Open Book with Anthony Scaramucci CNN Legal Analyst Elie Honig: Trump’s War on the Rule of Law
19 snips
Oct 1, 2025 
Elie Honig, an Emmy-nominated CNN legal analyst and former DOJ prosecutor, dives deep into presidential accountability in his latest conversation. He explores the timely themes of his book, including the implications of Trump's actions and hypothetical scenarios had he won in 2020. The discussion highlights historic moments like the Saturday Night Massacre and critiques both parties for their prosecution strategies. Elie also shares insights on the challenges of independent prosecutors and expresses cautious optimism for holding powerful figures accountable.
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Special Counsel Protects DOJ Independence
- Special counsels aim to insulate DOJ from politics by placing investigations outside direct executive control.
- Elie Honig warns Trump has eroded that independence by treating DOJ as a tool for retribution.
Winning Changes Accountability Incentives
- A second Trump term likely would have prevented many post-presidency prosecutions and removed January 6 consequences.
- Honig says staying in power changes incentives and limits accountability while allowing chaotic governance to end after four years.
Both Parties Share Blame
- Both parties have weaponized prosecutions and overreached at times, undermining claims of spotless devotion to rule of law.
- Honig details examples where Democratic prosecutions were weak or politically driven, reducing moral authority to criticize Trump.
