Why Trump's Top Legal Goon Can Never Lead DOJ | The Daily Beast Podcast

Andrew Weissmann joins Joanna Coles to explain why politicians can lie to the public with virtually no legal consequences, why Donald Trump's false claims about the 2020 election continue to shape American politics, and what other democracies have done to hold elected officials accountable. Weissmann also weighs in on the nomination of Trump ally Todd Blanche to lead the Justice Department, arguing that the institution's independence is under unprecedented strain. Drawing on decades as a federal prosecutor and former FBI general counsel, Weissmann discusses the erosion of trust in the Justice Department, the legal and political battles surrounding the Epstein files, the leadership of the FBI and DOJ under Trump, and why Congress has failed to act as a meaningful check on presidential power. 00:00 - Andrew Weissmann on Trump's Biggest Lies 05:06 - Why Politicians Get Away With Lying 10:02 - Holding Leaders Legally Accountable for Falsehoods 14:44 - Lessons From England & Brazil on Election Lies 20:06 - Why Todd Blanche Should Never Be Attorney General 25:02 - Trump's Justice Department and the Rule of Law 30:18 - The Fight Over the Hidden Epstein Files 35:07 - Epstein, Kash Patel & Restoring Trust at the FBI 39:58 - Trump's Criminal Cases and Prosecutorial Strategy 44:41 - What Democrats Should Do If They Win the Midterms #trump #podcast #news 📖 Title: Why Trump's Top Legal Goon Can Never Lead DOJ 👂 Podcast: The Daily Beast Podcast 📺 Episode: 731 🎧 Format: Full Podcast 📅 Date: July 12, 2026 👨‍💼 Guest: Andrew Weissmann 🎙️ Host: Joanna Coles Click here to become an official member of the Daily Beast's YouTube community:    / @thedailybeast   Have a question or comment for us? Send us an email: [email protected] The Daily Beast is committed to accurate, fair, independent, fast, and accountable journalism. We seek the truth and report it honestly, without fear or favor. We ground robust and provocative opinions in fact. Subscribe on YouTube:    / @thedailybeast   Follow us on Instagram:   / thedailybeast   Share this video on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thedailybeas... Share this video on X:   / thedailybeast   Share this video on Facebook:   / thedailybeast