Logo

    The Disjointed Joint Status Report

    enSeptember 03, 2024
    What was the main topic of the podcast episode?
    Summarise the key points discussed in the episode?
    Were there any notable quotes or insights from the speakers?
    Which popular books were mentioned in this episode?
    Were there any points particularly controversial or thought-provoking discussed in the episode?
    Were any current events or trending topics addressed in the episode?

    Podcast Summary

    • Trump legal proceedingsTrump's legal team and special counsel disagree on how to proceed with the Manhattan case, with the former seeking to move it to federal court and the latter opposing the request. The disagreement was evident in a recent joint status report.

      The parties in the ongoing prosecution of Donald Trump, specifically the special counsel and Trump's legal team, are at odds over how to proceed in the wake of a superseding indictment and the Supreme Court's opinion on immunity issues. The most recent joint status report, while labeled as such, is more of a disjointed filing with the parties disagreeing on key aspects such as the scheduling of hearings and the jurisdiction of the case. Trump's legal team is seeking to remove the Manhattan case to federal court, but this request has been made before and was previously denied. The next step in the process involves a scheduling conference before Judge Chutkin on Thursday, where the parties will present their arguments for how the case should move forward.

    • Trump's ImmunityThe Supreme Court is deciding if Trump's alleged criminal actions involve official acts, granting him immunity. Special Counsel Jack Smith is preparing to argue against it, with potential election implications.

      The legal proceedings against Donald Trump for alleged criminal activity are still in the early stages, with the focus currently on pretrial motions. The Supreme Court has remanded the case back to the district court to determine whether the charges involve official acts, granting Trump either absolute or presumptive immunity. Jack Smith, the special counsel, is prepared to file a brief outlining why the indictment's allegations do not apply to official acts and will introduce additional evidence in support of the charges. The government intends to prove that the evidence of official acts cannot be used for unofficial acts, except for those already in the public record. The danger for Trump is that a detailed filing could reveal damaging information ahead of the election. The prosecution aims to address potential legal issues upfront, while Trump seeks to delay the filing until after the election.

    • Trump legal team argumentsThe Trump legal team is using recent Supreme Court ruling on executive privilege to request new discovery and Brady info, plans to dismiss based on unconstitutional appointment, but must cite a DC Circuit case or face consequences, proposes schedule with key deadlines in September and November

      The legal team for former President Trump is raising several issues in the ongoing investigation led by Special Counsel Jack Smith. They argue that new discovery and Brady information could emerge due to a recent Supreme Court ruling on executive privilege. Additionally, they plan to file a motion to dismiss based on Smith's unconstitutional appointment. However, they have not cited a binding DC Circuit case in their filing, which is required by the rules, and could face consequences for failing to do so. The team also plans to propose a schedule for the proceedings, with key deadlines set for September 30th and November 8th. The stakes are high, as these legal arguments could significantly impact the outcome of the investigation.

    • Trump's legal team strategyTrump's team is proposing an earlier-than-usual motion to dismiss based on presidential immunity, while the special counsel suggests a traditional approach. The government is challenging both the indictment and the nature of the proof, leading to a complex legal process.

      The ongoing legal battle between Trump's team and the special counsel, Jack Smith, regarding the indictment against Trump involves a significant difference in strategy. Trump's team is proposing to file their motion to dismiss based on presidential immunity earlier than usual, while the special counsel is suggesting a more traditional approach where the defense responds first. This shift in strategy is due to the unique aspects of this case, as the government is not only challenging the indictment but also the nature of the proof they intend to use. Trump's team argues that they should be informed of this evidence beforehand but prefers that the information not be made public. This back-and-forth highlights the complexities and nuances of the legal process in high-profile cases.

    • Trump's obstruction chargesSpecial Counsel Jack Smith is focusing on Trump's physical removal of electoral ballots during the Capitol riots to amplify obstruction charges, following the Department of Justice's stance after the Fisher case.

