This week, Lisa and David talk about Colbert show cancellation; “release the grand jury testimony” Epstein red herring; “justice is for sale” in Pam Bondi’s history; the paradox of Dan Bongino; effects of dismantling the Dept. of Education; Coldplay kiss cam; tension between immigration enforcement and healthcare settings, highlights concerns for patient and staff safety; Trump admin incinerating $800k of emergency food; Trump's Chronic Venous Insufficiency; glitter drinks; and more.
Grand Jury Testimony “red herring”
The call to "release the grand jury testimony" in the Jeffrey Epstein case is, indeed, somewhat of a red herring when it comes to implicating Donald Trump or other so-called "clients." Here’s why:
Scope of Grand Jury Testimony: Grand jury proceedings are convened to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to indict specific individuals—in this instance, Jeffrey Epstein (and, in some instances, Ghislaine Maxwell). The testimony and evidence presented are thus tightly focused on the charges at hand and the direct participants or key witnesses in the alleged crimes.
Who Testifies?: These transcripts primarily contain accounts from law enforcement, investigators, victims, and potentially some witnesses with specific knowledge related to Epstein or Maxwell’s conduct—not necessarily a sweeping exposé of all associated parties or any rumored "client list".
Not a Full Disclosure of “Clients”: Both legal experts and former federal prosecutors have emphasized that unsealing the grand jury testimony is not likely to satisfy demands for transparency regarding high-profile names or alleged “clients,” since those individuals would not be the focus unless evidence directly implicated them or prosecutors sought charges against them.
In summary, Trump is unlikely the subject or target of these grand jury records. Trump not being mentioned in the grand jury testimony related to the Jeffrey Epstein case says little—if anything—about his possible culpability in relation to Epstein’s activities. It reflects only the scope and direction of that particular grand jury proceeding, not necessarily the totality of all possible investigations or evidence. This absence should not be interpreted as meaningful proof of innocence or guilt.
“Justice Is for Sale” in Pam Bondi’s History
Pam Bondi, former Florida Attorney General and current U.S. Attorney General, has faced recurring allegations and controversies suggesting she has used her position to benefit political donors and powerful allies. The claim that “justice is for sale” refers to incidents where Bondi’s actions appeared to align with the interests of contributors and influential figures, often raising questions about ethics and public trust.
The Trump University Donation Scandal
In 2013, Bondi’s office received at least 22 fraud complaints about Trump University.
Her office announced that it was considering joining a New York fraud lawsuit against Trump University.
Four days later, Bondi’s political action committee received a $25,000 donation from the Donald J. Trump Foundation.
Bondi subsequently declined to join the lawsuit.
The IRS later found that the donation was illegal, and Trump was fined for improper use of foundation funds—but Bondi faced no charges and her PAC kept the money.
Firing of Foreclosure Fraud Investigators
During the aftermath of the 2010 foreclosure crisis, Bondi allegedly accepted campaign contributions from a loan servicer accused of wrongful foreclosures.
Two attorneys, who were investigating banks and loan servicers for fraudulent practices, were removed from the case and eventually fired by Bondi’s office. This occurred after campaign donations from the accused entities and sparked accusations of protecting donors over homeowners.
Other Controversies
Delay of Execution for Fundraising: Bondi once requested a delay in a scheduled execution because it conflicted with a campaign fundraiser, raising concerns about prioritizing personal political activity over official duties.
Dismissal of High-Profile Prosecutions: Bondi has made decisions to drop or dismiss certain prosecutions, including a recent case against a plastic surgeon accused of selling fake COVID-19 vaccine cards, though the motivation behind these decisions is debated.
Actions as Lobbyist: After leaving her attorney general post, Bondi lobbied for major corporations, some of which had faced scrutiny during her tenure as AG, adding to perceptions that her career advanced through connections to wealthy and powerful interests.
Multiple watchdog groups and media outlets have highlighted Bondi’s pattern of acting in ways that benefit major donors and political allies, fueling concerns about her fitness for high office and the independence of her legal judgments.
Links:
Will Trump’s Attacks on Comedians — and Their Bosses — Send a Chill Through Late Night (The Wrap)
Trump’s Ugly New Attack on Colbert Reveals a Darker Side to Firing (The New Republic)
DOJ's Ex-Ethics Lawyer Speaks Out After Being Fired by Pam Bondi (Newsweek)
Pam Bondi and the Pay-to-Play Justice System (The American Prospect from Jan 2025)
Donald Trump’s eventful day at the Club World Cup final (CNN)
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