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    BONUS: Alex Wagner Tonight with Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell

    enFebruary 17, 2024

    Podcast Summary

    • Trump's Brand: Myth vs. RealityTrump's brand as a symbol of success and wealth has been a significant factor in his business and political career, despite numerous failures and controversies.

      Donald Trump's brand has been a significant part of his perceived success throughout his business and political career. Despite numerous business failures, Trump managed to sell himself as a business genius and a symbol of wealth. He leveraged this image to promote himself and his businesses, and later, his political campaign. However, the reality often contradicted the myth. Trump's businesses have faced bankruptcies, lawsuits, and scandals, yet he continued to present himself as a successful entrepreneur and a valuable brand. This perception proved effective in his political career, as he became the 45th President of the United States. However, it's important to note that the Trump brand's value has been a subject of controversy and criticism.

    • Trump Ordered to Pay $450 Million for Inflating Net WorthJudge orders Trump to pay over $450 million in penalties, bar him from leadership roles for 3 years, and appoint an independent monitor due to deceitful net worth inflation.

      Justice was served in New York City as a judge ordered Donald Trump to pay over $450 million in penalties for inflating his net worth for a decade. Trump's deceit not only misled the public but also tricked banks and insurance companies. The judge's decision includes barring Trump from leadership roles in New York companies for three years, appointing an independent monitor, and an independent director of compliance. This ruling emphasizes the importance of upholding the integrity of the financial marketplace and protecting the public. Trump's refusal to admit error necessitated these measures to prevent future cheating. This case highlights the significance of enforcing the rule of law, especially against individuals who have publicly expressed disdain for the judiciary and the American system of government.

    • Judicial Branch Stands Strong Against Trump's Anti-Democratic ActionsThe judicial branch, through recent rulings against Trump, has shown its crucial role in defending democracy against authoritarian actions, potentially imposing significant financial penalties on Trump's future campaigns.

      The judicial branch of government, upheld by judges like Donald Trump's current adversaries, is a crucial defense against authoritarianism in the face of Donald Trump's anti-democratic actions. This was exemplified in the recent verdict against Trump in a civil case, which, while predictable, carried significant weight due to the potential financial implications for Trump's future presidential campaign. Trump's conduct, as ruled by the judge, was deemed outrageous, and he may face substantial financial penalties from ongoing lawsuits. These financial burdens, potentially reaching billions, raise concerns for the future of a Trump presidency and the impact on democracy. The judicial branch continues to stand strong as a safeguard against Trump's assault on democratic norms.

    • Legal issues surrounding Trump have wide-ranging implicationsUncertainty surrounds Trump's civil and criminal trials, with potential consequences including financial penalties, foreign involvement, and home confinement, raising ethical concerns about corruption and accountability in public life.

      The ongoing legal issues surrounding Donald Trump and his organization have significant implications for democracy, transparency, and the rule of law. The financial penalties Trump may face could lead to complex entanglements and potential foreign involvement in American politics. The outcome of the civil and criminal trials against Trump remains uncertain, but it's unlikely they will be resolved before the election. Regardless of the election outcome, Trump is expected to face the consequences of these cases, which could include home confinement. The ethical and moral implications of these issues are also important, as they raise concerns about corruption and accountability in public life.

    • Legal system taking a firm stand against Trump's fraudulent practicesThe legal system is taking serious actions against Trump's business dealings to protect the financial marketplace and public trust.

      The legal system is taking a firm stand against Donald Trump and his company's pattern of fraudulent practices, not just for the sake of punishment, but to protect the integrity of the financial marketplace and the public as a whole. Despite Trump's attempts to downplay the significance of the penalties and ongoing criminal cases, the legal rulings and Judge Angouren's ruling in particular, make it clear that this is not a victimless crime. The public may view these actions as a serious concern, especially given Trump's past legal issues with Trump University, his foundation, and personal liabilities for sexual assault and fraud. The accumulating evidence of Trump's business dealings raises questions about his trustworthiness to run a company, let alone lead a country.

    • Donald Trump's legal troubles and unwavering bond with supportersDespite legal troubles, Trump's supporters remain loyal due to his image as a successful businessman and his refusal to settle lawsuits, potentially impacting GOP challengers and the party's infrastructure during the election year.

      The unshakable bond between Donald Trump and his supporters, built on his image as a successful businessman, remains strong despite his legal troubles. Trump's promise to not accept campaign contributions and his refusal to settle lawsuits have become symbols of his independence, even as he faces significant financial penalties. This loyalty may not help him at the margin in key electoral college states, but it could impact the calculations of potential Republican challengers. The more significant issue is the potential impact of Trump's legal battles on the Republican Party and its infrastructure during an election year where he may make the rule of law a central campaign issue.

