It's Complicated

Stormy Daniels’ testimony in Trump’s trial may be problematic for the prosecution.Judge Merchan admits that he is treating Trump differently from most other defendants.Other than Trump not being there, what are you looking for in a hotel?

The Supreme Court has heard the immunity arguments and some justices seem to want to answer a question that isn’t before them. Trump has slept through much of his trial in Manhattan, but Asha is riveted. She even made a chart! Plus, what kind of person kills a pet?!

The People of the State of New York against Donald J. Trump has begun. Asha and Renato break down the first couple of days of the trial–– from opening statements to jury selection, The People’s first witness, and Trump’s continued violation of Judge Merchan’s gag order. Plus, Asha is open to becoming a Swifty.

*The original upload of this episode had some sync issues. Those issues are fixed in this version. Jury selection and seating in Trump’s election interference trial in Manhattan; people are confused about FISA– Asha will straighten them out. Plus, what does it take to be “camera ready?”

Jack Smith responded to Judge Cannon’s jury instruction request as the Mar-a-Lago case continues to go off the rails; Trump is still arguing that he has immunity before, during, and after his presidency; plus, maybe Asha should have been a doctor.

This week: Truth Social hit the NASDAQ and its share price seems untethered from its financials; Trump gets gagged by the judge in the hush money case; plus Asha has an HOA issue.

This week: Trump catches a break and gets his bond reduced by almost 70%. Hears arguments on the mifepristone injunction that came from Judge Kacsmaryk in Texas. The Judicial Conference puts an end to judge shopping. Plus, we find out what kind of nerd Renato was before his glow-up.

This week: Judge Cannon is over-complicating issues in the documents case; Trump can’t get bonded; plus Asha did some sneaky stuff back in the day.

This week: Judge McAfee ordered several charges in the Fulton County case dismissed for lack of specificity in the indictment; Hur issued his report and testified to Congress; Trump hints that he may use an advice-of-counsel defense; and Asha is busy doing admissions at Yale.

This week: The Supreme Court reverses Colorado’s Supreme Court and tells them they can’t keep Trump off of the ballot; Allen Weisselberg, Trump Org’s CFO, pleads guilty to perjury. Plus Bob Barker is still alive!

In Fulton County, Fani Willis’ and Nathan Wade’s cell phone location data show a lot of contact between the two; exactly when their relationship began is still in question.Trump files motions in limine in the the Manhattan DA (hush money) case.Smirnov is re-arrested.Plus Asha went to Disney World.

This week, Judge Engoron hands down a massive verdict in Trump’s civil fraud trial in New York; Fani Willis takes the stand in a hearing about alleged conflict of interest; plus, our hosts talk about their favorite breakfast cereals.

This week, with Trump’s hush money trial about to start, it’s a good time to recap the status of all of his criminal trials; Trump views NATO as a protection racket; plus the PSyOp Bowl.

This week, Colorado argues in front of the Supreme Court to keep Trump off the ballot; Special Counsel Robert Hur finds no prosecutable crimes and issues his report in the Biden classified documents investigation; DC Circuit issues its ruling against Trump’s immunity claim; plus Valentine’s Day. Correction: Robert Hur was appointed as Special Counsel on January 13, 2023, to investigate Biden’s handling of classified material. Jack Smith was appointed Special Counsel on November 18, 2022, to investigate Trump’s retention of classified documents and the events around January 6, 2001.

This week, Governor Abbott is refusing to comply with a Supreme Court Ruling and not allowing federal agents unfettered access to the border; Trump loses bigly in court and will eventually have to pay a lot of money to E. Jean Carroll; plus Turd Blossom in Florida.

This week, Trump’s lawyers make an argument that Judge Chutkan agrees with and tells Jack Smith to stop producing discovery while the case is stayed pending a ruling on Trump’s immunity claim; there may be something to the allegations of a conflict of interest against Fani Willis in Fulton County. Plus, staying true to your alma mater.

This week, Hunter Biden pulled a bit of a stunt to try to control the narrative; Trump’s legal strategy continues to be to distract and delay. Plus, it’s cold cold.

This week, Trump’s lawyers argue for presidential immunity in front of the DC Circuit Court; one of Trump’s co-defendants in Fulton County makes some big allegations against Fani Willis; plus Henry’s the boss, and Pancake has bad manners.

This week, Trump is taken off another ballot when Maine’s Secretary of State rules him ineligible– how will SCOTUS treat the issue? Also, Jack Smith filed a motion to limit Trump’s defense from using political persecution and other frivolous arguments in the DC case. Renato and Asha share some of their goals for 2024.

