Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts

Meet Kash Patel, Donald Trump’s New Roy Cohn

Dec 7, 2024

Joyce White Vance, a distinguished law professor and former U.S. Attorney, joins the discussion about Kash Patel's potential nomination as FBI Director. Vance explores Patel's troubling history in the DOJ and his unwavering loyalty to Trump. The conversation delves into the frightening consequences of politicizing the FBI, the implications for press freedom, and the ethical challenges journalists face in a hostile environment. They also reflect on the chilling atmosphere surrounding political retribution, leaving listeners pondering the future of justice.

53:19

Episode guests

Joyce White Vance

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Kash Patel's potential nomination as FBI Director poses significant risks of politicizing the Justice Department and undermining impartial law enforcement.

The podcast highlights the crucial need for legal professionals to exhibit courage and integrity in resisting political pressures to protect democracy.

Deep dives

The Significance of the Scrimetti Case

The Scrimetti case centers on Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors, raising critical issues regarding the rights of transgender individuals and parental authority in healthcare decisions. The Supreme Court's deliberations on this case could set significant precedents affecting similar laws across the country. Legal experts emphasize the potential impact of the court's ruling on public health and individual liberties, particularly for marginalized communities. The arguments presented highlight the tension between state legislation and individual rights, making this case a pivotal point in the ongoing national conversation about transgender rights.

Intro

2min

The Implications of Kash Patel as FBI Director

14min

The Controversy of Kash Patel

7min

Loyalty and Power: A Troubling Dynamic

8min

Controversy and Cats

8min

Press Freedom Under Threat

11min

Reflections on Bravery and Community Support

4min

What do people inside the Department of Justice think about their once-colleague and possible-future-overlord, Kash Patel? On this week’s Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick is joined by former US Attorney Joyce White Vance to discuss the frightening implications of Patel's potential nomination as FBI Director under the incoming Trump administration. They explore Patel's contentious history, including his time in the DOJ, his authorship of the Nunes memo, and his bottomless loyalty to Trump. They also discuss the broader consequences of Patel’s stated desire to use the Justice Department as a tool for political retribution, including threats to journalists and DOJ officials, and what his targeted individuals can do in the face of this new, chilling reality.

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