Podcasts > Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News > Is Trump winning his "delay, delay, delay" game?

Is Trump winning his "delay, delay, delay" game?

By Rachel Maddow

In this episode of "Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News," the focus shifts to the intriguing twists and turns in former President Donald Trump’s legal saga over mishandled classified documents. Joy Reid and Neal Katyal scrutinize Trump's tactics, analyzing his team's efforts to prolong the case's resolution. As the podcast unfolds, tension escalates over the implications of Trump's maneuvers, especially in light of Judge Aileen Cannon's decisions and the ex-President's potential long game, which could involve a strategic postponement of charges until potentially after the next elections.

The contentious political climate extends to the international stage as Democratic officials, including Senator Chuck Schumer, express their dissent towards policies driven by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The podcast delves into the complexities of U.S. diplomatic relationships, examining the potential repercussions of tying military aid to Israel's political developments. Amidst these grave discussions, "Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News" also scrutinizes the motivations behind legislative moves to mandate the sale of TikTok by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, challenging the narrative with insights from voices such as Joy Reid and Steven Mnuchin.

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Is Trump winning his "delay, delay, delay" game?

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Is Trump winning his "delay, delay, delay" game?

1-Page Summary

Donald Trump's mishandling of classified documents case

Joy Reid, Neal Katyal, and others provide insights into former President Donald Trump's federal criminal case for mishandling classified documents. Trump has been accused of illegally possessing documents with national defense information and showing them inappropriately, despite his claims of taking them "very legally." Audio evidence reveals Trump discussing his possession of the classified documents and his refusal to return them upon request.

Trump's legal team has attempted to delay the case by seeking dismissals on the grounds that the Espionage Act is unconstitutionally vague. Judge Aileen Cannon has not made a final decision but rejected the motion to dismiss. Critics see Trump's desire to delay proceedings as a strategic move to push any charges past the next elections, raising the prospect that if he resumes the presidency, he can use his power to his advantage, potentially even appointing Judge Cannon to the Supreme Court.

Moreover, there are suggestions that Trump's camp may be obstructing the investigation, including discussions about erasing surveillance footage, and that the Southern District of New York's delays in sharing documents have enabled Trump's team to delay responding to charges. Further, Trump's lawyers are seeking additional documents which adhere to the pattern of prolonging the legal process.

Biden and Democratic officials' intensified criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for prioritizing political survival over Israel's interests

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, amongst other Democratic officials, has castigated Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, accusing him of choosing his political longevity over Israel's welfare. Schumer has raised concerns that Netanyahu's continued directional stance jeopardizes the peace process and might lead to Israel's global isolation.

Schumer and President Joe Biden's administration are reevaluating U.S. military aid to Israel, hinting at the potential of tying this aid to election outcomes and Netanyahu's re-election. The alteration in U.S. foreign aid policy reflects mounting discontent with Netanyahu's administration and its compliance with international laws and regional security.

Controversy over mandating TikTok's Chinese parent company sell the platform

There is great skepticism about the bill passed by the House aiming to force ByteDance to divest TikTok due to national security concerns, with critics pointing out a lack of evidence that TikTok poses a credible threat. Comparatively, American social media platforms, despite foreign investments, have not faced similar scrutiny.