This week, Supreme Court expert Steve Vladeck joins Asha to discuss Jack Smith’s attempt to bypass the DC Circuit; Colorado’s 14th Amendment case; and how the next SCOTUS term might shape up. Renato is on vacation.

This week, Jack Smith seeks an immediate review of Judge Chutkan’s ruling on Trump’s motion to dismiss based on his “total presidential immunity” argument. Showing uncharacteristically good judgment, Trump does not testify in his New York civil fraud trial. Plus, Renato needs a vacation. We’d like to thank Noom for their support. Sign up for your trial today at Noom.com. And check out Noom's first-ever cookbook, The Noom Kitchen, for 100 healthy and delicious recipes to promote better living. Available for pre-sale wherever books are sold.

This week; Judge Chutkin rules on Trump’s motions; she will not be dismissing the case. Jack Smith introduces evidence that goes to Trump’s intent to cause the insurrection and ongoing sympathy and support for insurrectionists.Plus Asha and Renato talk about getting fit for winter.

This week there are 1st Amendment issues to consider with Trump’s appeal of Judge Chutkan’s gag order; Elon Musk went venue shopping in Texas to file a lawsuit against Media Matters; plus Santa Claus home security.

Judge Aileen Cannon is up to some shenanigans in Mar-a-Lago. CIPA expert Brian Greer joins us to go over the recent delays and the impact on the government’s case against Trump. We get bits of the proffer sessions from Jenna Ellisa and Sidney Powell. Plus, home improvement

Donald Trump acted very oddly on the stand in his New York civil fraud trial. No, it was not a savvy legal maneuver. But in DC, Trump does have some legal arguments that are likely to go to the Supreme Court. They’re losing arguments, but they will set precedents.Plus, how Asha and Renato will be spending their winter holidays.

Mark Meadows is trying to thread the needle between saving his own skin and maintaining an appearance of loyalty to Trump. Judge Chutkan reinstated her partial gag order on Trump in the DC case. Plus, Halloween at the Mariotti house.

Fani Willis has taken a 4th guilty plea in the Fulton County Rico case; does she have more deals to give? In DC, Judge Chutkan will review Trump’s motion to dismiss based on his argument that he’s absolutely immune from criminal prosecution. It’s nonsense, but it’s novel nonsense and will have to be adjudicated; plus The Golden Bachelor.

This week: Judge Chutkan issues a narrowly-tailored gag order on Trump, is it narrow enough to not violate the 1st Amendment? Jim Jordan does not get the votes to become Speaker; will Republican voters make their representatives govern? The thought of Jordan being 2nd in line to the presidency was very distressing so let’s talk about music!

This week: Asha and Renato catch us up on the current state of Special Counsels and the latest filings in Trump’s criminal trials; plus Asha is wine-ing down for a bit.

This week: Trump’s civil fraud trial commences in New York; jury selection is underway in Sam Bankman-Fried’s fraud trial as he sits in pre-trial detention; plus Asha tells us her secret to doing more with less sleep.

This week: Wisconsin Republicans may impeach the Justice-Elect Protasiewicz for the crime of –– winning the election; Jeffrey Clark makes a half-hearted attempt to have his Fulton County case removed to federal court; plus pet costumes.

This week: Trump’s attorneys asked Judge Chutkan to recuse herself; Georgia released its Special Purpose Grand Jury and it shows that Fani Willis didn’t indict everyone that they recommended, plus a reminder to call your mother!

This week: Some great legal scholars put forth the argument that the 14th Amendment is self-executing and Trump is already barred from being re-elected; but what does that look like? Also, Mark Meadows wants his trial moved out of state court and into federal court; is it because he’s camera shy? Plus, the debate over the best candy is settled.

This week: a date is set for Trump’s January 6th trial and it's soon; Chesebro and Powell request a speedy trial in Georgia, separate from the other co-defendants. Plus Henry uncovers some baby bunnies.

This week: Fani Willis indicted Trump and 18 co-conspirators, including Mark Meadows. Meadows is trying to get his case out of Georgia state court and into a federal court. Can his play work? Plus Asha and Renato talk about how they stay grounded and centered.

This week: Trump gets indicted along with 18 others on RICO charges in Georgia - that’s a lot of defendants in one courtroom; Hunter Biden’s plea deal disintegrates and the prosecutor who wrote the deal gets appointed Special Counsel to continue his investigation; plus knowing when to quit.

Asha and Renato dive into Trump's lawyers' legal strategies, The Wisconsin Memo, legitimizing propoganda, coconspirators and Jack Smith's next indictments, Mar-a-Lago and Aileen Loose Cannon, Henry the Coyote Killer and Pancake the Fetching Cat.