    • The future of the American justice system and the role of RepublicansThe legal battles involving Trump and his associates raise concerns about the future of the US justice system and the potential for enabling actions that undermine the rule of law. Republicans may join Trump in this crusade, despite the potential consequences for the country.

      The ongoing legal battles involving Donald Trump and his associates, including the potential destruction of court rulings and the rule of law, raises significant questions about the future of the American justice system and the role of Republican politicians in enabling Trump's actions. The American justice system, not Joe Biden, is the real enemy in Trump's campaign, but it remains to be seen if Republicans will join him in this crusade. The Trump operation thrives on an audience incapable of separating fact from fiction, and elected officials are fearful of losing their voter base that worships Trump. The upcoming trials and potential consequences for those involved in the court system are critical issues for the country, regardless of the election outcome. We will explore these topics further with Suzanne Craig, an expert on Trump's finances, and Leonid Volkov, a close friend of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Stay tuned.

    • Donald Trump's Significant Financial ChallengesTrump faces over $440M in damages and legal fees from lawsuits, potential additional costs from investigations, and IRS audits, with uncertainty about his ability to pay.

      Former President Donald Trump faces significant financial challenges following multiple high-profile legal cases and lost business deals. These include over $440 million in damages and legal fees from defamation and sexual abuse lawsuits, as well as potential additional costs from ongoing investigations and IRS audits. Trump's financial situation was already precarious when he entered the White House, with many business partners leaving due to his derogatory remarks about Mexicans. Since then, he has sold some assets and had other sources of income, but still faces enormous financial pressures. An independent monitor, former Judge Barbara Jones, has been appointed to oversee the Trump Organization's financial dealings and ensure compliance with the law. The full extent of Trump's ability to pay these debts remains uncertain.

    • Trump Organization Faces Oversight After Tax Fraud ConvictionThe Trump Organization is undergoing increased scrutiny and potential asset sales due to a criminal tax fraud conviction. Meanwhile, the GOP's silence on Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's death highlights the difference between real and imagined political persecution.

      The Trump Organization's business practices are under heavy scrutiny and supervision following their conviction in a criminal tax fraud case. The company, which was known for its fast and loose operations, now faces serious oversight, including a monitor reporting to the court and potential asset sales. The future of Trump Tower and other businesses may look different as a result. Meanwhile, the persecution and death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has highlighted the stark contrast between political persecution and the alleged persecution claims made by former President Trump and the modern-day Republican party. The lack of condemnation from the GOP leadership towards Navalny's death underscores the distinction between real and imagined political persecution.

    • Republican Figures Praising Putin's Authoritarian RegimeDespite Putin's alleged involvement in Navalny's poisoning and death, some GOP figures continue to praise his leadership, raising concerns for democratic values and human rights.

      The praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his authoritarian regime is spreading among certain Republican figures in the United States, including Tucker Carlson and Senator Tommy Tuberville. Carlson's interview with Putin and subsequent defense of his leadership have raised concerns, especially in light of Putin's alleged involvement in the poisoning and subsequent death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Despite the risks, Navalny had returned to Russia in 2021, knowing he would be arrested, and his death in prison has shocked many. Ambassador McFaul, a friend of Navalny, expressed his disbelief at Putin's actions and the support for Putin in the GOP, emphasizing the importance of standing up for democratic values and human rights.

    • Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's death sparks global outrage and promises of action against RussiaGlobal community reacts to Navalny's death with outrage, US takes initial steps, Putin's role in imprisonment and possible poisoning raises concerns, investigation unlikely to yield answers, standing up for freedom and democracy crucial

      The world is grappling with the shocking news of the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was allegedly poisoned and imprisoned by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The global community, including the United States, is expressing outrage and promising action against Russia. The US has already taken some steps, such as seizing Russian assets and increasing aid to Ukraine. However, the true test will be if these actions are followed through and if there will be further consequences for Putin. Trump's silence on the matter is also notable. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the exact cause of Navalny's death, it is clear that Putin played a role in his imprisonment and possible poisoning. The investigation into the truth of his death is unlikely to yield answers due to the nature of Putin's Russia. This tragic event underscores the importance of standing up for freedom and democracy in the face of authoritarian regimes.

