Rational Security: The “A Terrorism Briefing From a Goldendoodle” Edition
Mar 31, 2024
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Lawfare's Tyler McBrien and Daniel Byman discuss the Moscow terrorist attack and its ISIS-K connection, Trump's upcoming trial, and Judge Aileen Cannon's decisions. The episode covers national security news with insightful analysis.
The ISIS-K attack in Moscow reveals global threats, Russian security vulnerabilities, and intelligence failures.
Trump's legal challenges include delays, defense strategies, and substantial financial gains raising questions about his legal troubles.
The Truth Social IPO success, Trump's financial obligations, and ongoing legal cases highlight his character, behavior patterns, and judicial challenges.
Deep dives
Rosenstein and Juresek Discuss Moscow Terror Attack by ISIS-K
In the episode, Rosenstein and Juresek discuss the deadly terrorist attack by ISIS-K against a concert hall outside Moscow. They analyze the implications of the attack, including how it reflects on ISIS-K and its potential threats beyond regional borders such as Europe and the United States. The discussion also highlights Russia's security failures and the intelligence warnings received prior to the attack, raising concerns about the handling of the situation.
Trump's Trial Delay and Judge's Response to Defense Strategy
The delay of Trump's trial and the defense's strategy to obtain a press pass in New York City are outlined in this segment. It includes insights from the courtroom where Justice Murchson expressed impatience with Trump's lawyers, particularly towards repetitious arguments. The episode delves into the complexities of the legal proceedings, highlighting the judge's firm stance on addressing prosecutorial misconduct allegations.
Truth Social IPO and Trump's Financial Gain
The third segment covers the unexpected success of Truth Social's IPO despite its limited user base and infrastructure. Trump's substantial financial gain from the IPO, valuing his stake at $4.5 billion, raises questions about the platform's inflated valuation. The episode explores the challenges Trump may face in managing his assets to meet financial obligations, especially concerning a significant bond requirement in the ongoing legal proceedings.
Importance of the Case Involving Trump
The case involving Trump's payment to cover up negative information and ongoing campaign finance violations sheds light on his character and leadership style. The allegations of trying to influence an election, falsifying records, and continuous deceit reflect a pattern of behavior that indicates a willingness to do anything to win. Additionally, the case's direct link to the Access Hollywood tape emphasizes Trump's treatment of women and the role of masculinity in his appeal.
Challenges and Confusion in the Legal Process
The legal proceedings surrounding the case face challenges and confusion, particularly highlighted by Judge Eileen Cannon's unconventional orders and rulings. Questions arise about the trial timeline and the interpretation of laws such as the Presidential Records Act, conveying a sense of disarray in the legal process. The unusual jury instruction request and complexities in handling classified information contribute to the uncertainty surrounding the case's progression and potential outcomes.
This week on Rational Security, Alan and Quinta were joined again by Lawfare Managing Editor Tyler McBrien and Lawfare Foreign Policy Editor Daniel Byman—also of Georgetown University and the Center for Strategic and International Studies— to talk over the week’s national security news, including:
“Terror in Moscow.” On Friday, March 22, a group of gunmen unleashed an attack on a concert hall outside Moscow that killed over 130 people, shooting into a crowd of concertgoers before setting the hall on fire. The Islamic State in Khorasan, the Afghanistan branch of ISIS known as ISIS-K, quickly claimed credit for the attack, and Russian authorities have arrested four suspects. The Kremlin, without evidence, has also continued to hint that Ukraine is somehow responsible. What does the attack tell us about ISIS-K, and what does it mean for the Russian government?
“April, Come She Will.” After a brief delay, Donald Trump’s hush money trial in Manhattan has been scheduled to begin on April 15—the first of Trump’s criminal cases to go to trial. Meanwhile, a New York appeals court threw Trump a lifeline, reducing his appeal bond in the civil fraud case against him from half a billion dollars to $175 million. Will ol’ Donny Trump be able to wriggle out of this jam once again?
“Come On, Aileen.” Judge Aileen Cannon is at it again down in Fort Pierce, Florida. As she presides over Trump’s classified documents case, motions are piling up on her desk without any sign of a ruling, and she issued a strange, convoluted order instructing both parties to “engage with” potential jury instructions reflecting unusual readings of the Presidential Records Act in relation to the Espionage Act. Just what is Judge Cannon doing? And how, if at all, can Jack Smith respond?
