UnJustified – "Mass Resignations"

Podcast: UnJustified (MSW Media)
Episode: Mass Resignations (Ep. 52)
Date: January 18, 2026
Hosts: Alison Gill and Andrew McCabe

Overview

This episode of UnJustified examines a dramatic week at the Department of Justice (DOJ) under President Trump's second term, focusing on unprecedented resignations across key legal divisions. Hosts Alison Gill and Andrew McCabe analyze the DOJ’s handling of the police killing of Renee Nicole Good, the subsequent exodus of federal prosecutors, and the greater implications for civil liberties, institutional integrity, and the politicization of justice. The episode also delves into President Trump's increasing dissatisfaction with his Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and efforts to dismantle traditional DOJ independence, plus new developments in the Epstein files and public debate about constitutional free speech.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mass Resignations at DOJ Over Shooting of Renee Nicole Good

[02:30–10:42]

• Federal Prosecutors Walk Out:

  • Six Minnesota U.S. Attorneys and four DOJ Civil Rights Division leaders resigned after the DOJ refused to investigate the fatal shooting of unarmed citizen Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration (ICE) agent in Minneapolis.
  • Among those who resigned was Joseph H. Thompson (second in command in Minnesota), who had led major fraud probes. (03:23)
  • Source: New York Times, The Guardian.

• DOJ Leadership Reaction & Spin:

  • Deputy AG Todd Blanche, a Trump loyalist, insisted, "there is currently no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation" ([05:30]).
  • DOJ spokespeople denied resignations were tied to the Good shooting, saying departures were pre-planned ([05:30–06:17]).
  • "Allow us to lie right now." – Alison Gill ([06:25])

• FBI’s Unprecedented Conduct:

  • The FBI blocked state and local investigators, took exclusive control, and prioritized probing Good’s ties to activist groups instead of the shooting’s circumstances ([07:35–08:12]).

• Administration Messaging:

  • Top Trump officials—including President Trump—labeled Good a “domestic terrorist” without evidence, despite video suggesting she was not threatening officers ([09:30–10:42]).

• Collapse of Civil Rights Oversight:

  • Over 250 attorneys have left or been reassigned since Trump’s second term began—a 70% reduction in the Civil Rights Division ([08:36–09:30]).
  • New priorities: voter fraud and anti-transgender initiatives, pushing classic rights enforcement aside.

• Quote Highlight:

  • "I don't think it's an overstatement to see this as the end of the division as we've known it." – Civil Rights Division attorney to The Guardian ([09:25])

2. Political Retaliation and DOJ Purges

[11:53–15:10]

• Firing of Eastern District of Virginia Official:

  • Robert McBride (number two at EDVA) was fired after refusing to lead a prosecution against Jim Comey—considered meritless—and for suspected political jockeying ([11:53–14:27]).

• Risks for Dissent Within DOJ:

  • McCabe: “Stand up, tell the truth. If you get fired for it, you’re only the latest US Attorney getting fired...” ([15:10])

• Suppression of Investigations and Evidence:

  • FBI withholding evidence from local prosecutors; concern that discovery in a civil suit (like the George Floyd family’s) may be the only recourse ([15:10–18:56]).

3. White House Attempts to Command DOJ Functions

[21:44–28:52]

• Trump’s Frustration with AG Pam Bondi:

  • Trump has called Bondi “weak and ineffective”—due to her not pushing prosecutions of his perceived enemies, including Comey and Letitia James ([21:44–23:11]).
  • Trump explored more direct control via “special counsels” and, fundamentally, a new fraud unit within DOJ reporting directly to the White House ([21:44–25:43]).

• Loss of DOJ Independence:

  • AG Bondi acquiesced to the creation of this White House-run DOJ post, bypassing normal DOJ authority ([25:12–25:43]).
  • McCabe: “I cannot think of another Attorney General… who would ever have agreed to such a travesty...” ([25:44])

• Stark Contrast to Past Outrage:

  • Gill: “They dragged Loretta Lynch in and questioned her for eight hours on [the tarmac meeting]...This is unscrupulous, destroys independence. It’s stunning.” ([26:12])

• Quote Highlights:

  • “We have confirmation from inside the Trump administration that they’re weaponizing the DOJ.” – Alison Gill ([28:34])
  • "It hasn't been weaponized enough, apparently. So they're just going to take it in their own hands." – Andy McCabe ([28:44])

4. The Epstein Files, Congress, and Special Masters

[30:13–39:40]

• Attempt to Appoint Special Master Over Epstein Files:

  • Judges and DOJ dispute whether Judge Engelmeier (SDNY) has jurisdiction to appoint a special master to oversee DOJ compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act ([30:14–37:11]).
  • DOJ (Pam Bondi) argues representatives Massie and Khanna have no standing; their request should be denied ([35:33]).

