Prosecuting Donald Trump

Yesterday, the Supreme Court heard arguments over Donald Trump?s claim of presidential immunity, which will have implications beyond whether he is shielded from criminal prosecution in the January 6th case. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord go deep on what arguments to pay attention to. This, as the New York trial wraps up a week of testimony from former AMI CEO David Pecker. And an analysis of the latest indictment related to election interference in the 2020 election, this time from Arizona.

Donald Trump?s lawyers argue before the Supreme Court that he should be granted immunity for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Hear every word of the oral arguments in a case with potentially huge implications for Trump, the 2024 election and the nation?s rule of law. 

This week, Donald Trump?s New York criminal trial began in earnest with opening statements and testimony from former AMI CEO, David Pecker. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down the essence of the openings from both sides and how the statements will illuminate aspects of the trial in the coming weeks. Plus, Judge Merchan admonished the defense in Tuesday morning?s gag order hearing, saying that they were ?losing all credibility?, but reserving a decision on the issue. For now. And looking ahead, Andrew and Mary weigh in on the questions they hope to hear in Thursday?s oral arguments before the Supreme Court to decide whether Donald Trump?s presidential immunity claim holds water.

For further reading: here is the article Andrew wrote with his colleague Ryan Goodman in Just Security Questions the Supreme Court Should Ask at Thursday?s Oral Argument on Presidential Immunity

And a sincere thanks to all our listeners for voting in the Webby Awards! Prosecuting Donald Trump won the 2024 Webby Awards for both the Crime & Justice podcast category and was the Crime & Justice People's Voice winner.

The twelve-person jury has been seated in the New York criminal case against Donald Trump. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord detail the latest alleged gag order violations and give insights into the jury selection process. Then, they analyze District Attorney Alvin Bragg?s own words, through his Statement of Facts submitted in the State of New York against Donald J Trump, with excerpts read by acclaimed actors Glenn Close and Robert De Niro.

On Monday, jury selection began in what is the first and potentially only criminal trial former President Trump may face before the November election. Veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord detail the jury selection process and what to track about the motions being filed, including one to hold Trump in contempt for violating a gag order. And they look at arguments before the Supreme Court in the Fischer case, in which a January 6th rioter is challenging a lower court ruling that he obstructed an official proceeding.

A very special thanks to renowned actor Robert De Niro for reading an excerpt from the New York criminal indictment. You?ll hear his voice throughout the trial as relevant portions of these documents arise.

Also, a reminder that Prosecuting Donald Trump and Into America have been nominated for Webby Awards! And MSNBC needs your help to win. Voting is open until April 18th. Check out vote.webbyawards.com to vote for both shows.

After the first day of jury selection in the New York criminal case before Judge Juan Merchan, Ari Melber leads special coverage on what?s at stake and what to expect in the coming weeks. This is the first-ever criminal trial of a former president, and to break down the historic significance, Ari is joined by Rachel Maddow, Andrew Weissmann, and other special guests. Listen to the full coverage here.

As a bonus for listeners, we?re sharing the first episode of a special series from ?Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast,? called ?WITHpod 2024: The Stakes.? For the first time since 1892, we have an election in which both candidates have presidential records. It?s a unique chance to take a hard look at what both Joe Biden and Donald Trump have actually done as president. Chris Hayes talks to experts about both candidates? records on specific policy areas. This week, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council, joins to unpack immigration policies under Trump vs. Biden, the state of the asylum system, and more. Follow and listen to the whole series: https://link.chtbl.com/withpod_tsfd

Donald Trump is on the precipice of his New York criminal trial, a historical first for a former president. Veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord give a primer on the who, what, when, where and why of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg?s case, as both sides prep for jury selection. Then they head to Florida, where tensions are elevated between Special Counsel Jack Smith and Judge Aileen Cannon over jury instructions and Judge Cannon?s handling of that case. 

For further reading, as Andrew and Mary mentioned in this episode, here are United States District Judge Royce Lamberth?s Notes for Sentencing for a defendant named Taylor James Johnatakis. Johnatakis was sentenced to 87 months for his role in the January 6th attack on the Capitol.

