The Majority Report with Sam Seder cover image

The Majority Report with Sam Seder

2466 - Trump's Big Law Vendetta w/ Rachel Cohen

Apr 1, 2025
Rachel Cohen, a former lawyer at the prestigious firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, joins to unpack how major law firms have capitulated to Donald Trump's influence. She discusses Trump's tactics, including threats to weaken their access to federal courts and the significant pro-bono work Skadden handed over to the administration. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for due process and the unsettling relationships between corporate power and political interests, revealing the depths of modern legal challenges in America.
01:16:11

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast discusses how recent staff layoffs in health agencies, driven by a libertarian philosophy, threaten food and drug safety amid corporate influence.
  • Rachel Cohen highlights the chilling effect of Trump's legal threats on major law firms, compelling them to prioritize political affiliations over justice and civil rights.

Deep dives

Trump's Attack on Government Agencies

The episode highlights the impact of recent layoffs in health agencies, particularly the FDA, which has seen massive staff reductions. These layoffs are seen as part of a broader trend related to the Trump administration's libertarian philosophy, where the concept of shrinking government institutions is presented as a solution to corporate influence. The argument is made that reducing governmental oversight will only further empower corporations, potentially leading to higher risks in food and drug safety. Despite historical evidence that undermines this philosophy, the administration continues to promote it as a way to combat alleged governmental corruption.

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