The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: Jonah Bromwich on New York vs. Donald J. Trump
May 28, 2025
Jonah Bromwich, a New York Times reporter and author of "Dragon on Centre Street," dives into the aftermath of Donald Trump’s trial and conviction on felony counts. He discusses the historical significance and public indifference towards the verdict. The conversation explores the challenges of translating courtroom events to the media narrative and the chaotic dynamics of Trump’s legal battles. Bromwich also highlights missed opportunities during the trial and potential arguments in Trump’s looming appellate process concerning due process and presidential immunity.
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Dragon Energy Versus Rule of Law
- Trump embodies "dragon energy," representing chaos, shamelessness, and combativeness against institutional norms.
- This energy contrasts directly with the rule of law's institutionalism, which the book explores as a central theme.
Scooping Trump Indictment
- The New York Times reporters anticipated Trump's indictment by tracking courthouse personnel's patterns closely.
- They identified key movements like the grand jury warden's arrival, enabling them to break the indictment scoop before Trump's own team knew.
Alvin Bragg’s Cautious Prosecution
- Prosecutor Alvin Bragg decided not to proceed with an initial charge due to evidentiary weaknesses and concerns.
- His approach reflected a departure from previous practices, emphasizing a cautious and reform-minded prosecution style.