What A Day — “Trump Is Prosecuting His Enemies”
Date: October 13, 2025 | Host: Jane Coaston
Episode Overview
This episode centers on President Donald Trump’s increasingly overt use of the federal justice system against his political opponents. Host Jane Coaston explores the recent indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James, legal retaliation against other high-profile figures, and the broader implications for American democracy. Coaston speaks with Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha to discuss the alarming normalization of political prosecutions, the resistance from Democratic state AGs, and how these actions are affecting government operations, national security, and the economy.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump’s Political Lawfare Against Enemies
- Letitia James Indicted:
- New York Attorney General Letitia James, who previously won a major civil case against Trump in 2023, was indicted by the DOJ for alleged bank fraud and false statements on a mortgage application.
- This move followed Trump replacing the U.S. attorney who saw no case against James with one of his own allies.
- Letitia James responds:
"This is nothing more than a continuation of the president's desperate weaponization of our justice system. He is forcing federal law enforcement agencies to do his bidding, all because I did my job as the New York State Attorney General." — Letitia James (01:32)
- Pattern of Retaliation:
- Trump posted online about political enemies (Comey, Schiff, James), and two were indicted within weeks (02:01).
- Coaston notes the chilling effect and connects this to a larger pattern, dubbing it “lawfare” (02:01).
2. Interview with Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha
- Personal and Professional Reaction
- Neronha, a former DOJ prosecutor under both Democratic and Republican administrations, expresses deep concern:
"I can't tell you how outrageous the whole thing is. It just flies in the face of how the department is supposed to and has always operated for hundreds of years." — Peter Neronha (04:08)
- He stresses solidarity among state AGs, calling Trump’s targeting of James and others “alarming” but clarifies, “we aren't afraid of Trump,” just outraged (03:31).
- Neronha, a former DOJ prosecutor under both Democratic and Republican administrations, expresses deep concern:
- Shift in DOJ Norms
- Neronha attributes the escalation to Trump surrounding himself with enablers lacking prosecutorial or Justice Department experience, notably Attorney General Pam Bondi:
“She’s willing to use the Department of Justice as a tool of the administration... this is a sea change in the way the Department of Justice is being run.” — Peter Neronha (05:41)
- Neronha attributes the escalation to Trump surrounding himself with enablers lacking prosecutorial or Justice Department experience, notably Attorney General Pam Bondi:
- Democratic State AG Coalition Wins
- The coalition has successfully sued to block Trump administration funding cuts, saving Rhode Island $650 million (07:13).
- Neronha contrasts blue state and red state outcomes, asserting that inaction from Republican AGs is leaving red states without funds for disaster relief, healthcare, and infrastructure (08:30).
3. Broader News Roundup
- Middle East Ceasefire
- Vice President J.D. Vance touts Trump’s role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with a hostage and prisoner exchange imminent (13:03).
- Government Shutdown Escalates
- Trump’s administration moves to pay military personnel during the shutdown by redirecting Pentagon R&D funds, which is legally dubious (13:32).
- Federal institutions, including Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, close as the shutdown lingers into its third week.
- Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fires over 1,000 CDC staff, including outbreak specialists, compounding the crisis (16:06).
- Escalating US-China Trade Tensions
- Trump threatens 100% tariffs on Chinese imports (17:26), prompting a stern warning from China and a stock market slump (18:24).
- J.D. Vance describes the situation as a "delicate dance" and signals willingness for further escalation if China retaliates (18:52).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Direct Lawfare Callout:
"These charges are baseless, and the president's own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost."
— Letitia James (01:32) - On DOJ Norms:
"It's not the way to do justice. It's alarming, frankly."
— Peter Neronha (04:08) - Enablers in the DOJ:
"Pam Bondi...has never been in the Justice Department before...but beyond that, she's willing to use the Department of Justice as a tool of the administration."
— Peter Neronha (05:44) - On Coalition Litigation:
"We've won every single case we've brought in the District of Rhode island...because we are right on the law and the president is wrong on the law."
— Peter Neronha (07:48) - Disease Outbreaks Vulnerability:
"The CDC is over. It was killed. This administration only knows how to break things. They have made America at risk for outbreaks and attacks by nefarious players. People should be scared."
— Dr. Dimitri Daskalasis, former CDC official (16:44)
Important Timestamps
- 00:02 – 02:01: Letitia James indictment news and her personal response
- 02:58 – 10:09: Interview with Attorney General Peter Neronha on lawfare, DOJ changes, and coalition legal battles
- 12:44 – 15:00: Headlines: Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Trump to visit Israel, military pay during shutdown
- 15:07 – 16:44: Domestic impact: government shutdown, CDC mass firings, reaction from lawmakers
- 17:26 – 19:22: US-China trade war escalation, economic fallout, administration reactions
Tone & Style
The episode melds gravitas and alarm with the show’s trademark dry wit and straightforward explanatory style. Jane Coaston maintains a brisk, sardonic delivery—cutting through spin and hype but never shying away from expressing genuine concern for democratic norms and the rule of law.
Summary Takeaway
This episode offers an incisive look at how the Trump administration’s open weaponization of law enforcement threatens legal norms and democracy—moving from retaliation against individual opponents to structural attacks on government institutions and vulnerable populations. Through the voices of front-line resisters like Attorney General Peter Neronha, and underlined by grim news from the federal bureaucracy and international affairs, the podcast warns of a profoundly altered and unstable landscape—urging listeners to stay aware, informed, and vigilant.