Slate Daily Feed Political Gabfest | DOJ is DOA
Nov 20, 2025
Jake Sullivan, the former National Security Advisor and co-host of The Long Game, shares insights on U.S.–Saudi relations during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's recent visit. He highlights how Saudi Arabia benefits from validation and defense partnerships, while addressing the complex dynamics around Khashoggi's murder and regional strategy. The discussion also touches on technology risks and the importance of a credible inquiry into the Epstein files, revealing the intertwined nature of international policy and domestic politics.
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DOJ Erosion Is Systemic And Intentional
- Emily Bazelon found hundreds of DOJ lawyers fired or resigned under Trump, revealing systemic degradation of norms.
- Multiple witnesses described a pattern: decide the outcome first, then hunt for legal facts to support it.
Judge Flagged Possible Perjury; Supervisors Dismissed It
- A federal programs lawyer said a judge warned of possible Rule 11 sanctions over a misleading declaration.
- Supervisors replied "NBD" which devastated career attorneys who feared professional discipline.
Short-Term Loyalty Undermines Long-Term Competence
- The damage includes targeting career prosecutors and diverting enforcement away from major laws like FCPA and FARA.
- That erosion of institutional expertise produces incompetence even on politically important prosecutions.
