Rational Security: The “Forbidden Fruit” Edition

About this episode

The episode discusses recent developments in national security and the implications of Trump's nominations and actions within the Department of Justice and other agencies.

This week, Scott was joined by his Lawfare colleagues Benjamin Wittes, Michael Feinberg, and Molly Roberts to talk through the week’s big news in national security, including: “Blanche Check.” DOJ may soon have a new permanent leader, as President Trump has now formally nominated Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to the role permanently. But to secure Trump’s support, Blanche has indulged some of Trump’s most concerning instincts, as evidenced by the attempt to establish an anti-weaponization fund for Trump allies and renewed indictments of figures like former FBI Director James Comey. Meanwhile, DOJ has seen scandal after scandal during Blanche’s tenure over the rapidly declining quality and credibility of its work, exemplified most recently by evidence of grand jury tampering, arguably, in the Broadview Six prosecutions. What should we expect of DOJ under a confirmed Blanche? And how enduring will some of the harm that may result be for the department? “Tinker, Tailor, Realtor, Spy.” President Trump’s decision to dual-hat Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte—a man with no national security experience, who is best known for using his role at the FHFA to…

People in this episode

Host: Scott

Guests: Benjamin Wittes, Michael Feinberg, Molly Roberts

Topics covered

• national security
• Department of Justice
• Trump administration
• political reactions
• surveillance authorities

Keywords

• national security
• Department of Justice
• Trump
• Bill Pulte
• surveillance
• political reactions
• grand jury tampering

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Department of Justice, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Congress

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