This week: Jack Smith lays another indictment on Trump, this time for his attempts to thwart the peaceful transition of power. Asha and Renato talk about that and what this moment means for the history of The United States.

This week: Hunter Biden’s plea deal hit a bit of a SNAFU; Musk continues to mess Twitter up.

This week: Trump received a target letter from Jack Smith; Trump is expecting his third indictment very soon; Michigan charged the phony electors from 2020; plus some hot takes on lightly flavored bubbly water.

This week: Trump's team requests a very long delay to the start of the documents trial; Garland decides DoJ will no longer defend Trump in his defamation case; Asha left the country, again; Renato goes all in on Threads.

This week: SCOTUS handed down some rulings, Asha and Renato go over the crux of the cases and their consequences.

This week: Asha and Renato discuss the newly released Trump at Bedminster audio and its potential evidentiary value to Jack Smith; “Putin’s Chef” marches on Moscow, but then doesn’t; plus Asha’s son gets elected.

This week: Brian Greer (@secretsandlaws on Twitter) joins Renato to discuss Trump’s appearance with Brett Baier on Fox News and what parts, if any, might be used by Jack Smith in the trial; Hunter Biden got indicted and pled guilty; plus Asha calls in to say “ciao”.

This week: explore the worst-case scenario with Judge Cannon assigned to the Trump documents case, then explore Italy on a Vespa with Asha.

This week: Trump just got indicted, again. This time it’s federal. Asha and Renato bring in former Associate General Counsel to CIA, Brian Greer to discuss what the next steps will be.

This week: it looks like the Mar-a-Lago investigation is reaching its conclusion– what does that look like; SCOTUS is set to rule on some very important cases; plus how to have fun at your college reunion.

Some pod players received a version missing audio. This one is fixed. This week: One of Trump’s attorneys in the Mar-a-Lago case turned over his notes to Jack Smith and they seem pretty bad for Trump; Jim Jordan holds a hearing with “whistleblowers” and we find out why they didn't want their story told to House Democrats; plus Renato tells us Henry’s backstory. Featuring Carla F. Bad Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/ Subscribe to our podcast  https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicated Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_ Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/ Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariotti Follow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/ Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/

This week: One of Trump’s attorneys in the Mar-a-Lago case turned over his notes to Jack Smith and they seem pretty bad for Trump; Jim Jordan holds a hearing with “whistleblowers” and we find out why they didn't want their story told to House Democrats; plus Renato tells us Henry’s backstory. Featuring Carla F. Bad Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/ Subscribe to our podcast  https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicated Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_ Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/ Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariotti Follow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/ Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/

Welcome to the first episode! Renato and Asha explain the different types of immunity against prosecution; why Musk's Twitter isn't the "Digital Town Square" he proclaims it to be; plus pet stuff!

Renato discussed the ongoing investigations of Donald Trump by the January 6th Committee and U.S. Department of Justice. He was joined by former FBI counterintelligence agent and legal analyst Asha Rangappa.

Renato and Patti discussed Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. They were joined by Olga Lautman, Senior Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis. Thanks Magic Mind! Go to magicmind.co/ONTOPIC and use code ONTOPIC at checkout for 20% off. Thanks, BetterHelp.  Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/ontopic,

Renato and Patti discussed hot legal topics, including U.S. Supreme Court, voting rights, and a potential prosecution of Donald Trump and his allies. They were joined by Elie Mystal, Justice Correspondent for The Nation.

Renato and Patti discussed President Biden’s anticipated pick of the first black woman to serve as a Supreme Justice, as well as racial and gender equity in the law. They were joined by Fatima Goss-Graves, President and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center. Thanks, BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/ontopic.

Renato and Patti discussed the recent indictment of the Oath Keeper leader and others for seditious conspiracy in connection with the January 6th insurrection. They were joined by MSNBC National Security Analyst Frank Figliuzzi, former FBI assistant director for counterintelligence. Thanks, BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/ontopic.

Renato and Patti discussed the January 6th attack, the Congressional investigation, and potential DOJ criminal charges. They were joined by Congressman Mike Quigley, a member of the House Intel Committee. Thanks, BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/ontopic.

Renato and Patti discuss the Omicron variant and what it means for our efforts to curb the spread of the pandemic. They were joined by Dr. Roby Bhattacharya, an infectious disease doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School.

Renato and Patti were joined by Michael Cohen, who was formerly Trump's personal lawyer, and discussed his work for Trump, Trump's legal liability, the ongoing investigations against Trump, Cohen's legal cases, and much more.   Please be aware that this episode includes explicit language.