      Special Counsel Jack Smith is amplifying the obstruction charges against Donald Trump regarding the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots by focusing on the physical removal of electoral ballots during the proceedings. Smith's move is consistent with the Department of Justice's stance after the Fisher case, which narrowed the scope of obstruction charges to tangible or concrete acts. Judge Chucken is expected to rule on the immunity issues first, but the question of a "mini trial" for factual disputes remains unclear. Trump's team has requested the government to re-review Brady and discovery obligations and file other motions, which are not considered unreasonable by Smith. However, Trump is likely to fight against any paper filings to prevent sensitive information from being made public before the elections.

    • Trump's team removal attemptDespite the Supreme Court decision, Trump's team failed to remove NY criminal case to federal court due to late filing and lack of opposing counsel consent

      Donald Trump's team attempted to remove the New York criminal case to federal court for a second time, but the motion was rejected due to the lack of consent from opposing counsel and the court. The main reason for this late filing was the Supreme Court's decision on Trump's immunity, which Trump argues is official conduct related to the prosecution and justifies removal under the removal statute's good cause provision. However, Trump would have had a stronger argument if he had filed the motion immediately after the Supreme Court decision. The timing of the filing raises questions about the validity of the removal attempt.

    • Trump's legal attempt to move caseTrump is attempting to move his ongoing criminal case from state to federal court to potentially delay proceedings and get a more favorable judge, using arguments based on immunity, federalism principles, and a Supreme Court case limiting deference to federal agencies.

      Former President Donald Trump's latest legal move to remove his ongoing criminal case from New York state court to federal court is a desperate attempt to delay the proceedings and potentially get a more favorable judge. Trump's filing includes arguments based on immunity, federalism principles, and a Supreme Court case that limits deference to federal agencies in interpreting federal law. The main objective seems to be delaying the case rather than picking a different judge, as Judge Hellerstein, who Trump would get if successful, is known for his experience and tough stance. The arguments for immunity and federal officer removal are not new, but the case Trump cites for limiting deference to federal agencies could potentially impact the interpretation of federal election law in Trump's case.

    • Trump's legal proceedingsTrump's team filed for removal petition and request stay of sentencing, DA opposes, potential impact on timing of sentencing, possibility of appellate avenues

      The legal proceedings surrounding Donald Trump's criminal case in Manhattan continue to unfold, with Trump's team filing for a removal petition and requesting a stay of his sentencing date. The District Attorney responded by stating that there is no stay in effect while a removal petition is pending, allowing the judge to decide on the immunity motion and Trump's request to delay sentencing. The outcome of these decisions could potentially impact the timing of Trump's sentencing, which is currently scheduled for September 18. The legal team also mentioned the possibility of appellate avenues if the judge does not rule in their favor. The political and legal tracks of this case seem to be coming to a head, and we will continue to monitor the developments closely.

    Recent Episodes from Prosecuting Donald Trump

    Special preview: Season 2 of “Velshi Banned Book Club”

    Special preview: Season 2 of “Velshi Banned Book Club”

    MSNBC's Ali Velshi gives a special preview of the second season of the “Velshi Banned Book Club.” Book banning is happening more and more. Removing literature from library shelves, school syllabi, and summer reading lists isn’t just blatant censorship; it is the tip of the sword that threatens American democracy itself. In this preview, Ali reflects on why this issues is so personal for him and his family. Listen to the first two episodes now and follow the series: https://link.chtbl.com/vbbcs2_fdlw

    Subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple podcasts for access to episodes one week early, plus ad-free listening, and bonus content from this and other shows.

