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Main Justice

Main Justice is the next era of legal analysis from Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord, the veteran lawyers behind the hit podcast Prosecuting Donald Trump. As the criminal cases against Trump wind down and his new administration comes to power, Andrew and Mary draw on their extensive experience working within the Department of Justice to break down what’s happening inside Trump’s DOJ. Each week, they use their platform on Main Justice to safeguard against assaults on our laws, our Constitution, and our democracy.

Episodes

First Up: The DC Trial

A trial date has been set in the DC election interference case against Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Trump’s former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows took the stand in GA in an effort to move his case from state to federal court. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down what happened inside those courtrooms and how the dual hearings may set the stage for what’s to come.

Aug 29, 202336 minEp. 35

Awaiting Trump’s GA Surrender

Donald Trump will surrender at an Atlanta jail this week after being indicted for election interference in GA. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down the bond order, Trump’s recent threats -- and whether he may have disqualified himself from ever being president again.

Aug 22, 202338 minEp. 33

The GA Indictment Read by Ali Velshi: Part 2

MSNBC host Ali Velshi reads the second and final part of the 41-count GA indictment that accuses Donald Trump and 18 of his allies with being part of a “criminal enterprise” to overturn the 2020 election there. This part covers charges of conspiracy to commit election fraud, influencing witnesses, impersonating a public officer, perjury and much more.

Aug 16, 20231 hr 15 minEp. 32

The GA Indictment Read by Ali Velshi: Part 1

Donald Trump and his allies have been charged with felony racketeering and numerous conspiracy charges in GA. MSNBC host Ali Velshi reads the first part of the 41-count indictment that accuses them of being part of a “criminal enterprise” to overturn the 2020 election there.

Aug 16, 20232 hr 28 minEp. 31

The GA Indictment

A stunning set of charges handed down in GA, accusing Donald Trump and 18 others of being part of a “criminal enterprise” to overturn the 2020 election there. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down the racketeering and conspiracy charges which are not pardonable by any president -- and tell us what we can expect over the next 10 days as defendants turn themselves in.

Aug 16, 202342 minEp. 30

BONUS: MSNBC Special with Ari Melber, Andrew Weissmann & Mary McCord

Veteran prosecutors Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord join MSNBC’s Ari Melber for a Prosecuting Donald Trump TV special. They dissect the latest indictments facing the former president, what we could see at trial and whether Trump and democracy can co-exist as he once again runs for president.

Aug 14, 202342 min

A Protective Order

In the days following Donald Trump’s third indictment, the former president and his legal team spent the weekend unleashing defenses across social media and major news networks. This, along with the former president’s record of revealing private information, led prosecutors to seek a protective order from Judge Chutkan. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down some of the defense’s claims and how this could impact the case at large.

Aug 07, 202344 minEp. 29

Charges to Overturn an Election

Donald Trump has been indicted for a third time, twice now at the federal level. Jack Smith’s indictment lays out the chilling details of his alleged plot to overturn the 2020 election. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord explain why this is the most serious indictment yet for Trump, what we know about the judge in the case and whether any of the unindicted co-conspirators could be cooperating.

Aug 02, 202339 minEp. 28

The 2020 Election Indictment Read by Ali Velshi

For the third time in 4 months Donald Trump has been indicted, twice at the federal level, but legal experts say this is the most serious one yet. MSNBC host Ali Velshi reads every word of the DOJ’s latest allegations against the former president, charging him with 4 counts in connection with his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Aug 02, 20232 hr 43 minEp. 27

Jack Smith’s D.C. Indictment Decision: A Conversation with Judge Luttig

As we await yet another likely Trump indictment, former federal judge Michael Luttig joins Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord to talk about his role in advising Mike Pence ahead of Jan. 6th, why he says Trump wants to be charged for 1/6 – and whether he thinks that trial could happen before the 2024 election.

Jul 31, 202335 minEp. 26

The Superseding Indictment

Donald Trump now faces three new felony charges in the Mar-a-Lago documents case. MSNBC analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dig into Jack Smith’s surprise superseding indictment accusing Trump of trying to delete security footage. Plus, where things stand with the expected indictment in Smith’s 2020 election probe – and signs that things are ramping up in Georgia.

Jul 28, 202335 minEp. 25

Indictment Watch... Again

We’re on federal indictment watch again, but there could be some holdups. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord take a look at what we know so far about Jack Smith’s 2020 election probe and what we can expect when the decision comes down.

Jul 25, 202336 minEp. 24

Target Letter

MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord react to the breaking news that Donald Trump has received a target letter from Special Counsel Jack Smith in connection withSmith’s investigation into whether any person or entity unlawfully interfered with the transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election or the certification of the Electoral College vote held on or about January 6, 2021. Plus, they answer questions from listeners.

Jul 18, 202337 minEp. 23

All Eyes on Judge Cannon

A big test for Judge Aileen Cannon as Donald Trump tries to delay the Mar-a-Lago documents case until after the 2024 election. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord weigh in on the possible repercussions of Cannon’s decision. Plus, big developments in GA where a grand jury being seated today could decide whether Trump is charged for trying to overturn his 2020 election loss there.

Jul 11, 202334 minEp. 22

Potential Cooperators

Rudy Giuliani is just the latest Trump ally to sit down with federal investigators. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dig into who could be cooperating and what that could mean for the former president. Plus, why the Miami grand jury is still investigating Trump’s documents case, even after his indictment.