Joy Reid posits that the real motivation behind the bill might be the interests of American oligarchs. Steven Mnuchin, alongside other Republican backers like Jeff Yass, has shown interest in acquiring TikTok. While Mnuchin endorses the notion of American ownership of TikTok without concentrated control, there is an implicit suggestion that the push for TikTok's forced sale is an attempt by allies of the former President, including far-right MAGA supporters and Republican donors, to gain influence over the popular app.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Trump has been accused of illegally possessing and inappropriately showing classified documents with national defense information. Audio evidence suggests Trump discussed his possession of these documents and refused to return them when asked. His legal team has tried to delay the case by challenging the constitutionality of the Espionage Act, but the judge has not yet made a final decision. Critics believe Trump's delays are strategic, potentially aiming to push any charges past the next elections.
  • Trump's legal team's attempts to delay the case are seen as a strategic move to potentially push any charges past the next elections, allowing Trump to leverage his power if he resumes the presidency. Critics believe that delaying the legal proceedings could work in Trump's favor by giving him more time to influence the outcome or potentially appoint sympathetic judges. The delays in sharing documents by the Southern District of New York have enabled Trump's team to prolong their responses to the charges, contributing to the overall delay in the legal process. Additionally, Trump's lawyers seeking additional documents align with a pattern of tactics aimed at prolonging the legal proceedings.
  • Allegations of obstruction of the investigation by Trump's camp suggest that they may be impeding the legal process, such as discussions about erasing surveillance footage. These actions could hinder the authorities' ability to gather evidence and progress with the case. The delays in sharing documents by the Southern District of New York have also been seen as enabling Trump's team to postpone responding to charges. Trump's lawyers seeking additional documents could be viewed as a tactic to prolong the legal proceedings.
  • Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and President Joe Biden's administration are reevaluating U.S. military aid to Israel due to concerns about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's policies. They are considering linking aid to election outcomes and Netanyahu's re-election, reflecting dissatisfaction with his leadership. This reevaluation signals a shift in U.S. foreign aid policy towards Israel. The aim is to influence Israeli political decisions that impact regional security and international relations.
  • The skepticism surrounding the bill to force ByteDance to divest TikTok stems from concerns about the lack of concrete evidence demonstrating that TikTok poses a genuine national security threat. Critics question why American social media platforms with foreign investments do not face similar scrutiny, leading to suspicions about potential ulterior motives behind the push for ByteDance to sell TikTok. Some believe that the bill may be driven by interests of American oligarchs, including former President Trump's allies, who seek to gain influence over the popular app through its forced sale.
  • Joy Reid suggests that the push to force ByteDance to sell TikTok may be driven by American oligarchs' interests, such as Steven Mnuchin and other Republican backers, who are interested in acquiring the platform. Reid implies that the motivation behind the bill might not solely be national security concerns but also the desire of certain individuals to gain influence over TikTok. This perspective raises questions about the true intentions behind the push for TikTok's forced sale and the potential implications of American ownership with regards to concentrated control over the popular app.
  • Steven Mnuchin, a former U.S. Treasury Secretary, and other Republican backers have shown interest in acquiring TikTok due to its popularity and potential financial gains. Their interest in acquiring the platform could be driven by a desire to have more control over a widely-used social media app and potentially influence its operations. This interest aligns with a broader trend of American investors and companies seeking to capitalize on the success of popular tech platforms. The involvement of figures like Mnuchin and other Republican supporters in the potential acquisition of TikTok reflects the intersection of politics, business, and technology in the modern digital landscape.
  • The potential influence of allies of the former President on the TikTok divestment bill suggests that individuals close to the former President, such as far-right MAGA supporters and Republican donors, may be pushing for the forced sale of TikTok to gain control over the popular app. This influence could be driven by interests in acquiring TikTok for personal or political reasons, potentially aiming to shape the platform's operations and user base in alignment with their objectives. The involvement of figures like Steven Mnuchin and Jeff Yass in expressing interest in acquiring TikTok indicates a broader strategy to exert influence over the social media landscape. The bill's focus on TikTok's divestment raises questions about the underlying motivations and potential implications of transferring ownership to individuals with ties to the former President and his allies.

Counterarguments

  • Trump's legal team might argue that the Espionage Act is indeed too vague and that this vagueness can lead to arbitrary enforcement, which is a legitimate legal concern in the context of due process and fair notice.
  • It could be argued that Trump's attempts to delay the case are a standard legal defense strategy rather than a specific tactic to manipulate future elections.
  • The allegations of obstruction could be countered by stating that there is a lack of concrete evidence proving intentional obstruction, and discussions about erasing surveillance footage might be taken out of context.
  • Trump's lawyers seeking additional documents could be seen as due diligence in ensuring a thorough and fair defense rather than an attempt to prolong the legal process unnecessarily.
  • Supporters of Netanyahu might argue that his policies are in the best interest of Israel's security and sovereignty, and that foreign leaders should not interfere with Israel's internal political decisions.
  • It could be contended that U.S. military aid to Israel should be based on strategic alliances and shared values, not on the political actions of a particular leader or government.
  • Proponents of the bill to force ByteDance to divest TikTok might argue that the potential for data privacy breaches and the influence of a foreign government on American users justify the national security concerns.
  • There may be a legitimate argument that American ownership of TikTok could better protect user data and comply with U.S. regulations, regardless of the motivations of potential buyers.
  • The push to force ByteDance to sell TikTok could be defended as a precautionary measure in the absence of conclusive evidence, given the potential risks associated with data privacy and national security.

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Is Trump winning his "delay, delay, delay" game?

Donald Trump's mishandling of classified documents case

Joy Reid, Neal Katyal, and others delve into the ongoing federal criminal case regarding former President Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents, focusing on his team’s legal tactics and arguments.

Substantial evidence that Trump knowingly and illegally possessed classified documents

Despite Donald Trump claiming he took classified documents "very legally" from the White House and arguing that they were his personal property, Joy Reid recalls that the documents included highly sensitive national defense information. Additionally, Trump himself acknowledged on an audio tape that he retained classified documents and may have inappropriately shown them to a journalist. Neal Katyal highlights that Trump's behavior, caught on audio, includes bragging about possessing these documents and retaining them even after being asked to return them by the FBI and the National Archives.

