Allen Weisselberg has hired new lawyers. For many laypeople, that might not sound like big news. But to legal observers, it’s a possible bombshell. Throughout his and the Trump Organization’s criminal trial for tax fraud, at least two things held true: Weisselberg repeatedly refused to turn on his former boss, and his former boss, via the Trump Organization, was paying his lawyers’ fees. Now NBC
Great reporting. I could never for the life of me understand why Weisselberg never before flipped. Loyalty goes 2 ways-sure Trumpworld paid his lawyers, but only to keep him quiet. Quieter. I truly hope he’s flipped on ‘em.
At the risk of sounding repetitious: hope, hope, hope, hope, hope! For no reason except satisfaction, I'd like to see all the pending cases against Trump go live in the same week or two. A tsunami of indictments for Trump and his wretched children. Hope, hope, hope!
After hearing the grand jury was going on its planned hiatus in April, I was wondering why we hadn't heard of an indictment. Jay's analysis sounds like a very big possibility -- and I hope he is right. Just the thought warms the cockles of this old lawyer's heart.
Thanks for the update, Jay. A few weeks ago, I had heard an attorney -- I think it was one of the attorneys on the Legal AF podcast -- speculating that Bragg might be looking to charge Weisselberg in the hush money investigation in order to pressure him to flip on Trump, especially now that Weisselberg has gotten a taste of prison life. The attorney suggested that if Weisselberg flips, Bragg may bring charges against Trump on the same facts in the tax fraud case in which Weisselberg was already convicted.
I so want to get excited about this, and yet the mob boss stays out of legal trouble. I keep thinking that some kind of financial fraud is the only way to get him. So, I hope again after your analysis.
Given the news of TFG’s indictment, without reference to tax or insurance fraud, how does that affect your analysis? Can the indictment be amended? If so, must it first go back to the current grand jury or must a new grand jury be impaneled? Are additional charges waiting in the wings as Weisselberg tries to cut a deal? Sounds like an episode of Soap.
Legal tea-leaf reading for the past 6 years has been laughably wrong.
It's extremely difficult to imagine that a man who has spent his entire working life with the Trump Organization (over 50 years) would suddenly decide to flip, particularly when he knows firsthand how vindictive Trump can be.
It's just as likely that Trump simply decided to cut expenses, forcing Weisselberg to hire his own attorneys.
Whatever happens (or likely doesn't happen) with the criminal justice system, it won't impact Trump's ability to clinch the GOP presidential nomination.
Has CFO Allen Weisselberg Finally Flipped on Trump?
Insightful update, Jay. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Make it so, Manhattan.
Great reporting. I could never for the life of me understand why Weisselberg never before flipped. Loyalty goes 2 ways-sure Trumpworld paid his lawyers, but only to keep him quiet. Quieter. I truly hope he’s flipped on ‘em.
At the risk of sounding repetitious: hope, hope, hope, hope, hope! For no reason except satisfaction, I'd like to see all the pending cases against Trump go live in the same week or two. A tsunami of indictments for Trump and his wretched children. Hope, hope, hope!
No one I know believes Weisselberg is not likely to face additional charges.
Bet on Trump not to keep his fat yap shut.
How he reacts will drive the juice.
I really hope Weisselberg is being watched more closely than Epstein was.
After hearing the grand jury was going on its planned hiatus in April, I was wondering why we hadn't heard of an indictment. Jay's analysis sounds like a very big possibility -- and I hope he is right. Just the thought warms the cockles of this old lawyer's heart.
Thanks for the update, Jay. A few weeks ago, I had heard an attorney -- I think it was one of the attorneys on the Legal AF podcast -- speculating that Bragg might be looking to charge Weisselberg in the hush money investigation in order to pressure him to flip on Trump, especially now that Weisselberg has gotten a taste of prison life. The attorney suggested that if Weisselberg flips, Bragg may bring charges against Trump on the same facts in the tax fraud case in which Weisselberg was already convicted.
I have a votive incense burning on this one.
Let’s hope Mr. Weisselberg has excellent protection. Is that even possible in prison?
Corny last line. I LOVE it! Thanks for the great commentary and the last laugh. :)
How does it fit in that Weisselberg is still on Trump's payroll?
I so want to get excited about this, and yet the mob boss stays out of legal trouble. I keep thinking that some kind of financial fraud is the only way to get him. So, I hope again after your analysis.
We can only hope this theory is true.
Riffing on scenario 2. Trump won't pay or spring for good enough lawyers. Trump is renowned for not paying his bills.
Given the news of TFG’s indictment, without reference to tax or insurance fraud, how does that affect your analysis? Can the indictment be amended? If so, must it first go back to the current grand jury or must a new grand jury be impaneled? Are additional charges waiting in the wings as Weisselberg tries to cut a deal? Sounds like an episode of Soap.
I remain highly skeptical.
Legal tea-leaf reading for the past 6 years has been laughably wrong.
It's extremely difficult to imagine that a man who has spent his entire working life with the Trump Organization (over 50 years) would suddenly decide to flip, particularly when he knows firsthand how vindictive Trump can be.
It's just as likely that Trump simply decided to cut expenses, forcing Weisselberg to hire his own attorneys.
Whatever happens (or likely doesn't happen) with the criminal justice system, it won't impact Trump's ability to clinch the GOP presidential nomination.