Podcast Summary
Legal Challenges for Trump on Multiple Fronts: Former President Trump faces criminal investigations and potential trials in Washington D.C., New York, and Georgia, which could lead to the destruction of his business empire and future fundraising abilities.
Former President Donald Trump is facing significant legal challenges on multiple fronts. In Washington D.C., a federal judge denied Trump's motion to recuse herself in a criminal case involving his attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. Special Counsel Jack Smith accused Trump of threatening to execute General Mark Milley and violating the terms of his release. In New York, a state court granted partial summary judgment against Trump and his family and businesses for engaging in a systematic fraud, potentially leading to the "corporate death penalty." The appellate division denied Trump's request to delay the trial. In Georgia, a district attorney is pursuing criminal charges against Trump and his associates, with one codefendant already pleading guilty and testifying against them. The New York attorney general's trial, set for October 2nd, could result in the destruction of Trump's business empire and his ability to raise money in the future. This comes as investigations and indictments against Trump and his associates continue, making 2024 the potential year of criminal trials.
Attempting to evade accountability can lead to significant consequences: Accountability is crucial, but individuals may try to evade it, leading to legal proceedings and potential chaos. Judges must ensure justice is served and the rule of law is upheld.
Holding individuals accountable for their actions is crucial, but the consequences of doing so can be significant. In the ongoing legal proceedings against former President Donald Trump, he attempted to get Judge Tanya Chutkan recused from his case due to her prior rulings on insurrectionists who argued they were following his orders. However, the judge rejected the recusal motion, emphasizing that she is allowed to retain knowledge from previous cases as long as she does not use it against the defendant or prejudge the case. The importance of accountability should not be overlooked, even if it leads to potential backlash. Trump's efforts to evade accountability and cause chaos are clear indicators of this. The legal process must continue, ensuring justice is served and the rule of law is upheld.
Judge's Intrajudicial Statements Protected: Judges have the power to make biased or critical statements towards defendants, and these statements do not disqualify them as long as there's no evidence of disabling prejudice.
Judges have the authority to make intrajudicial statements, even if they may seem biased or critical towards a defendant, and these statements are protected. This was exemplified in the case of Judge Chutkin's comments regarding Donald Trump, who is facing criminal charges. The judge compared this situation to the Watergate era and referenced a case where a judge, Sirica, was similarly criticized for his statements during Watergate trials but was ultimately not removed. The judge's statements did not disqualify her, as there was no evidence of disabling prejudice. The judge's role is to ensure justice is served, and her statements serve as a reminder of her authority in the courtroom.
Trump's Lawyers Oppose Gag Order, Cite False Claims: Judge may force Trump's lawyers to appear in court for making false claims about Trump's threats and Biden administration in opposition to a gag order, indicating serious consequences for their professional conduct.
During a recent hearing, Donald Trump's lawyers opposed a motion for a limited gag order in his criminal case, despite Trump's history of making threats against judges, prosecutors, and witnesses. Trump's lawyers filed a baffling opposition brief claiming Trump had never made threats before and accused the Biden administration of attacking Trump. However, special counsel Jack Smith presented evidence of Trump's threats, including a threat to execute a witness and a photograph of Trump holding a gun. Judge Chutkan expressed skepticism and may force Trump's lawyers to appear in court to defend their position. The judge's decision to require an in-person appearance is a serious sign for Trump's legal team, indicating that the judge intends to hold them accountable for their statements. The potential consequences for Trump's lawyers could be significant, as they have a professional duty to uphold the law and truthfully represent their clients.
General Milley's retirement speech emphasized the military's duty to uphold the US constitution.: Milley's statements about serving the constitution, not individuals, make him a key witness in ongoing cases against Trump.
General Mark Milley, during his retirement speech, made clear that the military serves the US constitution and not any individual, including former President Donald Trump. Milley's statements have made him a key witness in several ongoing cases against Trump, including those related to election interference and classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Trump's attacks on Milley and other witnesses have not gone unnoticed by the Department of Justice, which is currently prosecuting Trump. The judge overseeing the case has been clear that the administration of justice is her priority, and she has the power to issue a gag order to prevent outside statements that could influence the jury pool or intimidate witnesses. Trump's recent calls for the assassination and hanging of Milley have only strengthened the case for such an order.
