Andrew Weissmann Thinks Donald Trump Can Be Held to Account
Summary
Jane Mayer interviews former Mueller prosecutor Andrew Weissman about holding Trump accountable amid eroded DOJ independence. Weissman argues that Trump’s self-dealing tax immunity deal is legally invalid and that personal crimes remain prosecutable despite recent immunity rulings. He advocates for structural reforms, such as stricter grand jury standards and laws penalizing political lies, to prevent future authoritarian overreach.
Topics discussed
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Introduction and upcoming interview themes
Andrew Weissman on Trump's legal immunity
Executive orders targeting lawyers and law firms
Transformation of the Justice Department
Loss of DOJ independence and career staff resistance
Break and sponsors: PolicyGenius and Wayfair
Congressional powers and grand jury standards
Accountability post-immunity ruling
Trump's tax audit settlement and validity
New Yorker Radio Hour promo and sponsors
Proposing laws to penalize lying politicians
Defamation suits and institutional reforms
Future corruption prosecutions and conclusion
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