The Bulwark Podcast S2 Ep1018: Andrew Weissmann and Patrick Gaspard: Naked Corruption
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Apr 10, 2025 
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.
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Intimidation Tactic
- Trump's DOJ investigations into former officials aim to intimidate current officials.
- The message is clear: toe the line or face similar consequences.
Institutionalizing Corruption
- Trump's open targeting of critics is an attempt to institutionalize corruption within the DOJ.
- Unlike Nixon's subtle approach, Trump's is blatant, aiming to normalize this behavior.
Past DOJ Independence
- Post-Watergate, presidential interference with DOJ investigations was unheard of.
- Andrew Weissmann cites the Enron investigation as an example of proper conduct.