Also, a reminder that Prosecuting Donald Trump and Into America have been nominated for Webby Awards! And MSNBC needs your help to win. Check out vote.webbyawards.com to vote for both shows.

With the New York trial looming, veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord set the table for what to expect: anticipating more delay tactics from Trump?s legal team, and the importance of Judge Merchan?s gag order reinforcement and clarification. They also look at several bar hearings held to decide whether John Eastman and Jeffrey Clark, among others, should lose their law licenses after their efforts to subvert the 2020 election results. 

For further reading, here is the Just Security article Andrew referenced in this episode: Trump?s Promise to Free Jan. 6 Inmates in DC Jail ? Almost All of Them Assaulted Law Enforcement Officers.

Also, some exciting news! Prosecuting Donald Trump and Into America have been nominated for Webby Awards! And MSNBC needs your help to win. Check out vote.webbyawards.com to vote for both shows.

Former President Trump was back in a New York courtroom on Monday, as Judge Merchan set a mid-April trial date for the hush money case against him brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord set expectations as the countdown to jury selection begins. Then, they turn to the appeals court decision, where Trump?s bond payment was reduced to $175 million in the New York civil fraud case. Lastly, Andrew and Mary survey what to keep an eye on at the Supreme Court when it comes to his appeal on presidential immunity.

Veteran federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann welcomes back his colleague and co-author Melissa Murray for the second in this special two-part series of Prosecuting Donald Trump. Their book: The Trump Indictments: The Historic Charging Documents with Commentary, collects the four unprecedented indictments against Donald Trump and features extensive commentary from the co-authors.

Andrew and Melissa share some takeaways from the Florida classified documents case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith and the Georgia election interference case brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Both are criminal indictments facing the former president.

This episode also features excerpts from these two indictments, read by renowned actors Peter Coyote and Renée Elise Goldsberry.

Veteran federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann welcomes his colleague and co-author Melissa Murray for a special two-part episode of Prosecuting Donald Trump. Their new book: The Trump Indictments: The Historic Charging Documents with Commentary, collects the four unprecedented indictments against Donald Trump and features extensive footnotes, commentary and a cast of characters from the co-authors.

In this first episode, Andrew and Melissa listen to audio of the indictments as recorded by acclaimed actors Glenn Close and Liam Neeson. Andrew and Melissa share insights from two of the four criminal indictments facing the former president: the DC election interference case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith, and the New York case against Donald Trump, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. 

Delays persist in several of the cases against former president Trump, including in the New York case that was set to begin next week. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord detail what led to the delay in receiving documents from the U.S. Attorney in Manhattan. They also review Judge Cannon?s decision on Trump?s motion to dismiss the Florida documents case based on ?vagueness? in the Espionage Act. Then, Andrew and Mary turn to the Georgia ruling that led to the resignation of lead prosecutor Nathan Wade. Plus, Monday's news that the former president can?t find an insurance company to underwrite his $464 Million bond for the judgement in his NY civil fraud case.

Tonight on MSNBC?s one hour special on ?The Trump Indictments:? MSNBC Legal Analysts Andrew Weissmann and Melissa Murray cover the latest developments in Donald Trump's criminal cases and reflect on whether the American justice system has so far proven it can meet the challenge of Donald Trump?s attempts to destroy democracy. Also, Rep. Jaime Raskin explains the anti-democratic tactics Trump and Republicans are using to influence the 2024 election. Plus, MSNBC?s Chris Hayes weighs in on the media's role in the event that the voters get to render a verdict on Donald Trump before a jury does. Also joining the conversation: Melissa Redmon, Amy Lee Copeland, Leah Litman and Kate Shaw.

In a last-ditch effort to delay, delay, delay- Donald Trump?s legal team submitted a motion on Monday to pause the New York trial on election interference (a.k.a. the ?hush money? case) until the Supreme Court decides on immunity. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break that down, and how it differs from the motion to dismiss the Florida classified documents case. Then, they highlight the $91 million bond posted by the former president in the E. Jean Carroll case, as he appeals that decision. And a look behind the curtain as Special Counsel Robert Hur testifies before the House Judiciary Committee about his report on Biden?s handling of classified documents. Lastly, on the radar: an Arizona grand jury issues subpoenas in that states? fake elector scheme.  

