The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: The Trials of the Trump Administration, Dec. 5
Dec 8, 2025
Guest
Eric Columbus
Guest
Anna Bower
Guest
Roger Parloff
Guest
Molly Roberts
Guest
James Pearce
Guest
Michael Feinberg
Join Michael Feinberg, a Senior Editor at Lawfare specializing in national security, James Pearce, a Contributing Editor focused on litigation, and Molly Roberts, a Senior Editor with a keen eye on First Amendment issues, among others, as they dive deep into high-stakes legal drama. They discuss the recent arrest related to the January 6 pipe bombs and how conflicting narratives shape public perception. The panel also tackles ongoing legal battles involving the Trump administration, including the NPR funding lawsuit and notable dismissals in high-profile prosecutions.
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New Arrest Reveals Investigation Gaps
- The arrest of Brian Cole solved a five-year mystery about Jan. 6 pipe bombs and raises questions about investigative continuity.
- James Pearce and Michael Feinberg note political commentary and premature narratives have muddled public understanding of motive.
Pardons Unlikely To Shield Violent Acts
- Roger Parloff argues Trump's broad January 6 pardons likely won't cover a pipe bomber given wording and timing.
- He says courts would interpret purpose and text, making it unlikely such violent conduct was intended to be pardoned.
Tech And Fresh Legal Process Drove Breakthrough
- Michael Feinberg explains modern data and tech advances likely enabled the breakthrough in the pipe-bomb probe.
- He highlights newer tools and recent legal process activity as reasons the case advanced now, not necessarily political will alone.