In this sample from the CAFE Insider podcast, Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance discuss Attorney General Merrick Garland’s decision to appoint a special counsel to handle the federal investigations into former President Donald Trump. What are the benefits and risks associated with a special counsel handling these investigations? And to what extent might the special counsel appointment impact the likelihood that Trump is ultimately charged?

The full episode covers: 

• The complications that might arise from holding a criminal trial against Trump during the presidential election season;
• The New York Times report indicating that Manhattan prosecutors are reviving the criminal investigation into Trump’s involvement in the alleged hush-money payment made to Stormy Daniels; and
• The Respect for Marriage Act, the landmark bill that would provide federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages, which is currently being considered in the Senate.

Stay informed. For analysis of the most important legal and political issues of our time, join the CAFE Insider membership. Get 50% off the annual membership price: www.cafe.com/insider, from now until Nov 30. You’ll get access to full episodes of the podcast, and other exclusive benefits.

This podcast is brought to you by CAFE Studios and Vox Media Podcast Network. 

Tamara Sepper – Executive Producer; Jake Kaplan – Editorial Producer; Nat Weiner – Audio Producer

REFERENCES & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS: 

“Appointment of John L. Smith as Special Counsel,” Attorney General Merrick Garland, 11/18/22