'A six resignation kind of day' at DOJ following Trump's sketchy deal with NYC mayor Eric Adams
Feb 14, 2025
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Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York, dives into the recent political upheaval surrounding Mayor Eric Adams and the surprising resignations at the Department of Justice. She discusses the tension between political maneuvering and legal principles as Trump’s administration faces scrutiny. Hochul highlights New York’s unwavering commitment to reproductive rights, despite federal pressures. The conversation reveals how local leadership is navigating a precarious landscape filled with scandals and legal challenges, advocating for women's autonomy and justice.
The podcast discusses the unexpected resignations in the Southern District of New York following DOJ's refusal to dismiss charges against Mayor Adams.
It highlights the implications of declining vaccination rates and the resurgence of measles in Texas due to vaccine misinformation.
The conversation also addresses the political tensions surrounding education policies, exemplified by protests during the confirmation hearing of Trump's education secretary nominee.
Deep dives
Measles Outbreak Amid Vaccine Conspiracy Theories
A concerning outbreak of measles in Texas has resulted in at least 24 infections, including 22 children and two adults, none of whom were vaccinated. The Texas Department of State Health Services anticipates that this outbreak may grow, highlighting the impact of declining vaccination rates in regions influenced by vaccine misinformation. Measles, previously nearly eradicated in the U.S. by 2000, poses serious health risks, including hospitalization and death. This situation underscores the dangerous consequences of vaccine skepticism, particularly in communities with low immunization rates.
Human Bird Flu Transmission Alert
The CDC has reported that veterinarians are now at risk of contracting avian flu through contact with infected cattle, marking a shift in understanding the disease's transmission. This alert was delayed due to the previous administration's restrictions on government scientific publications, preventing critical health information from being disseminated in a timely manner. This discovery indicates a multi-species outbreak and raises concerns about how the flu can affect various animal handlers. The delay in communication could have serious implications for public health and safety.
Political Turmoil and Education Department Protests
Protests erupted during the confirmation hearing of Trump's education secretary nominee, Linda McMahon, who faced tough questioning regarding her qualifications and views on education. Protesters used wrestling slogans to critique her background in a wrestling company and to voice concerns about plans to dismantle the Department of Education. The confirmation process highlighted fear among stakeholders about the future of education policies, particularly given McMahon's vague responses on essential topics such as black history education. This situation reflects broader societal tensions surrounding education and government accountability.
Serious Judicial Developments in New York
The Southern District of New York experienced a significant shake-up following the resignation of its U.S. Attorney and subsequent resignations linked to a politically charged investigation into Mayor Eric Adams. Federal prosecutors were investigating Adams for alleged campaign fundraising irregularities and corruption charges, marking him as the first sitting New York City mayor to face such accusations. Trump's Justice Department intervened, attempting to dismiss the charges, but faced backlash from within, resulting in multiple resignations over this contentious political maneuvering. This incident reveals the complexity of navigating legal and political landscapes in a frequently polarized environment.
New York's Stance on Reproductive Rights and Extradition Requests
In the wake of an extradition request from Louisiana for a New York doctor providing abortion pills, Governor Kathy Hochul announced she would not comply, reaffirming New York's commitment to protecting reproductive rights. This comes as states grapple with the fallout from Roe v. Wade's overturning and the legal implications of abortion access across state lines. Hochul emphasized the ongoing battle for reproductive rights and expressed determination to protect healthcare providers in her state. This conflict highlights the growing tension between states with divergent views on reproductive health laws.
Donald Trump was caught by surprise when Department of Justice prosecutors were too dedicated to the rule of law to go along with a deal to drop federal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Rachel Maddow describes that drama that led to six protest resignations under new Trump attorney general, Pam Bondi.
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