The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: The Trials of the Trump Administration, Dec. 19
Dec 22, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Anna Bauer, Molly Roberts, Eric Columbus, and Loren Voss dissect pressing legal matters including the acquittal of Judge Hannah Dugan for obstructing immigration agents and the challenges faced by New York Attorney General Letitia James in securing indictments. They explore the intriguing reasons why grand juries have shied away from taking action against James, and delve into a denial of a temporary restraining order related to White House construction. The panel also touches on the complexities of the Sixth Circuit's ruling on firearm bans for unlawful aliens.
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Court Orders Return And Deletion Of Richmond Data
- Judge Collar Catelli found the government violated Dan Richmond's Fourth Amendment rights and ordered return and deletion of seized materials.
- The ruling complicates DOJ use of those materials and could hinder any reindictment relying on them.
Grand Juries Balk At Refiles Against Tish James
- Two later grand juries declined to indict Letitia James after an initial indictment secured by Lindsey Halligan.
- The newer indictments pared back dubious factual claims, but still face weak proof about occupancy and intent.
Why Grand Juries Refused Subsequent Indictments
- Multiple reasons may explain grand jury refusals: weaker charges, cleaner presentation by new prosecutor, different jurors, or public awareness of political influence.
- Publicity and perceived politicization likely made grand jurors less willing to return a true bill.