are what he's going to try to exploit... we have to... educate people so they know what is going on and what's its stake."

Key Takeaways:

• Matt Gaetz's nomination as Attorney General is viewed as highly problematic due to his controversial history and potential to undermine the DOJ.
• Recess appointments offer a pathway for controversial nominees to bypass Senate scrutiny, though they raise legal and legitimacy concerns.
• Other nominations by Trump, including Tulsi Gabbard and Christie Noem, are criticized for their suitability and potential impact on national security and democratic institutions.
• Pro-democracy advocacy is emphasized as essential to resist and counteract the perceived threats posed by these appointments.

Notable Quotes:

• Harry Littman [02:41]: "He is deeply unpopular... He will approach not just with zeal but with a certain viciousness the goal of hollowing out the career staff."
• Tulsi Gabbard [26:31]: "Donald Trump is doing inside this country what our adversaries could never hope to accomplish..."
• Harry Littman [36:23]: "These legal arcane points are what he's going to try to exploit... we have to... educate people so they know what is going on and what's its stake."

Final Thoughts The MeidasTouch Podcast episode provides a critical examination of Donald Trump's appointment strategies, emphasizing the potential legal and democratic challenges they pose. Through expert analysis and passionate discourse, the hosts and their guests advocate for vigilance and active participation in defending the integrity of American institutions.