Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. Senator, thanks for being with us, Reverend. It's good to be with you once again.Now, we we're in day 11 of this government shutdown. Speaker Johnson has said the House will not convene next week. Can you update us on what, if any, progress is being made this weekend and opening the government back up.Well, look, uh, Rev, the the Republicans are feeling the heat. There are four reasons, but above all is healthcare. We have a health care crisis in ...

Political & Legal Landscape - The report highlights concerns about the potential weaponization of the Justice Department for political gain, with accusations against President Trump for allegedly encouraging investigations and charges against political opponents [1][2] - The discussion includes the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey and disputes over the role of FBI agents during the January 6th insurrection [1] - The report emphasizes the importance of the rule of law and the potential threat to constitutional order, urging the public to voice their support for a government run by law [1] Public Opinion & Political Strategy - President Trump's approval rating is at 39%, with even lower numbers on the economy, raising questions about potential distractions from unfavorable topics [2] - The report suggests that focusing on the "weaponization of the Justice Department" may be a losing strategy with the American public, as voters prioritize issues like the economy and ending wars [3][4] - Concerns are raised about the precedents being set and the potential for future administrations to use similar tactics, regardless of political affiliation [5][6][7][8] Institutional Integrity - FBI Director Cash Patel contradicted President Trump's claims about FBI agents being agitators during the January 6th insurrection, clarifying that agents were only sent in after the riot was declared [1] - The report underscores the importance of clarifying conspiracy theories harmful to the FBI and its agents [1] - The analysis stresses the need for courts to stand up and for public opinion to matter in safeguarding institutions against authoritarianism [1]

Political & Legal Landscape - The Justice Department is potentially being weaponized for political purposes, raising concerns about becoming a "banana republic" where criminal prosecution is used to intimidate enemies [7][8] - Investigations initiated by the Justice Department may be leaked to the media, with the goal of naming and shaming targets, rather than solely seeking indictments or convictions [6] - There are concerns that the pursuit of retribution could escalate, potentially leading to future administrations retaliating against their political opponents [15] Key Figures & Investigations - Individuals like Letitia James, Adam Schiff, Jack Smith, John Brennan, and James Comey, who have been involved in investigations into Donald Trump, are now legal targets of the Justice Department [1] - Ed Martin, a former U S Attorney, is leading a task force within the Justice Department to investigate perceived enemies [4] - Abbe Lowell, who has represented figures like Jared Kushner and currently represents Hunter Biden, criticizes Donald Trump's actions regarding the Justice Department [11] Potential Future Implications - The actions of the current administration could set a precedent for future administrations to use the Justice Department for political gain [15] - There are concerns that Donald Trump may claim the 2026 midterm elections are rigged if he loses control of the House or Senate [16]

Joining me now is Colorado Congressman Jason Crowe. He is a member of the Intelligence and Armed Services Committee and a former Army Ranger who served three tours of duty for which we thank you, sir. Welcome back to the show.So, Trump was showing increasing frustration with Putin. And that now he announces this one-on-one meeting and preemptively signal that he's going to give Moscow the territory that it seized in Ukraine. Do you have any hope he's going to negotiate a potential peace deal favorable towar ...

Legal Investigation & Political Context - The Justice Department is investigating the New York Attorney General's office regarding the $300 million civil fraud case against Donald Trump and his businesses, and a case against the NRA [1] - The investigation is focused on potential denial of rights, alleging that Leticia James improperly denied Donald Trump his civil rights by bringing the civil suit [10] - Legal experts consider the DOJ investigation into the state cases as highly unusual and effectively unprecedented [7][8] - Concerns are raised about the weaponization of the Justice Department for political retribution [13] Key Figures & Cases - Leticia James, the New York Attorney General, is under investigation after successfully suing Donald Trump for civil fraud and bringing a case against the NRA [1][3][5] - A civil court judge ordered Trump to pay roughly $300 million in fines, which, with interest, totals $450 million [4][12] - The case against the NRA, alleging misleading statements, was less successful for James [5] Procedural & Jurisdictional Issues - The investigation is being handled in Albany by an interim US attorney who lacks prosecutorial experience and whose appointment was rejected by judges [8][9] - Judges repeatedly affirmed the validity of the civil cases against Trump and the NRA, resulting in verdicts of liability [11] - The Trump civil liability case, resulting in a $450 million verdict, is currently up on appeal [12]