After the settlement in Wisconsin over the fraudulent electors scheme, veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord analyze the importance of what came to light as a result of the litigation against James Troupis, Kenneth Chesebro and 10 ?alternate? electors. Mary was part of the team arguing the case and gives expansive context to the ongoing efforts to overturn the 2020 election. They then turn to the Supreme Court?s decision on the Colorado ballot issue, and why, despite a unanimous vote, there may be dissension in the ranks. And they wrap up with a look at the timing of the Florida documents case and Trump?s former CFO Allen Weisselberg?s guilty plea on federal perjury charges.

The Supreme Court of the United States announced Wednesday that they'll take up former President Donald Trump?s claims for immunity, throwing yet another delay into Trump?s DC trial. Veteran prosecutors Mary McCord and Andrew Weissmann explain the High Court?s order, what options the justices have, and what Special Counsel Jack Smith can do to get to trial before the election.

The nation continues to watch for a decision from the Supreme Court on both the Colorado ballot issue and Trump?s presidential immunity claim. In the meantime, MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord detail the flurry of motions filed by Trump?s lawyers in the Florida classified documents case in an effort to have the case thrown out. This, as Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg filed his own motions, including asking for a partial gag to keep the former president from talking about witnesses, potential jurors and court staff. Plus: Andrew and Mary catch up on dual decisions from Judge Engoron and Judge Kaplan denying Trump a stay of judgement in his civil trials, meaning he?s got 30 days to pay, or the plaintiffs can start seizing assets.

Court watchers are closely monitoring two decisions from the Supreme Court: a ruling on Trump?s motion to stay the decision on immunity from the DC Circuit and whether the former president is disqualified from appearing on Colorado primary ballot. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord detail what to watch for there, and review Judge Engoron?s nearly $450 million decision in the civil fraud case. Plus: takeaways from the testimony of Fani Willis and Nathan Wade late last week. 

Judge Arthur Engoron has fined Donald Trump more than $350 million in damages in the former president's civil fraud case. Trump is also barred him from running businesses in New York for three years. Trump said on Friday that he would appeal the decision. Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell join for a special episode of Alex Wagner Tonight to discuss the ruling. For more coverage, visit msnbc.com.

In a last-ditch effort for total immunity, former President Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to pause proceedings in the DC election subversion case while the high court decides whether to take up his appeal. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord discuss the merits of Trump?s arguments and how the court may proceed. They also weigh in on the latest out of Judge Cannon?s Florida courtroom, as a flurry of activity is happening in the classified documents case.

Veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord gather for an additional episode this week to share their insights and takeaways from Thursday?s oral arguments before the Supreme Court. At issue: whether former President Trump can be barred from Colorado?s Republican primary ballot due to the 14th Amendment?s insurrection clause. Then, a review of Special Counsel Robert Hur?s report on the classified documents found in President Biden?s possession, and why, despite no charges filed against him, the report may be damaging.

The Supreme Court heard arguments today in the unprecedented case that could threaten former President Donald Trump?s eligibility to appear on the primary ballot in Colorado. Listen to the full hearing here. 

On Tuesday, the US Appeals Court for the DC Circuit unanimously ruled that former President Trump is not immune from prosecution as it relates to his actions after the 2020 election. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord detail what the decision means and what happens next. This, as we await Thursday's oral arguments before the Supreme Court to decide if Trump can be kept off Colorado?s primary ballot due to the 14th amendment?s insurrection clause. Also on tap: movement in the Florida classified documents case, Fani Willis and Nathan Wade respond in Georgia and Allen Weisselberg considers a plea deal.

The clock is ticking as the country awaits some significant legal decisions in the coming days and weeks: when will Special Counsel Hur release his long-awaited report on President Biden?s handling of classified documents? How will Judge Engoron rule in the New York civil fraud case? And what will the DC Circuit decide when it comes to presidential immunity? MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord review these questions and what to glean from the E. Jean Carroll verdict and the damages awarded. Plus: a veteran federal judge issues a sharp rebuke of those who are trying to re-write the history of the January 6th attacks.