Renato discussed potential legal challenges to the Biden Administration's new measures to encourage vaccination and combat the COVID-19 pandemic. He was joined by NYU Law Professor Roderick M. Hills, Jr., who writes about and teaches constitutional law and the division of power between federal and state governments.

Renato and Patti discussed the recent Supreme Court decision that allows a Texas law that prevents women from obtaining an abortion to take effect even though it violates existing legal precedent. They were joined by law professor Leah Litman, host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast.

Renato discussed recent reports that the Trump Organization and its CFO Allen Weisselberg will be indicted by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. He was joined by former Chief Assistant Manhattan District Attorney Daniel Alonso.

Renato and Patti discussed recent news that the Trump Justice Department obtained data related to journalists and Democratic Congressmen, as well as reports that Trump pushed DOJ to investigate bogus election fraud claims. They were joined by former FBI Assistant Director Frank Figliuzzi.

Renato and Patti discussed the recent news that the Manhattan District Attorney convened a special grand jury in its investigation of the Trump Organization. They were joined by former Chief Assistant Manhattan District Attorney Daniel Alonso.

Renato and Patti discussed the guilty plea and cooperation deal for Joel Greenberg, the close confidant of Matt Gaetz. They were joined by MSNBC Legal Analyst Barb McQuade, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Renato and Patti discuss the federal criminal investigation of Matt Gaetz. They are joined by former FBI agent and CNN Legal and National Security Analyst Asha Rangappa.

Renato and Patti discussed recent Republican efforts to place restrictions on voting and make it more difficult to vote. They were joined by Jonathan Diaz, legal counsel at the Campaign Legal Center, who litigates voting right cases in federal courts across the country, challenging state laws that deny or burden the right to vote.

Renato and Patti discuss the Manhattan District Attorney’s investigation of Trump’s taxes. They were joined by Daniel Alonso, who was previously the Chief Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan DA’s office.

Renato discussed whether and how the COVID-19 pandemic would be curtailed and controlled as vaccine distribution becomes more widespread. He was joined by infectious disease doctor Roby Bhattacharyya, who practices at Massachusetts General Hospital and teaches at Harvard Medical School.

Renato discussed developments in the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump. He was joined by Norm Eisen, who was part of the trial team for the House managers in Trump's first impeachment trial.

Renato and Patti discussed the legal implications of the massive trading interest in GameStop stock. They were joined by former SEC Attorney Jerome Tomas.

Renato and Patti discuss the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump after the presentation of the article of impeachment to the U.S. Senate.  They were joined by Daniel Goldman, who was lead counsel for House Democrats during the first impeachment of Donald Trump.

Renato and Patti discuss the federal and state indictments and investigations arising from the assault on the U.S. Capitol.  They were joined by former federal prosecutor Ken White, who writes and tweets under the pseudonym "Popehat."

Renato and Patti discussed the pro-Trump terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol and the legal liability faced by the perpetrators and instigators of the attack.  They were joined by Michael Zeldin, a former senior U.S. Department of Justice official and former Deputy Chief Counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee.

Renato and Patti discuss Trump’s attempt to push the Georgia Secretary of State to change the election results in his favor.  They were joined by MSNBC Legal Analyst Joyce White Vance, former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama.

Renato and Patti discussed how the Biden Administration should handle the issue of investigating and considering criminal charges against Donald Trump after he leaves office.  They were joined by former FBI counterintelligence agent Asha Rangappa, a CNN Legal and National Security Analyst.

Renato and Patti discuss recent reports that Trump is considering pardoning his family and his attorney Rudy Giuliani.  They were joined by NYU Law Professor Rachel Barkow, who has written about Trump's use of the pardon power.

Renato and Patti discuss the division, strife, and distrust caused by Donald Trump and the disinformation spread by Trump and his allies, and how the nation can recover in the wake of Joe Biden's victory.  They were joined by John Mitnick, former General Counsel of the Department of Homeland Security, who was fired by Trump after he reportedly pushed back against some of Trump's illegal proposals and later publicly supported Biden.

Renato and Patti discussed Republican attempts to make voting more difficult and their plans to dispute the voting results.  They were joined by former Federal Election Commission Chair Trevor Potter, who is the founder and president of the Campaign Legal Center.

