Trump allies expected to flip after new indictments leave them 'holding the bag': expert

The far-reaching felony indictments in Arizona for election tampering, combined with Donald Trump's own legal problems, could hasten one or more of the accused to flip on the former president in a race with their co-conspirators to secure the best deal.

According to former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, the 58-page indictment that names former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, ex-Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani and lawyer John Eastman among others came after too long a period of consideration, but is nonetheless solid.

Speaking with Salon's Tatyana Tandanpolie, Rahmani said Trump allies and the so-called fake electors are in a "world of hurt" that could see them headed to jail while unindicted co-conspirator Trump watches from the sidelines, unable to intercede on their behalf even if he wins re-election.

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Focusing on Giuliani and Eastman, Rahmani claimed they face "potential state prison time," and added, "Giuliani has a host of legal problems. He's been sued, and there's a judgment against him for defamation. He's looking at issues regarding his law license. I mean he's charged in the Georgia case. Now he has to deal with this. And he's reportedly broke."

As for Eastman, he added, "It is, in some ways, piling on. But that doesn't mean that it's not a righteous case because they did try to defraud the people of Arizona."

"Maybe it dirties him up a little bit more, but how much dirtier can Donald Trump get?" he said of the former president while conceding, "Even though he's not a named party, it's really more of the same for him."

NYU law professor Ryan Goodman agreed, explaining, "In other words, co-defendants and co-conspirators may be left holding the bag. That dawning reality may create incentives for some of these individuals to cooperate with law enforcement authorities sooner than later."

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