Note: this episode contains a graphic description of sexual assault.

The second defamation trial brought by writer E. Jean Carroll began last week and brought with it outbursts inside and outside the courtroom from the former president. MSNBC legal analyst Andrew Weissmann was in the courtroom last Thursday. He and co-host, veteran prosecutor Mary McCord, break down this case and what they?re watching for as they await a decision on the presidential immunity claim from the DC Circuit. Also on deck: Andrew and Mary?s take on Trump?s rhetoric that President Truman needed total immunity from prosecution to use the A-bomb, and so does he.

The second defamation trial brought by writer E. Jean Carroll began today just hours after Trump won big in the Iowa Caucuses. All this happening days after Trump lashed out at the judge during closing arguments in the New York civil fraud case. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down the latest developments and what they?re watching for as they await a decision on the presidential immunity claim from the DC Circuit.

Today, the DC Circuit heard oral arguments from Trump?s lawyers and Special Counsel Jack Smith?s team over a crucial question: does presidential immunity protect Trump from prosecution for anything he did or actions he took while in office? Veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord review the arguments and the pushback from the three-judge panel. Plus, a look at the Supreme Court deciding to hear the Colorado ballot issue, and what else is on Andrew and Mary?s prosecutorial radar. 

Former President Donald Trump appeared in federal court Tuesday morning as his lawyers argued that he is immune from prosecution on charges to overturn the 2020 election. Listen to the full hearing here. 

In late December, the Supreme Court declined Special Counsel Jack?s Smiths request to hear whether Trump is immune from prosecution in the 2020 election subversion criminal case ? at least, for now. Meanwhile, several states are reviewing Trump?s ballot eligibility under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dig into the latest updates in their first episode of 2024.

At the end of every episode of Prosecuting Donald Trump, we ask you to submit your questions and today, we finally have a chance to answer some of them. As we?re all reflecting on the year ahead, Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord answer your questions about 2023?s legal landscape and what?s to come in 2024. 

For the first time in history, the 14th Amendment has been used to disqualify a presidential candidate from running for office. In this special breaking news episode, MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord react to the Colorado Supreme Court?s decision to disqualify former president Donald Trump from the state?s 2024 presidential ballot under the Constitution's insurrection clause. Andrew and Mary discuss what the court?s decision means and the potential fallout. Note: Trump?s legal team intends to appeal the decision. 

A federal jury in Georgia ordered Rudy Giuliani to pay $148 million in damages to two election workers who sued him for defamation. Can ?America?s Mayor? survive a penalty of that size? Michael Gottlieb, the lawyer representing the election workers, joins MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord to break down the jury?s decision. Plus, Andrew and Mary discuss former president Trump?s immunity appeal in the DC case, including why the federal judge overseeing the case agreed to pause all proceedings. 

Former president Donald Trump renewed his efforts to delay the DC election subversion case by asking for a halt in all proceedings while his appeal on presidential immunity moves through the courts. Meanwhile, Special Counsel Jack Smith is pushing to keep the trial on schedule by bringing the issue before the Supreme Court. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down Smith?s strategy and what this could mean for the former president?s other criminal cases. Plus, they discuss news out of Wisconsin where ten fake Donald Trump electors settled a civil lawsuit admitting their actions were part of an effort to overturn the 2020 election.

In what could be his most consequential legal defeat yet, a federal judge rejects Donald Trump?s claims of presidential immunity in his 2020 election case. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down what this ? and a similar ruling in a parallel civil case --could mean for the ex-president. Plus, they'll talk GA where Trump?s lawyers say he shouldn?t be tried until 2029 if he wins next year?s election.

Donald Trump?s Thanksgiving threats take center stage as judges in NY and DC decide whether to reinstate his two gag orders. Plus, we?ll dig deeper into Trump?s charade of victimhood as he tries to get his federal election case in DC dismissed. All this, as Andrew and Mary celebrate 50 episodes of the pod!

