This episode discusses the testimony of Matthew Calamari Jr. before a grand jury investigating the Trump Organization's financial practices, the potential conflict of interests with his father and their shared attorney, and the implications for the ongoing investigation. It also covers Donald Trump Jr.'s defamation case, the requests for communication records related to the January 6 insurrection, and the guilty plea of the 'QAnon Shaman'. The chapter descriptions explore various legal aspects, including charges, leaking of grand jury information, defamation laws, subpoena power, and sentencing factors.
The New York grand jury is investigating whether the COO of the Trump Organization had a financial arrangement similar to the one that led to the indictment of the former CFO.
Donald Trump Jr.'s defamation case will proceed, and proving actual malice on his part may be challenging considering his reputation and the context of his statement.
Deep dives
Investigation into Trump Organization Financial Practices
The New York grand jury investigating the financial practices of the Trump Organization subpoenaed Matthew Calamari, Jr., an employee of the organization, and interviewed a senior Trump Organization finance official. The grand jury is looking into whether Calamari, Sr., the COO of the Trump Organization, had a financial arrangement similar to the one that led to the indictment of Alan Weisselberg, the former CFO, for providing illegally untaxed compensation to employees. The investigation is ongoing, with the possibility of further indictments.
Defamation Lawsuit Against Donald Trump Jr.
Donald Trump Jr. has been sued for defamation by Don Blankenship, a former CEO of a coal mining company. Trump Jr. referred to Blankenship as a felon in a tweet, even though Blankenship was acquitted of felony charges and convicted of a misdemeanor related to mine safety compliance issues. The judge has allowed the defamation claim to proceed, deeming the tweet a potentially false statement of fact. However, proving actual malice on Trump Jr.'s part, considering his reputation and the context of his statement, may be challenging.
Preservation of Records in January 6 Investigation
The special committee investigating the January 6 riot has issued a request to various communication companies, instructing them to preserve relevant records. This includes metadata indicating who communicated with whom, as well as the content of text messages and emails. The committee has not yet demanded the release of these records, but the preservation request has drawn backlash and concerns about privacy and future investigations. The extent of Congress's subpoena power and the potential limits imposed by law enforcement and constitutional considerations are expected to be points of litigation.
Sentencing of Jacob Chansley, the QAnon Shaman
Jacob Chansley, known as the QAnon Shaman, has pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding before Congress in connection with the January 6 riot. He has agreed to a sentence ranging from 41 to 51 months. Chansley's notable appearance and defiant behavior likely factored into the higher recommended sentence. The prosecution's goal of deterrence and the need for institutional credibility contribute to the desire for a visible and impactful punishment. Chansley's fame and public persona make it difficult for him to recast his image and mitigate his sentence.
Trump Organization employee Matthew Calamari Jr. testified last week before the New York grand jury that’s looking into the financial practices of the Trump Organization. It’s the same grand jury that indicted then-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg a few months ago. What should we make of the details that have been reported about this subpoena? And there’s also one big problem: both Matthew Calamari Jr. and his father, Matthew Calamari Sr., work at the Trump Organization, and they have the same attorney. Is it possible they have adverse interests? And how would the judge handle that situation?
Also: Donald Trump Jr. faces a legal setback in the defamation case brought against him by Don Blankenship. Donald Trump Jr. called Blankenship a “felon” while Blankenship was running for office but Blankenship isn’t a felon. He was acquitted of felony charges and was convicted of a misdemeanor. Blankenship sued Trump Jr. and Trump Jr.’s lawyers sought to have the case dismissed, but U.S. District Judge John Copenhaver Jr. rejected that last week and allowed the case to move forward. Was it a tough call for the judge? Did the lawyers make good arguments? And what makes somebody felonious? And why is “felonious” such a good adjective?
Plus: more on the requests from the House select committee for communications records of lawmakers related to the January 6 insurrection, and the very recognizable horn-and-fur-wearing “QAnon Shaman” a.k.a. Jacob Chansley has pleaded guilty to a single felony count of obstructing an official proceeding before Congress. As part of his plea, he acknowledged he may face between 41 and 51 months in jail. Is that set in stone? Does it reflect that the government believes there's more to be worried about with him?
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