Jul 03, 202332 minEp. 21

The Bedminster Tape

Could it be game over for Donald Trump in the classified documents case? MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord weigh in on the leaked Bedminster recording where Trump appears to talk about classifieddocuments he kept. Plus, new details on the Secret Service agents who have now testified before the Jan. 6th grand jury. If you have questions, you can leave us a voicemail at 917-342-2934 and maybe we’ll play it on the pod! You can also email us at [email protected]...

Jun 27, 202331 minEp. 20

Government Secrets at Trial

Judge Aileen Cannon surprised many by setting an Aug. 14th trial date in Donald Trump’s classified documents case – just 2 months from now. But will that date hold and how will the court keep government secrets safe? MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord are joined by national security attorney Mark Zaid to break down the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA) and how it could impact the case.

Jun 21, 202341 minEp. 19

The Miami Arraignment

For the second time in two months, Donald Trump has been arrested and pleaded not guilty to criminal charges – this time in relation to Jack Smith’s federal investigation into his handling of classified documents. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord break down what happened inside that Miami courtroom, what Trump’s likely defenses will be and how the prosecution might deal with the Trump-appointed judge overseeing the case. If you have questions, you can leave us a voicemail at...

Jun 14, 202331 minEp. 18

The Full Indictment Read by Ali Velshi

What exactly is inside that historic 37-count federal indictment against Donald Trump? MSNBC host Ali Velshi reads every word of the DOJ’s allegations against the former president, including a transcript of a conversation Trump allegedly had about a classified military document and texts between his employees. If you have questions, you can leave us a voicemail at 917-342-2934 and maybe we’ll play it on the pod! You can also email us at [email protected] ....

Jun 11, 20231 hr 13 minEp. 17

37 Felony Counts

The DOJ has unsealed the 37-count indictment against Donald Trump, detailing how the former president allegedly lied and schemed to keep classified documents he knew were classified. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord give us their biggest takeaways from the indictment and tell us what we can expect on Tuesday when Trump turns himself in. If you have questions, you can leave us a voicemail at 917-342-2934 and maybe we’ll play it on the pod! You can also email us at Prosecuting...

Jun 10, 202336 minEp. 16

The Second Indictment

Donald Trump has become the first former president to face federal prosecution. A grand jury in Miami has charged him with 37 criminal counts in special counsel Jack Smith’s documents probe. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord take a closer look at what we know so far and why these charges are so important. If you have questions, you can leave us a voicemail at 917-342-2934 and maybe we’ll play it on the pod! You can also email us at [email protected] ....

Jun 09, 202340 minEp. 15

Federal Indictment Watch

We're on indictment watch as the grand jury in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case is expected to meet this week after a hiatus. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dig into possible charges and how prosecutors go about wrapping up a long grand jury investigation.

Jun 05, 202338 minEp. 14

Listener Questions

Our listeners have some burning questions about Donald Trump’s legal cases, including where exactly we stand with timing and what happens if a federal grand jury indicts. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dig into all of that in this special Listener Questions episode.

May 30, 202331 minEp. 13

The Mar-a-Lago Boxes

Some explosive new reporting could give us the clearest indication yet about what exactly Jack Smith is looking at in the Mar-a-Lago documents case – and what he could charge. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord weigh in on reports that Trump employees moved classified documents the day before the FBI came for them.

May 27, 202332 minEp. 12

Corcoran’s Notes

Could Donald Trump’s own lawyer be the key to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s obstruction case? MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dig into Evan Corcoran’s notes that reportedly show Trump was warned about keeping classified documents. Could this blow up his Mar-a-Lago defense?

May 23, 202333 minEp. 11

An Incriminating Town Hall

Did Donald Trump’s comments at last week’s town hall put him in even greater legal jeopardy? MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord weigh in on what he said that could hurt him.

May 15, 202332 minEp. 10

$5 million In damages

Donald Trump has made history yet again, becoming the first former president to be found liable for sexual abuse and defamation. The jury rejected E. Jean Carroll’s rape claim but ordered Trump to pay $5 million in damages. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord tell us what this unprecedented verdict means for the ex-president.

May 10, 202335 minEp. 9

Fani Willis’ Immunity Deals

At least 8 of Georgia’s “fake electors” have received immunity deals as part of Fulton County DA Fani Willis’ 2020 election probe. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord tell us what that could mean for Donald Trump and a possible second indictment. Plus, Trump will not testify in the E. Jean Carroll civil rape case as closing arguments begin. We’ll get into what could be behind his decision.

May 08, 202334 minEp. 8

Mike Pence Testifies

Despite Donald Trump’s objections, Mike Pence testified before the Jan. 6th grand jury for several hours last week. But if you strip away the insurrection and the attempt to overturn the election, did Trump also try to solicit a crime of violence against Pence himself? MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord get into that and what it could all mean for Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation.

May 01, 202333 minEp. 7

E. Jean Carroll v. Trump

Trump’s legal woes deepening with a civil rape case getting underway in New York and a big development in Fani Willis’ Georgia investigation. MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord dig into what all of that means for the former president. Plus, former House General Counsel Doug Letter joins to talk about the ex-prosecutor set to testify before Congress about Alvin Bragg’s Trump case. He has 4 decades of experience as a top DOJ attorney and several years as the top lawyer for the U...

Apr 26, 202352 minEp. 6