Trump attempts to delay and dismiss the criminal case against him

Trump's legal team sought to dismiss the criminal case against him, arguing various points including the idea that the Espionage Act is unconstitutionally vague. However, Judge Aileen Cannon, though delaying a final decision on the matter, has rejected this motion. Experts discuss Trump's strategy of seeking to delay the action, with a charge under the Espionage Act hanging over him.

Reid suggests that the true agenda behind Trump's legal maneuvers is to slow the proceedings, with the possibility of further hearings before a trial date is set. There's concern that the delays in Trump's trial for January 6 charges could be pushed until after elections, potentially affording him the chance to resume presidency and use such power to his advantage. Judge Cannon is perceived as aiding in these delays, and there's a fear that a mid-trial postponement could hinder an appeal due to double jeopardy.

Trump's defense has been criticized, p ...

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Donald Trump's mishandling of classified documents case

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The ongoing federal criminal case against former President Donald Trump involves allegations that he knowingly possessed classified documents after leaving office. Trump's legal team has attempted to dismiss the case, arguing against the charges and seeking delays in the legal proceedings. There are concerns that these delays could impact the timing of the trial and potentially influence future political scenarios. Efforts to obstruct the investigation and requests for additional documents have contributed to ongoing delays in the legal process.
  • Trump's legal team attempted to dismiss the criminal case by arguing that the Espionage Act is unconstitutionally vague. They also sought to delay the proceedings, potentially pushing the trial past important dates like elections. Additionally, they claimed that Trump had declassified documents in his mind, and they requested more documents, which could be seen as a delay tactic. The defense's strategy included efforts to slow down the legal process and potentially influence the outcome in Trump's favor.
  • The Espionage Act is a U.S. federal law that criminalizes the disclosure of national defense information to unauthorized individuals. In this case, it is relevant because Trump's possession and handling of classified documents could potentially violate this law. Trump's legal team argued that the Espionage Act is unconstitutionally vague in an attempt to dismiss the criminal case against him. The Act plays a significant role in the legal proceedings as it is a key statute that could lead to charges against Trump for mishandling classified information.
  • Judge Aileen Cannon is presiding over the federal criminal case involving former President Donald Trump's mishandling of classified documents. She has rejected Trump's legal team's motion to dismiss the case, citing concerns about the Espionage Act. There are suggestions that her decisions could impact the timeline and outcome of the trial. Some speculate that her actions might inadvertently contribute to potential delays in the legal proceedings.
  • Trial delays extending past elections could potentially allow a defendant like Trump to resume presidency, giving them the power to influence or interfere with the legal process in their favor. This scenario raises concerns about the defendant using their position t ...

Counterarguments

  • The Espionage Act has been criticized by legal scholars for being broad and potentially overreaching, which could be a legitimate basis for arguing its unconstitutionality or vagueness.
  • The concept of declassifying documents by a president is not well-defined in law, and there may be a legitimate legal argument about the extent of presidential authority to declassify information.
  • Delays in legal proceedings are not uncommon and can be a result of various legitimate legal tactics used by defense teams in complex cases.
  • The role of the judiciary is to ensure fair proceedings, and any actions by Judge Aileen Cannon may be in pursuit of ensuring a fair trial, rather than intentionally aiding in delays.
  • The request for additional documents by Trump's legal team could be a standard legal procedure to ensure a thorough defense, rather than solely a tactic for delay.
  • Concerns about trial delays affecting elections could be speculative, as the timing of legal proceedings is often unpred ...

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Is Trump winning his "delay, delay, delay" game?

Biden and Democratic officials' intensified criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for prioritizing political survival over Israel's interests

In an unexpected twist in U.S.-Israel relations, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other officials have amplified their criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Senate Majority Leader Schumer's harsh criticism of Netanyahu for "losing his way"

Concerns that Netanyahu's policies have dangerously isolated Israel

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has publicly reproached Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, accusing him of prioritizing his political survival over the country's well-being. Schumer criticized Netanyahu for his perceived lack of interest in seeking peace and suggested that continued policies of this nature could lead to Israel becoming globally isolated. This sentiment is echoed by Joy Reid and David Rothkopf, who discussed the increasingly problematic nature of Netanyahu's policies, noting a turn in U.S. political rhetoric from supporting Israel as a nation to questioning its current government's actions, particularly in terms of international law and regional security.

Implications for future U.S. military aid to Israel

Schumer alluded to the possibility of leveraging U.S. aid ...

