One Of Trump’s Most Effective Foes Is Suddenly Gone

Posted on Author The Chaos Report

New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman Resigns After Accusations Of Physical Abuse By 4 Women

 

The New Yorker broke the story last evening; the resignation came less than 4 hours later. The story by Jane Mayer and Ronan Farrow describes accusations of “nonconsensual physical violence” in great detail by women with whom Schneiderman had relationships. Especially the 2 women who agreed to go on the record. The New Yorker also emphasizes that alcohol often “fuelled his violent behavior”.

In the article, Schneiderman seeks to characterize his behavior as “role-playing”.

Schneiderman saying in a written resignation statement: “serious allegations, which I strongly contest, have been made against me. While these allegations are unrelated to my professional conduct or the operations of the office, they will effectively prevent me from leading the office’s work at this critical time.”

 

Former NY AG Eric Schneiderman at the the Democratic National Convention in 2016

 

Schneiderman, along with California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, have been at the front of a pack of blue state Attorneys General who’ve been leading a charge to challenge many of President Trump’s most controversial Executive Orders in court, including those regarding immigration, education, and the environment. He is perhaps best known for his role in prosecuting the Trump University fraud case, which ended with the President paying a $25-million dollar settlement, but without admitting any wrongdoing.
 
Schneiderman’s office was also seen as potentially key to the success of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, with legal scholars theorizing that since the President only has the power to pardon in federal cases, the threat of a separate case being brought in New York State might still compel witnesses to testify. (Any alleged crime that occurred in Trump Tower could be charged under New York State law.)
 

Schneiderman was also outspoken and aggressive in women’s rights and sexual harassment cases, and was in fact investigating Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. for failing to prosecute sexual abuse crimes against Harvey Weinstein. Schneiderman also filed suit against Weinstein on behalf of his victims.

What’ll happen now?

  • Schneiderman will be investigated. The question is by whom? The New York Times reported late last night he’s already retained a criminal defense attorney.
  • The New York State Assembly and Senate will jointly vote on a replacement. (And it’s lucky for Democrats it isn’t the Senate’s job alone, because the New York State Senate is currently controlled by Republicans.) Then, a new Attorney General will be elected in the fall.

If you look at Twitter about now, seems there’s already one clear front-runner: former SDNY Chief Preet Bharara, who was fired by Trump. Bharara, who now hosts a podcast, and Tweets a lot, has nothing to say about that possibility so far.

Trump hasn’t Tweeted yet either, although Donald Trump, Jr. sprayed the Twittersphere with gleeful gloating throughout the evening.

 

 

 

Trump Attempts To Create Suspense Ahead Of Today’s Iran Announcement; We Don’t Think There’s Much To Hold Your Breath About

 

(That’s now today).

And we totally disagree with CNN’s headline: “World Holds Breath For Trump’s Iran Deal Decision“.

Why are we so sure the President’s going to announce he’s pulling the U.S. out? Because he has about zero close advisors remaining who aren’t frequently and vehemently condemning the Iran nuclear deal. New Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hates it. New National Security Adviser John Bolton hates it. And Fox hates it too!

About the only person close to Trump who doesn’t, is his new BFF, French President Emmanuel Macron. Of course Trump sometimes likes to make you think he’s going to do one thing, and then does the opposite, but we don’t think that’ll be the case here.

We also think Trump will again call for regime change in Iran, and speak out against the country’s human rights record. Which is great, except that simultaneously, he’s telling everybody he doesn’t care about either of those things in North Korea.

 

 

A Quick Update To The Story We Did Yesterday About Gina Haspel

 

Trump Tweeted about his nominee to lead the C.I.A.:

 

In other words: Haspel should be confirmed because of her role in torture, not in spite of it.

Her confirmation hearing is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9:30 EDT.

 

 

And Today Brings The First Major Primaries For This Fall’s Midterm Elections

 

Fivethirtyeight has an excellent roundup of races to watch and their implications. We’ll update you tomorrow with any interesting or unexpected results.