UnJustified Podcast - Episode: NCIS: DOGE (Released March 9, 2025)

Hosts: Alison Gill and Andy McCabe

Overview

In this episode of UnJustified, hosts Alison Gill and former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe delve into the alarming erosion of civil liberties and the rule of law under the Trump administration's Department of Justice (DoJ). Covering a range of topics from foreign intelligence threats to internal DOJ vulnerabilities, the episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the systemic issues undermining U.S. governmental integrity.

1. Foreign Intelligence Threats Amid Federal Workforce Layoffs

Timestamp: 00:07 - 02:20

Andy McCabe opens the discussion by highlighting intelligence reports indicating that Russia and China are actively recruiting disgruntled federal employees, especially those affected by recent mass layoffs orchestrated by the Trump administration's Office of Personnel Management.

• McCabe states: “Foreign adversaries are eager to exploit the Trump administration's efforts to conduct mass layoffs across the federal workforce” (02:20).

Alison Gill reminisces about her government experience, emphasizing the increased vulnerability due to the large number of fired or soon-to-be-fired federal employees with security clearances.

• Gill remarks: “That leaves us vulnerable and that's what this report is about” (02:20).

2. Internal DoJ and FBI Vulnerabilities

Timestamp: 00:14 - 25:11

The episode delves into the forced resignation of James Dennehy, head of the FBI New York field office, illustrating the Trump administration's crackdown on senior FBI officials.

• Dennehy’s farewell message (23:01) includes: “I have an immense feeling of pride to have represented an office of professionals who will always do the right thing for the right reasons… I will never stop defending this joint.”

McCabe and Gill discuss how these actions are stripping the FBI of experienced leaders, exacerbating vulnerabilities within the agency and the broader intelligence community.

• McCabe observes: “The FBI and the rest of the government will suffer as a result of losing their talent, their experience” (24:08).

They further explore the General Services Administration (GSA)'s designation of numerous DOJ, FBI, and CIA facilities as "non-essential," raising significant concerns about national security and institutional stability.

3. GSA's Designation of Non-Essential Federal Properties

Timestamp: 25:11 - 31:05

The hosts examine reports from Wired and Associated Press about the GSA's plans to sell key federal properties, including the CIA's Springfield facility and major DOJ courthouses.

• Gill highlights: “The sale of these facilities increases our vulnerability to foreign adversaries” (29:51).

McCabe adds that identifying and selling these properties not only exposes sensitive locations but also hampers the government's operational capabilities.

• McCabe notes: “We are now alerting our adversaries to locations where potentially we do some kind of work that we're concerned about” (31:04).

4. Assault on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs

Timestamp: 34:05 - 44:15

The episode explores the Trump administration's efforts to eliminate DEI programs within federal agencies and private institutions.

Key Incidents:

• Georgetown Law School Conflict: Acting U.S. Attorney Ed Martin threatens to withhold employment opportunities for Georgetown Law students unless the school discontinues its DEI programs.

  • Georgetown’s Dean William Traynor responds: “The First Amendment prohibits the government from dictating what Georgetown's faculty teach or how to teach it” (34:55).

• American Bar Association’s Stance: In response to threats against judges and legal professionals advocating against the administration’s agenda, the ABA issued a statement defending judicial independence.

  • ABA declares: “We cannot have a judicial system where the government seeks to remove judges simply because they do not rule as the government desires” (44:15).

5. Disciplinary Actions Against DoJ Officials

Timestamp: 34:05 - 40:32

Alison and Andy discuss the Senate Judiciary Committee's actions urging the investigation of DoJ officials, namely Ed Martin and Emile Beauvais, for alleged misconduct in high-profile cases like that of New York Mayor Eric Adams.

• Senators accuse Beauvais: “His conduct undermines the integrity of our justice system and erodes public confidence in it” (39:22).

This pushback signifies growing resistance against the administration's attempts to manipulate legal outcomes for political favors.

6. Executive Order Targeting Perkins Coie Law Firm

Timestamp: 46:46 - 47:18

In a significant escalation, the President signed an executive order barring the law firm Perkins Coie from federal contracts and prohibiting its employees from entering federal buildings.

• Perkins Coie’s Response: “Your executive order is patently unlawful and we intend to challenge it” (46:46).

The order stems from Perkins Coie’s representation of Fusion GPS in the controversial Steele dossier matter, intertwining legal actions with political motivations.

7. Listener Questions and Community Engagement

Timestamp: 47:18 - 57:56

The hosts address listener inquiries, including concerns about:

• Legal Representation Without Security Clearances: How attorneys representing high-profile figures like Jack Smith can navigate security restrictions imposed by administration policies.

  • McCabe explains: “If Jack Smith gets indicted, Covington will continue to represent him and likely challenge the government’s restrictions in court” (50:32).

• Protection of Lawmakers Amid Threats: Addressing fears that Republican lawmakers face coercion to support Trump’s agenda under threats to their safety.

  • Gill suggests: “Republican lawmakers could team up with Democrats to fund enhanced security measures” (54:11).

Additionally, a heartfelt message from a listener named Douglas recounts his resignation from law enforcement due to conflicting orders, underscoring the personal toll of the administration's policies.

8. Closing Remarks and Future Topics

Timestamp: 56:32 - 57:56

Alison and Andy wrap up the episode by previewing next week's in-depth analysis of Paul Clement's amicus brief in the Eric Adams case and its implications for DOJ officials like Ed Martin and Emile Beauvais.

• Alison concludes: “Next week, look for us to go in depth on Paul Clement's amicus brief in the Eric Adams case” (57:05).

They also encourage listeners to become patrons for exclusive content and support ongoing coverage of these critical issues.

Notable Quotes

• Alison Gill (06:03): “The entire intelligence community here is saying this with high confidence.”

• Andy McCabe (10:29): “We are creating the perfect recruitment environment.”

• Dennehy (23:01): “I will never stop defending this joint.”

• Ed Martin (34:55): “Georgetown was founded on the principle that serious and sustained discourse promotes intellectual, ethical, and spiritual understanding.”

Conclusion

This episode of UnJustified meticulously unpacks the multifaceted strategies employed by the Trump administration to undermine federal institutions, suppress dissent, and increase vulnerabilities within the U.S. government's intelligence and legal frameworks. Through expert analysis and direct quotes, Alison Gill and Andy McCabe present a compelling narrative of the ongoing battle for the preservation of civil liberties and the rule of law.

For more detailed analysis and future episodes, visit mswmedia.com.