Judge Chutkin's Determination to Keep March 2024 Trial Date: Judge Chutkin is committed to maintaining control and ensuring the March 2024 trial for Donald Trump proceeds without interference or corruption, despite potential delay tactics and threats.
Judge Chutkin is determined to keep the March 2024 trial date for the case involving Donald Trump, despite potential delay tactics and threats, due to the importance of ensuring the trial proceeds without interference or corruption. The judge's previous statements indicate that she may accelerate the trial if necessary to maintain control. The rapid trial date is a response to Trump's behavior and threats, and any attempts to delay the trial could be met with rejection from the judge. It's crucial that the trial takes place as scheduled to prevent potential appeals and further delays. The judge's commitment to upholding justice and preventing attempts to corrupt the system is evident in her handling of the situation.
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Trump Family's Property Valuation Scheme Exposed: The Trump family manipulated property values for tax and loan purposes, using different approaches for each, and face trial for fraudulent business activity.
The Trump family, including Donald Trump himself, have been accused of undervaluing their properties for tax purposes while overvaluing them for loan applications. They did this by highlighting various encumbrances and easements to tax assessors, then removing them when dealing with banks. This scheme was used across all of their properties. During a recent court hearing, Judge Angkorron reprimanded Donald Trump for his dismissive attitude towards financial statements and his belief that he could manipulate their value based on his personal whim. The New York Attorney General is currently preparing to take Trump's lawyers to trial for persistent fraud, using the powerful 6312 laws against fraudulent business activity in the state. This case builds on legal precedent established in a previous Trump case involving Trump University. The trial is set to begin on Monday, with Donald Trump expected to attend, although there are concerns about the logistics of his arrival.
New York AG obtains judgment to dissolve Trump businesses over fraud claim: New York AG secured a judgment to dissolve Trump Organization businesses, potentially leading to billions in losses and a ban on Trump and executives from serving as NY corporation officers or directors.
New York Attorney General Leticia James has obtained a judgment for the dissolution and liquidation of various Trump Organization businesses based on a persistent fraud claim, which does not require proof of intent or materiality. This judgment, worth potentially billions of dollars in ill-gotten gains and prejudgment interest, could lead to the complete destruction of the Trump Business Empire and its ability to generate new revenue. The ongoing trial also includes claims of business record fraud, conspiracy, financial statement fraud, and insurance fraud, which could result in Trump and his executives being banned from ever serving as New York corporation officers or directors again. The velocity of this legal action is significant, as the first claim was filed only a year ago and has already resulted in the cancellation of business certificates and the appointment of a receiver.
Court Imposes Severe Penalties on Trump and His Businesses: A New York court granted summary judgment against Trump and his businesses, imposing a 5-year ban on new real estate acquisitions and loans, requiring audited financial statements, and permanently barring his former CFO and controller from serving in those roles. The legal team seeks a $1 billion judgment and a ban from doing business in New York.
A New York court has granted summary judgment against Donald Trump and his businesses, imposing a 5-year ban on acquiring new real estate or getting loans, a requirement for audited financial statements, and a permanent ban for his former CFO and controller from serving in those roles. The legal team intends to pursue a "corporate death penalty," seeking remedies such as a $1 billion judgment and a ban from doing business in New York. Trump's attempts to appeal or intervene have been unsuccessful, and the case is moving towards trial. This outcome could result in the most devastating consequences for Trump's business dealings. Additionally, Trump's efforts to delay a deposition in a separate case have also been unsuccessful.
Trump Faces New York Deposition and Georgia Trial Updates: Trump's legal woes persist as he's ordered to testify in New York, while a cooperating witness prepares to testify against him and others in the Georgia election interference trial.