    Prosecuting Donald Trump
    enSeptember 12, 2024

    MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024

    MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024

    We’re thrilled to share a mashup of our MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024 event that we recently held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The whole day was a celebration of you, our viewers and listeners. It was the first of its kind in-person, interactive experience. We so enjoyed meeting so many of you. But if you couldn’t join us in person, you’re in luck – we’re sharing key conversations in this episode. For more, be sure to check out our TV special airing Saturday, September 14th at 9 p.m. ET. For your reference, here are timecodes for the sessions included here:

    Claire McCaskill, Jen Psaki, and Andrea Mitchell 0:01:30-0:31:23

    Chris Hayes & Kate Shaw 0:31:36-0:51:20

    Andrew Weissmann & Ari Melber 0:51:25-1:12:53

    Rachel Maddow & Lawrence O’Donnell 1:13:13-1:45:45

     

    A Tale of Two Courtrooms

    A Tale of Two Courtrooms

    There was a lot of movement late last week in Donald Trump’s ongoing criminal cases in DC and New York, but with very different results. Veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord review last Thursday’s status hearing in Trump’s DC election interference case and break down the new deadlines set in Judge Chutkan’s scheduling order. Then, they dig into the nuance of Judge Merchan’s decision to push back the date of Trump’s sentencing, as well as delaying his ruling on how immunity applies to the case until after the November election. And before winding up today’s episode, Mary and Andrew give their uniquely informed take on the DOJ’s actions regarding Russian efforts to interfere and influence the 2024 election.

    Want to listen to this show without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. As a subscriber you’ll also be able to get occasional bonus content from this and other shows.

    The Disjointed Joint Status Report

    The Disjointed Joint Status Report

    Last Friday’s joint filing in the DC election interference case before Judge Chutkan highlighted the deep chasm between Special Counsel Jack Smith and Trump’s legal team when it comes to how to proceed after the immunity decision. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord give their unique perspective on what both sides offered up and which arguments hold merit. Then, they head to New York to detail the second effort by Trump’s legal team to remove the hush money case to federal court, weeks before his scheduled sentencing before Judge Merchan.

    *** A note: Shortly after this episode was recorded, the federal judge denied leave to Mr. Trump to file removal papers after determining that no good cause for the late filing had been shown and removal to federal court was not warranted. Next stop: Trump can appeal that denial to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

    Also to listeners:  MSNBC Live Democracy 2024 is now sold out. Thank you for everyone who signed up to join us this weekend. And if you didn’t manage to grab a ticket, we’ll be posting selections of Saturday’s conversations as a podcast next week, so keep an eye out for that.

    The DC Superseder

    The DC Superseder

    Sooner than expected, it’s our 100th episode! In the latest event triggered by SCOTUS’ ruling on presidential immunity, special counsel Jack Smith has filed a superseding indictment in the election interference case against former President Donald Trump. So in an extra episode for you this week, former prosecutors Mary McCord and Andrew Weissmann weigh in on what’s been added and struck from the prosecution’s allegations, Jack Smith’s strategy, and what this means for the case moving forward.  

    Read the new superseding indictment and accompanying filing, along with last year’s original indictment.  

    Want to listen to this show without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. As a subscriber you’ll also be able to get occasional bonus content from this and other shows.

    And be sure to grab your tickets for MSNBC Live Democracy 2024 on Sept 7th! Join fellow fans and viewers for an event connecting you with MSNBC's most trusted hosts and experts. Rachel Maddow, Steve Kornacki, Andrew Weissmann and many more. All in one place. All live on stage. All in one day.

    Now playing in the 11th Circuit

    Now playing in the 11th Circuit

    In an attempt to revive the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case thrown out by Judge Aileen Cannon last month, Special Counsel Jack Smith has now filed a brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals, a day early no less. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord discuss Jack Smith’s arguments in the brief asserting that Judge Cannon had wrongfully ruled the special counsel had been appointed illegally. Then, looking ahead at proposals in the January 6 case expected to be filed later this week. And we take some of your listener questions!  

    Following this recording, it was reported that Jack Smith revised his indictment in the January 6th case to address the Supreme Court's ruling on immunity. A procedural filing is still expected this coming Friday, August 30th.

    Was J6 a Precursor?

    Was J6 a Precursor?

