Impolitic with John Heilemann Andrew Weissmann: The Year Just Passed & Year Ahead, Rule of Law Edition
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Jan 5, 2026 
Join Andrew Weissmann, a former federal prosecutor and key figure at the Justice Department, as he reflects on the precarious state of the rule of law in light of Trump's influence. They dissect the implications of the DOJ's handling of Epstein documents and the troubling partisan dynamics affecting legal institutions. Weissmann addresses lack of accountability in high-profile cases, the risks of lawless deportations, and the surprising resilience seen in some judges. It's a candid exploration of hope amid challenges in the legal landscape.
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DOJ's Epstein Releases Look Political And Inept
- Andrew Weissmann argues the DOJ's release timing of Epstein files showed political calculation and incompetence.
- He says delay, reversals, and selective disclosures undermine credibility and raise suspicion.
Gaps In Epstein Investigation Raise Serious Questions
- Weissmann notes many investigative gaps in the Epstein files, like missing interviews and estate records.
- He warns victims deserve more than a potentially half-hearted probe and congressional pressure forced transparency.
Post‑Watergate DOJ Norms Have Collapsed
- Weissmann says the Trump DOJ breaks the post-Watergate norm of White House-DOJ separation.
- He sees partisanship and excuses replacing independent prosecutorial judgment.