Stay Tuned with Preet How to Investigate a President (with Elie Honig)
Sep 18, 2025
Elie Honig, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and legal analyst, shares insights from his book, *When You Come at the King*. He reveals the intricacies of special counsel investigations and discusses historical cases, from Watergate to Trump's presidency. Elie explains why independent probes are crucial for accountability and outlines the unique challenges these investigations face. Expect anecdotes, including a wild story about the mob's attempt to take down Curtis Sliwa, making for a fascinating and informative conversation.
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High-Stakes Nature Of Special Counsels
- Special counsel cases carry existential stakes for participants and can define careers and reputations.
- Elie Honig says prosecutors view these matters as the first line in their obituary because of the political and personal intensity.
Trump Changed The Investigative Calculus
- Donald Trump's approach to investigations is different in kind from prior presidents according to Elie Honig.
- Honig argues Trump promises no inward-looking investigations and vows retribution, changing the political calculus.
Fitzgerald's Narrow But Impactful Prosecution
- Pat Fitzgerald investigated the Plame leak and chose narrowly whom to charge.
- Fitzgerald indicted Scooter Libby, who was convicted but later had his sentence commuted and pardoned.