    As Donald Trump’s sentencing date approaches, he and his lawyers are throwing all the spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down the former president’s request to adjourn his sentencing until after the election, and the Manhattan DA’s response. Then, ProPublica reporter Joshua Kaplan joins for a deep dive into his reporting on unlawful American militia groups. Andrew and Mary talk with him about the threat these paramilitary groups pose, how they’ve used Trump’s denial of the election results for recruitment and spreading their ideology, as well as the dangers of collaboration with law enforcement.    

     

    Here is Josh Kaplan’s ProPublica investigation: Armed and Underground: Inside the Turbulent, Secret World of an American Militia. (Included is a response from Meta about the use of Facebook as a recruitment tool.)

     

    Also a note: We're expecting a joint filing in the DC case next Tuesday, so we’ll release our episode on Wednesday so Mary and Andrew can detail what's in that filing. 

    Four Ring Circus

    Four Ring Circus

    After Judge Tanya Chutkan raced back to the starting line in former President Trump’s DC election interference case, Special Counsel Jack Smith asked for a reporting extension to ensure the government can make its case within the new immunity parameters. Veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord analyze the reasons behind this delay, then offer some scheduling updates in Trump’s other criminal cases in Florida, Georgia and New York. Plus: a look at why Vice President Harris is choosing her words carefully when it comes to her opponent’s ongoing criminal matters.

     

    Want to listen to this show without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. As a subscriber you’ll also be able to get occasional bonus content from this and other shows.

     

    And be sure to grab your tickets for Sept 7th: Join fellow fans and viewers for an interactive experience connecting you with MSNBC's most trusted hosts and experts. Rachel Maddow, Steve Kornacki, Jen Psaki, Andrew Weissmann and many more. All in one place. All live on stage. All in one day. https://www.msnbc.com/Democracy2024 

    The Ball is Back in Chutkan’s Court

    The Ball is Back in Chutkan’s Court

    Judge Chutkan is not allowing any grass grow under her feet after Trump’s DC election interference case was sent back to her courtroom. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord review her hearing schedule set to begin next week, and offer some detail on her denial of Trump’s motion to dismiss the case on selective and vindictive grounds. Then, the fallout from the Supreme Court’s immunity decision continues to echo, as Trump era DOJ official Jeffrey Clark is the latest to try for proceedings against him to be thrown out based on the High Court’s ruling. And lastly, a peek at Jenna Ellis’ cooperation in the Arizona elector case and some listener questions.

     

    Want to listen to this show without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. As a subscriber you’ll also be able to get occasional bonus content from this and other shows.

     

    And be sure to grab your tickets for Sept 7th: Join fellow fans and viewers for an interactive experience connecting you with MSNBC's most trusted hosts and experts. Rachel Maddow, Steve Kornacki, Jen Psaki, Andrew Weissmann and many more. All in one place. All live on stage. All in one day. https://www.msnbc.com/Democracy2024 

    The Floodgates are Open

    The Floodgates are Open

    What aspects of a president’s conduct are considered ‘official acts’? This is a live issue in several of Donald Trump’s criminal cases. Veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord detail Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s response brief to Donald Trump’s argument that the immunity ruling should impact his New York verdict. Then, they remind us of Mark Meadows’ indictment in Georgia as part of the RICO conspiracy case. Citing the immunity decision, Meadows has now petitioned the Supreme Court to review the previous 11th Circuit denial to move his case from state to federal court. And lastly, after the High Court’s immunity decision, the DC January 6th case heads back to Judge Tanya Chutkan's courtroom later this week, where briefing will begin to sort through what is considered official, versus personal conduct.

    And be sure to grab your tickets for Sept 7th: Join fellow fans and viewers for an interactive experience connecting you with MSNBC's most trusted hosts and experts. Rachel Maddow, Steve Kornacki, Jen Psaki, Andrew Weissmann and many more. All in one place. All live on stage. All in one day. https://www.msnbc.com/Democracy2024