Episode Details

Air Date: 6–20-2026

Today we explore how political revenge became official government policy. The Department of Justice has dropped fraud cases while opening vindictive investigations into Trump's critics. Judges who rule against him face death threats at home with no federal protection and thousands of DOJ lawyers have walked out the door, leaving the agency hollowed out by loyalty tests and bent toward retribution.

Full Show Notes

Transcript

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TOP TAKES

KP 1: Trump Eyes Personal Lawyer to Run DOJ Part 1 - The Beat W Ari Melber - Air Date 6-4-26

KP 2: This Federal Judge Ruled Against Trump. Then the Death Threats Rolled in Part 1 - 60 Minutes - Air Date 3-1-26

KP 3: Judges Call Out Rising Acts of Violence Against the Judiciary, Slam Trump's 'irresponsible Rhetoric' - NBC News - Air Date 6-3-26

KP 4: How Low Can the DOJ Go - Strict Scrutiny - Air Date 4-27-26

KP 5: Fraud on the Court Even as DOJ Drops $1.8B Settlement Fund, Judge Reopens Case Over Collusion Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-3-26

KP 6: 'The Audacity' DOJ Turns to X to Recruit as Prosecutors Flee Trump's Politicization of Department - MS Now - Air Date 2-1-26

KP 7: DOJ in Crisis - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 2-10-26

(00:53:44) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Trump Built a One-Way Ratchet to Tyranny. Here's How We Break It.

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DEEPER DIVES

(01:06:27) SECTION A: A DEPARTMENT OF REVENGE

A1: 'The Department of Revenge' Explores Trump's Use of DOJ to Settle Political Scores - PBS Newshour - Air Date 6-11-26

A2: This Federal Judge Ruled Against Trump. Then the Death Threats Rolled in Part 2 - 60 Minutes - Air Date 3-1-26

A3: Trump Eyes Personal Lawyer to Run DOJ Part 2 - The Beat W Ari Melber - Air Date 6-4-26

(01:25:33) SECTION B: MALICIOUS PROSECUTIONS

B1: Small DoJ Energy - Opening Arguments - Air Date 2-20-26

B2: The Vindictive DOJ Part 1 - Law and Chaos - Air Date 6-4-26

B3: