Troupis, Chesebro & Trump
In a riveting new episode of "Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News," join legal experts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord as they dissect high-profile cases intersecting the legal and political arenas. They lend their insight into the sentencing of Allen Weisselberg, who has been embroiled in tax fraud controversies related to the Trump Organization. Weisselberg faces both a guilty plea in a fraud case and perjury charges, placing his credibility in question, especially regarding a key criminal trial in New York.
In addition to analyzing Weisselberg’s entanglements, the speakers delve into the forthcoming criminal trial of former President Donald Trump concerning payments to Stormy Daniels. This marks Trump's first criminal trial, where the legitimacy of his actions during the 2016 election is contested. The episode also scrutinizes the outcome of settlements in the alternate elector scheme in Wisconsin, unveiling a web of deception tied to fraudulent pro-Trump electors—a narrative with far-reaching consequences that contributed to the events of January 6. This discussion not only clarifies the legal proceedings but also casts a revealing light on the overarching impact of these developments on American democracy.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Mar 6, 2024 episode of the Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News
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1-Page Summary
Sentencing and guilty plea of Allen Weisselberg, CFO of the Trump Organization
Allen Weisselberg, the Chief Financial Officer of the Trump Organization, pleads guilty to tax conspiracy and is sentenced to five months in jail. This comes after the Trump Organization is convicted of tax fraud by a jury in New York. Weisselberg is also a civil defendant in a fraud case against the Trump Organization and himself, where he is found liable. Furthermore, he pleads guilty to perjury for lying under oath in depositions related to the civil case. This guilty plea casts doubt on his usefulness as a witness in the defense's strategy for the impending criminal trial initiated by District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Upcoming criminal trial of Trump in New York related to Stormy Daniels payments
Donald Trump faces his first criminal trial in New York, accused of running an election interference scheme to obscure payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election. Experts Andrew and Mary will analyze the intricacies of the approaching trial, providing insight into the legal strategies, potential defenses, and the broad implications on Trump's future.
Wisconsin alternate elector scheme and settlement with lawyers James Trupas and Kenneth Chesbrough
The alternate elector scheme in Wisconsin results in settlements with lawyers James Troopas and Kenneth Chesbrough, who were part of a civil case involving fraudulent pro-Trump electors during the 2020 election. The case targets electors who claimed to represent Wisconsin voters despite Joe Biden winning the state. With settlements reached in December 2022, these electors agree not to serve or submit fraudulent votes in the future. Troopas and Chesbrough provide a trove of emails and texts as part of their settlements, revealing early planning and coordination with the Trump campaign and Rudy Giuliani. These documents explain the origin of a false narrative that led to violence on January 6 and link to the fraudulent elector scheme charges in the federal criminal case against Trump.
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Clarifications
- Weisselberg's guilty plea may impact his credibility as a witness in the criminal trial, potentially weakening the defense's strategy. His admission of guilt to charges like tax conspiracy and perjury could raise doubts about his reliability and truthfulness on the stand. This could affect the defense's ability to rely on his testimony to support their case.
- The alternate elector scheme in Wisconsin involved individuals falsely claiming to be electors for Trump despite Biden winning the state. Settlements with lawyers Troopas and Chesbrough revealed coordination with the Trump campaign and Giuliani. These settlements included agreements not to participate in future fraudulent voting activities. The scheme's connection to a false narrative and the federal criminal case against Trump was highlighted through evidence provided by the lawyers.
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Sentencing and guilty plea of Allen Weisselberg, CFO of the Trump Organization
Allen Weisselberg, the Chief Financial Officer of the Trump Organization, has been sentenced to five months in jail over his involvement in a tax scheme within the company.
Pleaded guilty to tax conspiracy as part of the Trump Organization 15 months ago
Weisselberg pleaded guilty to a tax conspiracy that implicated the Trump Organization. This comes after the Trump Organization itself was found guilty of tax fraud at a jury trial in New York.
Trump Organization criminally convicted of tax fraud at trial by jury in New York
The conviction of the Trump Organization for tax fraud was a significant development, signaling the conclusion of the trial which put the financial practices of the organization under scrutiny.
Weisselberg sentenced to 5 months in jail
For his part in the conspiracy, Weisselberg received a sentence of five months' incarceration.
Weisselberg is civil defendant in fraud case against Trump and Trump Organization, found liable
In addition to the criminal case, Weisselberg is also entangled as a civil defendant in a fraud lawsuit against both himself and the Trump Organization, where he has been found liable.
Weisselberg pleaded guilty to perjury for lying under oath in depositions in civil case
Weisselberg has admitted to committing perjury by lying under oath during his depositions in the civil case. This plea highlights the ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Sentencing and guilty plea of Allen Weisselberg, CFO of the Trump Organization
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Weisselberg's perjury in the civil case means he lied under oath during his depositions related to the lawsuit. This admission undermines his credibility and raises questions about his truthfulness in legal proceedings. It can impact the outcome of the civil case and potentially lead to further legal consequences for Weisselberg. The perjury could also affect his role as a witness in other legal matters, including upcoming criminal trials.
