Chicago, Illinois, August 19, 2024: Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin at the Democratic National Convention. (Photo credit: Maxim Elramsisy / Shutterstock)
Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking Democrat of the powerful House Judiciary Committee, railed Friday afternoon against President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk for running what he called "an utterly lawless operation."
The discussion centered around Trump's war against specific law firms as part of his retribution campaign. One firm represented Hillary Clinton, and another employed Andrew Weissmann at one time, both of whom Trump has targeted as foes.
Substitute host Alicia Menendez, in for Nicolle Wallace, asked Raskin which case will proceed to the U.S. Supreme Court and how it will proceed.
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"I think Jenner & Block got it absolutely right," said Raskin about one of the firms. Trump threatened to remove any government contracts by the firms and security clearance for employees. He also ordered all federal agencies to block the lawyers from entering federal buildings.
The lawsuit calls Trump's order "unconstitutional" and said it aims “to put immediate pressure on clients to sever their relationship with the firm.”
“For more than 100 years, Jenner has stood firm and tirelessly advocated for our clients against all adversaries, including against unlawful government action,” the firm said in a statement. “We once again go to court to do just that.”
Raskin agreed, "You've got to fight these people every step along the way. And they are talking about First Amendment viewpoint discrimination. They're talking about unconstitutional conditions. They're talking about severe burdens on people's freedom of association. They're talking about interference with the right to petition the government for redress of grievances. That's the right way to fight these people.'
He said that all of it is happening while "Donald Trump and Elon Musk are running an utterly lawless operation," noting they've been struck down more than 50 times with temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions.
"So, I'm very hopeful that the Supreme Court is going to stand up for the rule of law, because Trump is acting like the Constitution is just an inconvenient piece of furniture that can be kicked out of the way on the road to his personal, economic and political objectives," said Raskin. "And that's not American constitutional democracy. That's a gangster state."
See the clip below or at the link here.