Open Book with Anthony Scaramucci Jake Tapper: The Trial That Exposed the War on Terror
Oct 9, 2025
Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and best-selling author, dives into his gripping book, Race Against Terror. He discusses the unique Al-Qaeda case that challenges civil liberties and national security. Jake shares how an unexpected paintball party led him to uncover the story of Ibrahim 'Spin' Ghul, detailing the complexities of building a criminal case amidst political scrutiny. He warns of sidelining experienced prosecutors and reflects on the War on Terror's impact on American safety, emphasizing that fair trials can enhance security.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Chance Encounter Sparked The Book
- Jake Tapper discovered the story by chance when a prosecutor told him at a paintball party about the unusual case.
- That casual conversation led Jake to investigate and write Race Against Terror.
A Unique Legal Precedent
- Spengool is the only foreign terrorist tried in a U.S. criminal court for killing service members abroad as of the interview.
- That rarity makes the case historically significant and instructive about legal choices.
Prosecutor Who Told The Story
- David Bitcower, an assistant U.S. attorney in Brooklyn, led the prosecution and told the story to Jake at the party.
- Bitcower exemplified commitment to due process and building a meticulous criminal case.