    Recent Episodes from Prosecuting Donald Trump

    ‘A Dessert Topping and a Floor Wax’

    ‘A Dessert Topping and a Floor Wax’

    There has been a slew of hearings before Judge Aileen Cannon in the Florida documents case over the past few days, and veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord examine why some of these seem like unnecessary delays. Then, why Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg is asking for the limited gag order to continue in New York as Donald Trump awaits sentencing. And lastly, Mary and Andrew game out some scenarios as we hurry up and wait for the Supreme Court to decide on presidential immunity.

    Also, an exciting announcement! On Saturday, September 7th, MSNBC will be hosting a live event in Brooklyn called “MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024”. It will be your chance to hear thought-provoking conversations about the most pressing issues of our time, and to do so in person with some of your favorite MSNBC hosts. You can also take part in a sit-down dinner for an insider’s view of the upcoming election. Visit https://www.msnbc.com/DEMOCRACY2024 to learn more.

    Trigger Avenue

    Trigger Avenue

    This week, MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dive deep into several pending motions, including Jack Smith’s pre-trial motion to modify Trump's conditions of release in the Florida documents case, which would effectively impose a gag order, just under a different legal principle. Plus: Trump’s push to end the post-trial gag order in New York. And what's at issue in the suppression motion also filed in Florida that Judge Cannon will hear next Tuesday. Last up: a preview of Fischer v. United States, a pending Supreme Court case that could have a trickle-down effect on Trump’s DC case.

    Note: Listeners can send questions to: ProsecutingTrumpQuestions@nbcuni.com

    Post-Trial and Pre-Trial

    Post-Trial and Pre-Trial

    Former President Trump awaits his sentencing in New York, but he wants the gag order lifted in the meantime. Is that typical? Veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down that motion, and the mechanics of sentencing in the lead up to July 11th. They also highlight Attorney General Merrick Garland’s recent op-ed calling for an end to escalated assaults on our judicial system in the wake of Trump’s verdict in Manhattan. Last up, Andrew and Mary scrutinize Judge Cannon’s schedule revisions for several motions in Florida documents case, and analyze the significance of Georgia racketeering case being stayed pending appeal.

    Further reading: Here is Attorney General Merrick Garland’s OpEd in the Washington Post that Andrew and Mary spoke about: Opinion- Merrick Garland: Unfounded attacks on the Justice Department must end

    Note: Listeners can send questions to: ProsecutingTrumpQuestions@nbcuni.com

    BONUS: Season 2 of “Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra”

    BONUS: Season 2 of “Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra”

    As a bonus for listeners, we’re sharing a special preview of the second season of the award-winning original series, “Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra.” In the chart-topping second season, Rachel Maddow returns to uncover the shocking history of the ultra-right’s reach into American politics. Listen to the entire first episode now, and follow the show to get the whole series: https://link.chtbl.com/rmpust_fdlw. You can also subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for early access to every episode the Friday before it drops, and ad-free listening to all episodes of Ultra seasons one and two.

    The Disinformation Campaign

    The Disinformation Campaign

    It’s been less than a week since the jury reached a verdict in Donald Trump’s criminal trial and the political spin on the result is dizzying. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord seek to debunk several claims entered into the public discourse, especially around the Department of Justice being involved in a state case and that the trial was somehow ‘rigged’. They also address some breaking news out of Wisconsin, where Kenneth Chesebro, Jim Troupis and Michael Roman were criminally charged in that state's  fake elector scheme. Then, Andrew and Mary review the latest in Florida after Special Counsel Jack Smith refiled his motion to bar Trump from making statements that endanger law enforcement.

    Note: Listeners can send questions to: ProsecutingTrumpQuestions@nbcuni.com

    BONUS: Witness to History

    BONUS: Witness to History

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    In Closing

    In Closing

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    "The E-mail Speaks for Itself"

    "The E-mail Speaks for Itself"

    Ahead of Tuesday’s closing arguments in the first ever criminal trial of a former president, MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord detail Tuesday’s crushing cross examination of Robert Costello by Susan Hoffinger, and what it means for the defense’s attempt to undermine Michael Cohen’s credibility. Then, what listeners should infer from the charging conference- as this determines what the jury can deliberate on. And big picture: what each side needs to accomplish in their respective closing arguments.

    130,000 Reasons

    130,000 Reasons

    Donald Trump’s defense team rested on Tuesday without calling the former President to the stand. But some crucial points were made before the conclusion of Michael Cohen’s cross examination that veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord explain in depth. They also weigh in on some courtroom tactics that worked and others that didn’t go over well from both the prosecution and the defense. Plus, Andrew and Mary detail some of the gambits used by defense witness Robert Costello that were admonished by Judge Merchan.

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