Trump Push to Jail Foes Takes Darker Turn—and GOP Senators Are Rattled

Trump Push to Jail Foes Takes Darker Turn—and GOP Senators Are Rattled

From THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent by Greg Sargent

June 3, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of William Pulte's appointment as acting Director of National Intelligence and the potential for a 'weaponized' national security state under his leadership.

Donald Trump just named William Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence, replacing the outgoing Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte is best known for abusing his administration position to ransack the mortages of Trump’s enemies for fake pretexts to get them prosecuted and jailed. In today’s episode, University of Michigan law professor Leah Litman argues that the office of DNI could be put to even more nefarious and “terrifying” use. Indeed, GOP Senate Majority Leader John Thune suggested it may produce a “weaponized” DNI, a striking admission of serious danger ahead. Senator Tom Cotton curtly refused to share his opinion of the choice. And other GOP Senators said Pulte is unqualified for the job. Given the DNI’s power, these objections reveal visible consternation. Indeed, MAGA figures fully expect Pulte to be turned loose on the left. Litman discusses what a “weaponized” national security state under Pulte could look like and ponders whether the rule of law will survive this presidency. Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Host: Greg Sargent

Guest: Leah Litman

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Organizations: University of Michigan, DNI, MAGA

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