Donald Trump?s team and the U.S. government squared off in a DC appeals court over his latest attempt to undo a gag order issued against him in his federal election subversion case. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down Trump?s claims and which way they think the three-judge panel is leaning. Plus, a judgein Colorado denies a motion to keep Trump off the ballot there in 2024 ? but why some say the ruling is still a bad one for the former president.

For nearly 2 ½ hours a three-judge panel grilled Donald Trump?s team and the U.S. government over whether a gag order imposed on the former president in his federal election subversion case unfairly limits his speech. Listen to the entire thing here.

Donald Trump Jr was back on the witness stand on Monday testifying as the defense?s first witness in the New York civil fraud trial. Meanwhile, Trump?s trial in the Florida classified documents case remains on schedule for now, but with a caveat his team claims as a victory. And a group of media outlets is pushing for cameras in the courtroom in the DC trial. (Note: separate from that motion, NBCUniversal has submitted its own independent motion to broadcast the trial.) MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord tell you what you need to know. 

Donald Trump took the witness stand Monday in the biggest moment of his civil and criminal trials thus far. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dig into some of his big admissions and how badly he may have hurt himself. Plus, we?ll get into the former president?s latest efforts to delay his federal trials and the new criticism facing Judge Aileen Cannon in the FL documents case.

In a special episode of How to Win 2024, Andrew Weissmann joins Jennifer Palmieri and the West Wing?s Bradley Whitford to break down what Donald Trump?s hellish legal week could mean for the presidential race. Jen and Bradley also dive into the week?s 2024 winners and losers ? including how a surprise primary challenge against President Biden could play out.  

A hugely consequential week ahead for Donald Trump as a trial in CO begins to determine if he?s eligible to be president again after Jan. 6th. Plus, he and his 3 oldest kids get set to testify over the next week in the NY fraud trial that threatens their business empire. Plus, the former dean of NYU Law School, Trevor Morrison, joins Andrew & Mary for an in-depth look at Trump?s attempt to dismiss the DC election interference case against him over claims of presidential immunity.

In this emergency episode, MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dig into the explosive development that Mark Meadows was reportedly granted an immunity deal in the federal election case ? and what it could mean for Donald Trump. Plus, another ex-Trump lawyer pleads guilty in GA and pledges her full cooperation -- on the same day Michael Cohen lobs bombshell after bombshell from the witness stand in Trump?s NY civil fraud trial.

Donald Trump raising some eyebrows after claiming Sidney Powell was never his attorney. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dig into what that could mean for his defense. Plus, Trump?s fraud trial resumes in NY this week after the judge threatened to throw him in jail the next time he violates a partial gag order.

A federal judge has barred Donald Trump from attacking witnesses, prosecutors and court staff in his D.C. election interference trial. This is the second protective order issued against the former president in just two weeks. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dig into that -- plus, why everyone should be keeping a close eye on the GA trial for two of Trump?s co-defendants.

Bombshell new reporting alleges that Donald Trump revealed sensitive information about U.S. nuclear submarines to a member of his Mar-a-Lago club. So why hasn?t Jack Smith charged him with that ? and can it be brought into the case now? MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dig into that and some other big developments in the DC election case.

We?re live at NYU Law School! MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord are joined by special guest and former dean of NYU Law Trevor Morrison. They discuss Trump?s new gag order, presidential immunity and take questions from the audience.

Donald Trump is in court this week for the civil fraud trial that could threaten his business empire. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dig into what exactly is at stake for Trump and how his attacks on the NY attorney general and judge could impact his other cases.

Debate guru Ron Klain joins Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri on their new podcast ?How to Win 2024? to discuss the winners and losers of the 2nd GOP debate and what it could mean for President Biden?s re-election campaign. Plus, the House Republicans? impeachment effort that voters want nothing to do with. Listen each week and click here to follow the show.  

Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord join MSNBC host Chris Hayes for the first stop on his ?Why Is This Happening?? podcast tour at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin. They dig into the latest on the cases against Donald Trump, including their predictions about whether the ex-president will be convicted of any crimes before Election Day 2024.