S2 Ep1018: Andrew Weissmann and Patrick Gaspard: Naked Corruption
Apr 10, 2025
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Andrew Weissmann, a professor at NYU Law and former lead prosecutor for Bob Mueller, joins Patrick Gaspard, a distinguished fellow at the Center for American Progress and former U.S. ambassador to South Africa. They dive into Trump’s recent executive orders that target former officials, raising serious concerns about intimidation and government transparency. The duo also explores Trump's complicated obsession with South Africa and its impact on U.S. politics. Lastly, they discuss the ongoing challenges for the Democratic Party in addressing immigration reform amid grassroots pressures.
Trump's executive order to investigate whistleblowers signifies a disturbing trend of using government power to intimidate dissent and stifle truth.
The alignment of the Department of Justice with the White House raises serious concerns over the separation of powers and judicial independence.
Elon Musk's influence in U.S. policy showcases the troubling intertwining of personal financial interests with governmental decision-making, impacting democracy negatively.
Deep dives
Trump's Targeting of Whistleblowers
Recently, there has been a chilling development regarding former President Trump's efforts to investigate two whistleblowers from his administration, Miles Taylor and Chris Krebs. Taylor was the chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security and Krebs was in charge of cybersecurity, both of whom spoke out against Trump's false claims of election fraud. Trump issued an executive order to investigate them under the ominous banner of 'eradicating government betrayal,' which included revoking their security clearances and prompted the Department of Justice to evaluate their actions during their tenure. This marks a disturbing precedent of using governmental powers to intimidate former officials who have the courage to speak the truth, promoting a environment of fear among current government employees.
The Role of the DOJ
The involvement of the Department of Justice in this matter raises serious concerns about the separation of powers and the independence of law enforcement. Typically, the DOJ remains politically neutral, as seen in past administrations where political influence did not dictate prosecutorial direction. However, under Trump's command, the DOJ seems to align with the White House's interests, demonstrating a potent threat to the rule of law. This erosion of independence could deter future whistleblowers from coming forward, fostering a culture where dissent against the administration is not only discouraged but might result in personal and professional repercussions.
The Chilling Effect on Loyalty and Speech
The executive order against Taylor and Krebs reflects a broader strategy to instill fear within the government ranks, effectively demanding loyalty to an administration narrative that contradicts the reality of electoral integrity. The administration's actions suggest that any deviation from the official story might lead to similar investigations, which presents a direct threat to freedom of speech in government. Such tactics intentionally create a chilling effect, making individuals think twice before upholding their responsibilities as public servants dedicated to truth and democracy. This development underscores a regrettable shift where any public official who acts based on factual integrity risks retaliation.
Elon Musk and State Capture
The influence of Elon Musk in U.S. policy decisions has emerged as a critical concern, showcasing far-reaching implications of state capture. His recent forays in South African politics highlight how domestic political strategy and foreign policy can intertwine, often yielding unfavorable outcomes for the public good. Musk's financial interests, especially his proposal for Starlink in South Africa, further complicate the matters as they may clash with broader humanitarian agendas. This entanglement of personal business interests with governmental authority raises alarms over capitalism's unchecked influence in democratic processes.
Immigration Policy and Its Consequences
Current immigration policies, particularly regarding protections for certain groups, have faced scrutiny for their inequities and harshness. While white Afrikaners are provided refuge, individuals from countries like Haiti, who have experienced devastating natural disasters and political turmoil, are losing their protected status. This disconnect illustrates a troubling trend where systemic racism influences policy-making, reinforcing stereotypes and prioritizing certain demographics over others. The commentary points towards a pressing need for a re-evaluation of immigration policies, ensuring they prioritize protection for all vulnerable groups, grounded in human rights and justice.
Just before he paused the tariffs on Wednesday, an unusual spike in activity on the S&P 500 prompted speculation that Trump was orchestrating an insider trading scheme. After the markets closed, he joked with *the* Charles Schwab about how the financier had made $2.5 billion in trades that day. Meanwhile, Trump ordered the DOJ to investigate two former officials he regards as enemies—this comes on the heels of his efforts to intimidate law firms from taking on clients who oppose him. Plus, Trump's long obsession with white South Africans, and do Democrats listen too much to grassroots activist groups?
Andrew Weissmann and Patrick Gaspard join Tim Miller.
show notes
