Trump's Terms 'Truly unprecedented:' Ex-DOJ prosecutor on 'weaponized' Justice Dept.
Oct 10, 2025
A federal grand jury has indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James on bank fraud charges, raising concerns about political pressure from President Trump. Former prosecutor Elie Honig describes this as truly unprecedented, highlighting the dangers of politicizing the Justice Department. The podcast explores James's reaction, similar legal actions, and whether this indictment represents a political victory for Trump. Experts warn that targeting rivals could threaten DOJ independence and civil liberties, underscoring a critical moment in American politics.
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Career Prosecutor Replaced Before Indictments
- Career prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia concluded the Comey and James cases were too weak to charge.
- The White House removed that prosecutor and replaced them with Lindsay Halligan, a former Trump personal lawyer who then secured indictments.
Background: James' Investigation Of Trump
- Letitia James pursued Trump in office, suing him and winning a large judgment later overturned on appeal.
- Trump publicly attacked her during the campaign and urged prosecutions of political foes on social media.
Presidential Pressure Crosses Historic Line
- This level of public, targeted pressure by a president on DOJ is historically unprecedented.
- Elie Honig says naming people and demanding charges crosses a line that undermines prosecutorial independence.