The legal troubles for Donald Trump and his associates continue to mount. Most recently, Michael Cohen, a former Trump attorney, was granted the right to depose Trump in the New York attorney general case, which Trump had tried to dismiss. This means Trump will have to travel to New York for a lengthy deposition, likely leading to its dismissal due to Trump's reluctance to endure such a prolonged questioning. Additionally, in the ongoing trial in Georgia involving Trump's attempts to overturn the election results, a cooperating witness, Scott Hall, has pleaded guilty and will testify against Sidney Powell and others. The defendants had requested a speedy trial, but the judge has been firm, leading to the rejection of several motions and forcing the defendants to present their arguments to the jury. The trial, involving allegations of election interference, is set to begin on October 23rd.
Judge sets trial date for up to 8 defendants in Fulton County election case: Judge denies motions for defendant Cheseborough, sets trial for late February, and reveals potential length of trial. Defendants Powell and Cheseborough face decision between plea deals and trial.
During a recent hearing in the Fulton County, Georgia election interference case, the judge announced that there could be up to 8 defendants, including Sidney Powell and Kenneth Cheseborough, going to trial on the 23rd. Powell and Cheseborough are being offered plea deals to avoid trial. The judge also denied two motions filed by Cheseborough, one to dismiss his indictment based on his role as a lawyer, and another to quash a subpoena for his emails. Cheseborough's emails with Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell are not being suppressed as evidence in the trial. The trial could potentially last for 3 to 5 months, with separate chapters dedicated to the evidence against each defendant. The outcome of Powell and Cheseborough's decision to take the plea deal or go to trial will reveal their commitment to their defense and the validity of their arguments.
Georgia Elections Investigations: Key Suspects Cooperate with Prosecutors: A suspect, Misty Hampton, and two election officials, Kathy Latham and Misty Hampton, are cooperating with prosecutors in Georgia's ongoing investigations into the 2020 Presidential Elections. Federal Judge Steve Jones is preventing cases from being moved to federal court, allowing state investigations to continue.
The ongoing investigations related to the 2020 US Presidential Elections in Georgia have seen several key developments. A suspect, who had previously filed an affidavit in support of a search warrant, was denied attempts to dismiss his case. Scott Hall, a former bail bondsman, confessed to his crimes and agreed to cooperate with the prosecutors. Misty Hampton and Kathy Latham, election officials in Coffee County, Georgia, were found to have let in individuals to access Dominion Voting System machines and lied about it later. These individuals, including Hall, are considered the weakest links in the criminal organization and are expected to cooperate further with the prosecutors. Federal Judge Steve Jones has been instrumental in keeping potential cases away from federal court, denying attempts by individuals like Misty Hampton and others to evade state investigations.
Former DOJ official's attempt to influence election results dismissed: A former DOJ official's letter claiming election fraud and urging states to delay certification was dismissed, and the individuals involved, including Trump, will not be moving to federal court.
Jeff Clark, a former Department of Justice official, attempted to influence the 2020 election results by writing a letter on department letterhead claiming that the DOJ was investigating election fraud and urging states to delay certification. However, during a hearing, the judge denied his claim that he was a federal officer and operating within his duties, leading Clark to not testify and instead submit sworn statements. The judge also dismissed the claims of the fake electors, and 19 of the coconspirators, including Donald Trump, have opted to stay in state court. The trials for some of these individuals are predicted to take place in 2024, with the earliest possible date for Trump's case being April. The judge, McAfee, is expected to preside over all cases. This means that Trump and the others will not be moving to federal court as they had planned.
Protecting democracy through engagement with the Legal AF show: Engaging with the Legal AF show supports democracy and amplifies your voice, while subscribing, leaving reviews, and purchasing merchandise contributes to its growth and impact.
Supporting democracy and following the Legal AF show are interconnected. The hosts, Michael Popok, Ben Meiselas, and Karen, discuss the intersection of law, politics, and justice in short, digestible bites. By watching, listening, and engaging with the show, you're helping to protect democracy and amplify your voice. Additionally, supporting the Midas Touch network through subscribing, listening on podcast platforms, leaving reviews, and purchasing merchandise, all contribute to its growth and impact. As Michael signs off, he encourages viewers to stay informed and involved, with a nod to Ben and the Midas Touch team.