• Legal Process and Standing:

  • Only direct parties (e.g., survivors) are likely to have legal standing to force DOJ compliance—putting the burden on victims, again ([38:38–39:40]).

5. Debating Free Speech and Trump Prosecutions

[41:01–42:55]

• Washington Post Editorial Board Criticized:

  • Randall Eliason (lawyer, former guest) rebuts a WaPo editorial claiming Jack Smith’s prosecution of Trump infringed the First Amendment ([41:01]).
  • Smith’s case is clear: Trump is prosecuted for criminal conspiracies, not lying per se ([41:51]).

• Quote Highlight:

  • “Speech in furtherance of criminal activity is not constitutionally protected. The board failed to acknowledge that.” – Randall Eliason ([41:51])

6. Listener Q&A: Civil Rights, Legal Mechanisms, and Use of Force

[46:28–57:35]

• Miranda Rights & ICE Enforcement:

  • Miranda applies only with custodial interrogation, not simple detention or street questioning ([46:28–49:58]).
  • Gray area as ICE agents increasingly target not just immigrants but also activists and bystanders.

• Obligation to Obey ICE Orders:

  • Unclear in many protest situations; depends if agents act within authority ([50:28]).

• Presidential War Powers and Greenland Hypothetical:

  • If Trump orders military action without Congressional consent, would it be illegal?
  • Historically, presidents evade Congressional checks via “police actions” or covert ops, with little recourse unless Congress acts legislatively ([51:23–56:00]).

7. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "In any other universe, the amount of resignations that happened this week at the DOJ would be above the fold, front page news." – Andy McCabe [02:30]
• “They were investigating the victims instead of the shooter.” – Alison Gill [03:23]
• “250 attorneys have left—about a 70% reduction [from the Civil Rights Division].” – Alison Gill [08:36]
• “This is classic terrorism, Vance said. Now hold on a second. I spent decades... This has nothing to do with terrorism.” – Andy McCabe [10:42]
• "We've decided we would like you to be the sole owner... of this stinking bag of dog poo." – Andy McCabe (on McBride’s firing) [14:13]
• "Allow us to lie right now." – Alison Gill [06:25]
• “I cannot think of another Attorney General... who would ever have agreed to such a travesty.” – Andy McCabe (re: White House-run DOJ unit) [25:44]
• “We have confirmation... that they’re weaponizing the DOJ.” – Alison Gill [28:34]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Time | |-----------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Main theme and news intro | 01:02–02:30 | | DOJ mass resignations & Good shooting crisis | 02:30–10:42 | | Political firings, Comey case fallout | 11:53–15:10 | | Evidence suppression and comparison to SDNY cases | 15:10–18:56 | | Trump, Bondi, and White House DOJ power grab | 21:44–28:52 | | Epstein files and special master legal debate | 30:13–39:40 | | First Amendment and Jack Smith prosecution | 41:01–42:55 | | Listener Q&A (Miranda rights, ICE, war powers) | 46:28–57:35 | | Show wrap-up and protest safety warnings | 58:34–60:58 |

Takeaway

UnJustified exposes an unprecedented erosion of civil rights enforcement, the rule of law, and DOJ independence under the Trump administration. The episode foregrounds the threat posed by political manipulation of legal institutions—not just to victims of state violence, but to democratic governance itself. The hosts urge vigilance, legal literacy, and peaceful, persistent advocacy as crucial tools for accountability.

Tone & Language

The hosts employ a mix of dark humor, incredulity, and deep expertise, with frequent sarcasm ("Allow us to lie right now"), outrage ("They’re weaponizing the DOJ"), and a sense of foreboding about the fragility of the rule of law. Their commentary is candid, sharp, and intended to galvanize listeners to understand the gravity of these institutional shocks.