Serious Trouble (private feed for patcutty@gmail.com) Serious Trouble (private feed for patcutty@gmail.com)

If You Can’t Trust Michael Cohen, Who Can You Trust?

Aug 27, 2026 · 42m

Summary

Ken White and Josh Barrow analyze Janine Pierro’s unusually low federal conviction rate in D.C., attributing it to politically motivated cases and strategic errors. They discuss recent civil appeals, including reduced punitive damages for Alex Jones, a First Amendment victory for James O’Keefe, and a rare defamation loss for The New York Times. The episode also covers Ghislaine Maxwell’s failed habeas petition, Michael Cohen’s recantation, and legal battles over White House construction and the Kennedy Center’s renaming.

Topics discussed

Janine Pierro's low conviction rate and DOJ staffing issues Alex Jones Texas defamation appeal and punitive damages cap Project Veritas v. O'Keefe: First Amendment and fraud claims NY Times defamation verdict regarding Alabama player Ghislaine Maxwell's failed habeas corpus motion Michael Cohen's recantation and potential pardon Supreme Court administrative stays and shadow docket norms Kennedy Center name removal and demolition threats
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