The MeidasTouch Podcast: New Jersey Attorney General Matt Plotkin on Lawsuit Against Trump Scheme

Release Date: June 19, 2025
Episode Title: New Jersey Attorney General Matt Plotkin on Lawsuit Against Trump Scheme

Introduction

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers engage in a critical discussion about recent legal actions undertaken by Democratic Attorney Generals against the Trump administration. Focusing on a lawsuit initiated by New Jersey Attorney General Matt Plotkin, the conversation delves into the implications of the Trump regime's settlement agreements, particularly concerning gun control and public safety.

Trump Administration's Settlement Agreements and Their Implications

[01:00] Political Commentator:
The episode begins with the political commentator highlighting the chaos and disorder purportedly caused by the Trump administration. He criticizes the use of settlement agreements as a means to bypass the legislative process, especially in contexts where the administration is perceived to undermine federal agencies. A focal point of contention is the Department of Justice (DOJ) entering into settlements with participants of the January 6th insurrection, which the commentator argues undermines the agencies' purposes and burdens taxpayers with extensive lawsuits.

Key Points:

• Settlement agreements used to circumvent Congress and the lawmaking process.
• DOJ's settlements with January 6th insurrectionists, leading to significant lawsuits.
• Trump's budget plans potentially increasing the national debt by tens of trillions of dollars.

Controversial Settlement on Machine Gun Conversion Devices

The conversation shifts to a specific and highly contentious settlement involving the distribution of machine gun conversion devices.

[04:36] Jay Scott Smith:
Jay Scott Smith explains that a lawsuit was filed in Maryland by 16 state attorneys general, including Michigan's Dana Nessel, aiming to block a federal settlement. This settlement would permit the sale of forced reset triggers—devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns, which are illegal in states like Michigan.

[05:22] Jay Scott Smith:
He underscores the danger of these devices, stating, "The settlement was reached on May 16 and would require the ATF to return the triggers that had been previously seized during the Biden administration or voluntarily surrendered to the government."

Attorney General Matt Plotkin's Critique

[06:12] Matt Plotkin:
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Plotkin joins the discussion to vehemently oppose the settlement. He describes the administration's actions as "totally insane" and "reckless," highlighting that machine guns have been illegal in the U.S. for decades. Plotkin emphasizes that the ATF's decision to distribute these conversion devices bypasses legal processes and endangers public safety.

Notable Quotes:

• Plotkin: "These machine guns have been illegal in this country for decades... this is an unprecedented, reckless, and incredibly dangerous action."

[08:11] Matt Plotkin:
He further elaborates on the lack of transparency in the settlement, stating, "they won't even tell us who the parties of the settlement are." Plotkin expresses deep concern over the potential distribution of these devices to violent individuals, which could exacerbate gun violence and undermine community safety.

Notable Quotes:

• Plotkin: "Their policy... is putting machine guns... into the hands of potentially violent individuals across this country as well as to sellers and resellers."

Broader Implications and Call for Accountability

[10:06] Matt Plotkin:
Plotkin discusses the broader implications of the settlement, highlighting how it forces the return of thousands of machine gun conversion devices to communities without proper oversight. He warns that this policy could enable violent offenders to access highly lethal weapons, posing a significant threat to public safety.

Notable Quotes:

• Plotkin: "We're putting machine guns... into the hands of potentially violent individuals... And that is a really scary thing for the public."

[12:40] Matt Plotkin:
He concludes by criticizing the gun lobby's influence, asserting that such settlements only benefit those profiting from gun sales without enhancing public safety. Plotkin calls for greater transparency and legal accountability to prevent the proliferation of these dangerous devices.

Notable Quotes:

• Plotkin: "These forced reset triggers... have killed law enforcement officers. They're incredibly deadly and lethal weapons."

Conclusion

The episode culminates with a strong denunciation of the Trump administration's strategies to redistribute machine gun conversion devices, as critiqued by Attorney General Matt Plotkin. The Meiselas brothers underscore the urgency of legal actions taken by state attorneys general to halt these policies, emphasizing the broader implications for democracy and public safety.

Listeners are encouraged to stay informed and advocate for transparent governance to protect their communities from policies that threaten the foundational values of democracy and safety.

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