- Weisselberg's guilty plea, particularly for perjury, could make it challenging for the defense to present him as a credible witness in the upcoming cr ...
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Upcoming criminal trial of Trump in New York related to Stormy Daniels payments
In less than three weeks, New York will witness the first criminal trial of Donald Trump, focusing on an alleged election interference scheme to obscure payments to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election.
First criminal trial of Trump himself
The upcoming trial marks a significant legal challenge for the former president, as it represents the first instance where Trump himself stands trial for criminal charges. The case centers on accusations that he orchestrated an illegal operation to prevent damaging information from surfacing right before the election.
Involves charges related to election interference scheme to pay off Stormy Daniels during 2016 election
The charges allege that Mr. Trump and his team were involved in a scheme to pay off Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, in an effort to keep her from speaking publicly about an affair. It is claimed that this was done to avoid influencing voters and that the records of these payments wer ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Upcoming criminal trial of Trump in New York related to Stormy Daniels payments
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The charges against Trump relate to an alleged scheme to conceal payments made to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, during the 2016 election. It is claimed that these payments were made to prevent her from disclosing information about an alleged affair with Trump. The charges suggest that the payments were disguised and falsely documented to hide their true purpose, potentially constituting illegal election interference. The trial will focus on whether Trump orchestrated this operation to influence the election outcome.
- Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, was allegedly paid off to keep quiet about an affair she had with Donald Trump. The payments were made to prevent the affair from becoming public knowledge and potentially i ...
Counterarguments
- The trial may not necessarily be a significant legal challenge for Trump if his defense team is able to effectively counter the charges.
- The term "election interference" could be contested as a characterization of the alleged actions, as the defense might argue that the payments were a private matter and not directly related to election interference.
- The notion that the trial is a first instance of Trump standing trial for criminal charges could be downplayed by pointing out that many public figures face legal scrutiny and that this does not necessarily imply guilt.
- The accusation of orchestrating an illegal operation could be met with the argument that Trump's actions were within legal bounds and that any payments made were not intended to break the law.
- The defense might argue that the payments to Stormy Daniels, even if made, were not necessarily intended to influence the election but rather to protect personal reputation and priva ...
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Wisconsin alternate elector scheme and settlement with lawyers James Trupas and Kenneth Chesbrough
Mary McCord details the results of legal actions addressing an alternate elector scheme in Wisconsin during the 2020 election, resulting in settlements with key figures, James Troopas and Kenneth Chesbrough.
Brought civil case against 10 fraudulent pro-Trump electors in Wisconsin
The civil case, brought by ICAP along with co-counsel Law Forward and the Stafford Rosenbaum law firm, targeted 10 fraudulent electors who voted as if they represented the will of Wisconsin voters, despite Joe Biden having won the state.
Electors claimed to represent will of Wisconsin voters even though Biden won state
This case involved electors who positioned themselves as legitimate despite Biden being certified as Wisconsin's winner. The electors' actions suggested a refusal to acknowledge the certified electoral outcome.
Settled case against electors in December 2022, agreed not participate again
The settlement reached in December 2022 ensured that the fraudulent electors agreed not to serve as electors for Trump or submit fraudulent electoral votes if their candidate wasn't certified as the winner.
Yesterday settled with lawyers Trupas and Chesbrough, got them to provide trove of revealing emails and texts about the scheme
Most recently, settlements were reached with both lawyers, Troopas and Chesbrough, who agreed to circumstances preventing similar future involvement in elections. In addition, these settlements have resulted in the provision of a large number of emails and texts, which offer an in-depth look at the planning and execution of the alternate elector scheme.
Show early planning of scheme, close coordination with Trump campaign and Rudy Giuliani
The documentation outlines the early planning stages of the alternate elector scheme and provides direct evidence of close coordination with Trump's campaign, specifically with figures such as Boris Epstein and Rudy Giuliani. Troopas, especially, was deeply involved ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Wisconsin alternate elector scheme and settlement with lawyers James Trupas and Kenneth Chesbrough
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Stafford Rosenbaum law firm is a legal practice based in Wisconsin that was involved as co-counsel in the civil case against fraudulent electors in the 2020 election. They collaborated with ICAP and Law Forward in pursuing legal action against individuals who falsely claimed to represent the will of Wisconsin voters. The firm played a role in addressing the alternate elector scheme and seeking settlements with key figures involved in the case. Their involvement highlights the legal efforts to challenge fraudulent electoral activities and uphold the integrity of the election process.
- Boris Epshteyn is an American Republican political strategist and advisor who worked closely with Donald Trump during his presidential campaigns and post-presidency. He has been involved in various political roles, including serving as a strategic advisor on the Trump 2020 campaign and as a member of Trump's legal team during efforts to contest the 2020 election results. Epshteyn has a background in law, finance, and political commentary, and has been associated with key political events and figures in recent years.
- Rudy Giuliani is an American lawyer and politician who served as the Mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001. He gained national prominence for ...
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