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Biden and Democratic officials' intensified criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for prioritizing political survival over Israel's interests

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Netanyahu's actions are perceived to isolate Israel due to concerns that his policies prioritize political survival over seeking peace, potentially leading to global isolation. Critics like Schumer, Reid, and Rothkopf suggest that Netanyahu's approach risks alienating international support by disregarding norms of international law and regional security. This shift in U.S. political rhetoric reflects a growing unease with Netanyahu's leadership style and its implications for Israel's standing in the international community. The criticism implies that Netanyahu's focus on short-term political gains may be undermining Israel's long-term strategic interests and relationships.
  • Leveraging U.S. aid based on election outcomes implies that the level of support provided to Israel could be influenced by the political direction the country takes. This means that if Israel elects a government that aligns more closely with U.S. interests, aid could potentially increase, whereas aid ...

Counterarguments

  • Netanyahu's prioritization of political survival may be seen as a necessary strategy to maintain a stable leadership that can navigate Israel through complex geopolitical challenges.
  • The perception of Israel's isolation could be contested by pointing out its recent normalization agreements with several Arab states, suggesting a diversification rather than a loss of international relationships.
  • U.S. political rhetoric might be shifting, but this could reflect a broader and more nuanced debate within the U.S. about foreign policy rather than a direct criticism of Israel's government.
  • The leverage of U.S. aid could be argued as undermining the long-standing strategic alliance between the U.S. and Israel, potentially weakening mutual interests in regional stability and security.
  • Reconsidering unconditional aid to Israel might not take into ...

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Is Trump winning his "delay, delay, delay" game?

Controversy over mandating TikTok's Chinese parent company sell the platform

The House of Representatives passed a bill that would force ByteDance to sell TikTok to an American company or face a ban from U.S. app stores, stirring widespread debate and controversy.

Widespread doubts about the policy rationale of targeting TikTok based on national security risks

Skepticism abounds regarding the rationale behind targeting TikTok as a national security threat. No convincing public evidence establishes TikTok’s use by the Chinese Communist Party for espionage or other malicious activities. Observers question why similar concerns are not as prevalent for American-owned social media platforms, despite foreign investments.

Influence of American oligarchs wanting to buy TikTok

Involvement of figures close to Trump like Mnuchin and other Republican donors

Joy Reid suggests that behind the legislative push may be the interests of American billionaires, thereby influencing the move to force TikTok's sale. Reid points out that Steven Mnuchin, former Treasury Secretary under President Trump, has shown a clear eagerness to acquire TikTok, and mentions a consortium, though details remain unspecified. She also intimates that current TikTok investors, as well as Republican billionaire donors like Jeff Yass, who has met with Trump, may be interested in purchasing the platform.

Reid further implies that the forced divestiture of TikTok could provide an opportunity for the far-right MAGA faction, including Mnuchin and other Republican donors, to buy into the popular app. By positioning figures with close ties to the former President Trump to potentia ...

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Controversy over mandating TikTok's Chinese parent company sell the platform

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Skepticism surrounds the claim that TikTok poses a national security risk due to alleged ties to the Chinese government. Critics argue that there is a lack of concrete evidence proving TikTok's involvement in espionage or malicious activities on behalf of China. This skepticism questions why similar concerns are not raised about American-owned social media platforms despite foreign investments. The debate highlights the complexity of assessing national security threats in the context of global technology companies.
  • American oligarchs, in this context, are referring to extremely wealthy individuals who wield significant economic and political influence. The mention of American oligarchs wanting to buy TikTok suggests that influential figures with substantial resources are interested in acquiring the popular social media platform for various reasons, potentially including financial gain, strategic control, or political influence. This interest raises questions about the motivations behind the push to force the sale of TikTok and how it intersects with broader issues of power, ownership, and national security. The involvement of individuals like Steven Mnuchin and other Republican donors in the potential acquisition of TikTok highlights the complex interplay between business interests, political connections, and the evolving landscape of digital platforms in the United States.
  • Steven Mnuchin is a former Treasury Secretary under President Trump who has shown interest in acquiring TikTok. Jeff Yass is a Republican billionaire donor who has met with Trump and is also reportedly interested in purchasing the platform. Their involvement in the potential acquisition of TikTok adds a layer of complexit ...

Counterarguments

  • The bill passed by the House of Representatives may be seen as a protective measure to safeguard U.S. citizens' data from potential foreign surveillance and influence.
  • National security concerns may be based on the potential for data collected by TikTok to be accessed by the Chinese government due to China's legal and political structure, rather than direct evidence of espionage.
  • The focus on TikTok, as opposed to American-owned social media platforms, could be justified by the unique legal obligations Chinese companies have to their government, which may not apply to U.S. companies.
  • The interest of American billionaires in purchasing TikTok could be driven by legitimate business opportunities rather than political motivations.
  • Collective ownership by U.S. investors, as suggested by Steven Mnuchin, could be a strategy to ensure a diverse and decentralized control of the platform, which might mitigate risks of misuse or concentrated power.
  • The involvement of figures with political ties i ...

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