Ben Wittes

Ben Wittes, editor of Lawfare, and Michael Feinberg, a former top FBI deputy, dive into the FBI's internal turmoil. They discuss how political pressures, including an enemies list from Kash Patel, are reshaping the Bureau, detracting from its core national security mission. Feinberg shares personal anecdotes about the impact of friendships on careers within the agency. The duo also addresses the deteriorating morale among agents, the bizarre conspiracies surrounding high-profile cases, and the complexities of U.S. military aid to Ukraine.

Ben Wittes, Editor-in-chief and co-founder of Lawfare, joins the conversation to dissect the unfolding saga of Jeffrey Epstein. They explore the unusual meeting between Deputy AG Todd Blanche and Ghislaine Maxwell, and the implications of such encounters. The conversation also tackles the battle over unsealing grand jury testimonies and the firing of Maurene Comey. Furthermore, they delve into the credibility of Tulsi Gabbard’s treason allegations against Obama and discuss classified information mishandling by the Department of Defense.

Ben Wittes, Editor-in-chief of Lawfare and governance studies fellow at the Brookings Institution, dives deep into the complexities of due process amidst government actions against immigrants like Abrego Garcia. He discusses Judge Boasberg's firm stance against defiance in legal rulings and critiques the administration's inconsistent narratives surrounding key figures, including Vladimir Putin. Wittes emphasizes the importance of judicial accountability and the intricate balance between executive power and civil liberties, shedding light on the real human stories behind legal battles.

Ben Wittes, Editor in Chief of Lawfare and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, joins the conversation to dissect the embarrassing dynamics between Trump and Putin. They analyze how Trump’s phone call turned into a master class in vulnerability, with Putin rejecting his ceasefire proposal. The discussion probes into the possible implications of Chief Justice John Roberts’s criticisms of Trump and reflects on the alarming trend of silencing the Voice of America, revealing deep concerns about U.S. power and integrity in international politics.

Ben Wittes, Editor-in-chief of Lawfare and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, delves into the chaos of current legal politics. He discusses the Trump administration's questionable actions, including who’s really running the show behind DOGE. Wittes highlights the troubling changes within the FBI, pointing out how political appointments could affect agency morale and public safety. They also touch on the complexities of U.S.-Ukrainian relations, introducing a new podcast that explores these vital foreign policy dynamics.

Legal experts Ben Wittes and Ron Filipkowski discuss Trump's legal troubles, Russia's election interference, and the organized crime-like behavior of Trumpworld. The podcast explores the guilty verdict on Trump, the impact on voter groups, and the implications of his jail prospects.

Ben Wittes, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and Editor-in-Chief of Lawfare, delves into the precarious state of U.S. foreign policy post-Trump's summit with Putin. He shares a humorous yet surreal anecdote of chalking a Ukrainian flag outside the Russian embassy, highlighting the absurdity of police reactions. The discussion critiques the implications of diplomacy with dictators and the troubling state of the Department of Justice amidst political turmoil, alongside a focus on the growing militarization of law enforcement in Washington, D.C.

Former FBI Director James Comey and Ben Wittes discuss integrity, principles, and the Trump trial. Comey talks about choices made in 2016 and maintaining integrity. Ben updates on the Trump trial and praises Judge Merchan's fairness

Daniel Kehlmann, a German-Austrian novelist, delves into his novel 'The Director,' exploring the complex moral landscape facing artists under oppressive regimes. He reflects on G.W. Pabst's controversial return to Nazi Germany and the human costs of artistic creation. Ben Wittes, a legal expert, discusses the convoluted logic of international law in warfare, including the legality and ethical implications of drone strikes in asymmetric conflicts. The conversation challenges listeners to think critically about art, ethics, and the laws governing modern warfare.

An activist filmmaker discusses undercover recordings of Supreme Court justices and their spouses. Ben Wittes predicts a presidential immunity ruling and praises Amy Coney Barrett. Discusses criminals Trump associates with and Justice Alito's controversial speech.