Renato discussed the hit Showtime series “The Comey Rule” with Writer/Director Billy Ray and Executive Producer Shane Salerno.  They discussed the Clinton and Russia investigations with special guests Frank Figliuzzi (former FBI Assistant Director for Counterintelligence), Barb McQuade (former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan), Asha Rangappa (former FBI counterintelligence agent) and Mimi Rocah (former federal prosecutor). On Topic Website Watch this episode on YouTube

Renato and Patti discussed the blockbuster New York Times report discussing Donald Trump's tax returns. They were joined by MSNBC Legal Analyst Barb McQuade, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Renato and Patti discuss the counterintelligence investigation of Donald Trump, as well as the decisions in the Clinton email investigation that led to Trump's election in 2016. They were joined by former FBI agent Peter Strzok, who led both investigations.

Renato and Patti discuss the recent whistleblower report alleging that the Trump White House pushed the Department of Homeland Security to downplay Russian election interference in intelligence reports.  They were joined by attorney Brad Moss, who represents the whistleblower.

Renato and Patti discussed Trump's instructions to his aides to break the law, as well as his fitness to hold office, with Miles Taylor, former Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in the Trump Administration.

Renato and Patti discussed the presidential race in the wake of the party conventions. They were joined by former Clinton chief strategist Paul Begala, the author of You’re Fired: The Perfect Guide to Beating Donald Trump.

Renato and Patti discussed Donald Trump’s stunning admission that he was defunding the U.S. Postal Service to stop mail-in voting.  They were joined by Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL), chair of the appropriations subcommittee overseeing funding for the U.S. Postal Service.

Renato and Patti discussed the bizarre behavior of Donald Trump.  They were joined by his niece Mary Trump, author of Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man.

Renato and Patti discussed how state legislative races will control which party redraws Congressional district maps, and which states are being targeted by Democrats this cycle.  They were joined by Jessica Post, President of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

Renato and Patti discuss how to get involved during this election season despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  They were joined by Tori Taylor, Co-Executive Director of SwingLeft, and "Tony the Democrat," founder of #PostcardsToVoters.

Renato and Patti discuss the first federal executions in 17 years.  They were joined by former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, the President of the American Constitution Society. On Topic Website

Renato and Patti discuss the recent Supreme Court decisions regarding Trump's tax returns and whether courts can hold Trump accountable.  They were joined by MSNBC Legal Analyst Joyce Vance, former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama.

Renato and Patti discuss the politicization of the Justice Department, including recent testimony by a federal prosecutor that he was directed to give Roger Stone favorable treatment.  They were joined by CNN Legal Analyst Jennifer Rodgers, former federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York.

Renato and Patti discuss the Supreme Court's recent landmark decision, which found that Title VII outlaws workplace discrimination against LGBTQ people.  They were joined by Professor Suzanne Goldberg, the founding director of Columbia Law School’s trailblazing Sexuality and Gender Law Clinic, who previously worked on two cases that became cornerstone gay rights victories at the U.S. Supreme Court: Lawrence v. Texas, the landmark decision that struck down Texas’s sodomy law, and Romer v. Evans, which overturned an anti-gay Colorado constitutional amendment.

Renato and Patti discuss criminal justice and race in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd.  They were joined by MSNBC Legal Analyst Maya Wiley, former board chair of the NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB).

Renato and Patti discuss whether Trump has legal authority to use the U.S. military domestically against citizens in response to violence and looting.  They were joined by Stephen Vladeck, A. Dalton Cross Professor in Law at the University of Texas School of Law.

Renato and Patti discussed recent GOP allegations about the unmasking of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and other allegations about the origins of the Russia investigation.  They were joined by former FBI counterintelligence agent Asha Rangappa, who is also a CNN Legal and National Security Analyst and a professor at Yale University.

Renato and Patti discuss the recent DOJ motion to dismiss the charges against former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, as well as Trump’s allegations about the origin of the Flynn investigation.  They are joined by former federal prosecutor Ken White, who frequently comments on legal issues under the moniker “Popehat.” All the President's Lawyers Make No Law: The First Amendment Podcast

Renato and Patti discuss the Supreme Court’s consideration of cases regarding subpoenas for Trump’s tax returns. They are joined by law professor and ABC News Supreme Court Contributor Kate Shaw. Strict Scrutiny Podcast

Renato and Patti discussed the recent election in Wisconsin and how we can ensure that everyone can vote safely in November without putting their health at risk.  They were joined by Trevor Potter, the former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission and the founder of the Campaign Legal Center, a non-profit that fights to protect voting rights.

Renato and Patti discussed the legality and constitutionality of stay-at-home orders and other restrictions that states have imposed during the coronavirus pandemic.  They were joined by Anthony Michael Kreis, a professor at Chicago-Kent School of Law. On Topic Website On Topic Patreon