DiscoverThe Rachel Maddow ShowExclusive: Stormy Daniels talks about the harsh reality of being the star witness against Trump
Exclusive: Stormy Daniels talks about the harsh reality of being the star witness against Trump

Exclusive: Stormy Daniels talks about the harsh reality of being the star witness against Trump

Update: 2024-07-033
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The episode begins with a discussion of the delay in Donald Trump's sentencing for his conviction on 34 felony counts, which has been pushed back to September. The delay is due to a new motion from Trump's defense lawyers, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling granting Trump immunity from prosecution for actions taken while in office. The episode then transitions to an interview with Stormy Daniels, the woman at the center of the case, who discusses the ongoing threats and harassment she faces. Daniels details the doxing of her home address, the graphic death threats she receives, and the ongoing legal battle with Trump over a defamation lawsuit. She also expresses concern about the potential loss of her home and the possibility of an arrest warrant for refusing to provide personal information about her daughter. The episode concludes with a discussion of the broader implications of the Trump movement's targeting of individuals who speak out against Trump, highlighting the need for greater protection for those who confront him. The episode also features an interview with Michael Bacheless, NBC News Presidential historian, who discusses the Supreme Court's recent ruling on presidential immunity and its potential impact on the case. Bacheless argues that the ruling represents a dangerous shift in the balance of power between the president and ordinary citizens, potentially leading to a situation where the president can act with impunity and citizens have no recourse. The episode also features an interview with Catherine Christian, former Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan DA's office, who discusses the potential legal ramifications of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Trump case. Christian argues that the ruling could lead to a retrial of the case, but that the prosecution would still have a strong case even without the evidence related to Trump's official acts as president. The episode concludes with a discussion of the broader implications of the Trump movement's targeting of individuals who speak out against Trump, highlighting the need for greater protection for those who confront him and emphasizing the importance of protecting individual citizens from the menace of the Trump movement.

Outlines

00:00:00
Introduction

This Chapter introduces the episode's main topics: the delay in Donald Trump's sentencing and an interview with Stormy Daniels. It also mentions the upcoming MSNBC Live Democracy 2024 event.

00:00:28
Stormy Daniels Interview

This Chapter features an interview with Stormy Daniels, who discusses the impact of Trump's conviction on her life. She describes the increased threats and harassment she has faced since the trial, including the doxing of her home address and graphic death threats. Daniels also discusses the ongoing legal battle with Trump over a defamation lawsuit and the potential loss of her home.

01:09:51
Conclusion

This Chapter concludes the episode with a reflection on the broader implications of the Trump movement's targeting of individuals who speak out against Trump. The episode highlights the need for greater protection for those who confront him and emphasizes the importance of protecting individual citizens from the menace of the Trump movement.

01:20:13
Supreme Court Ruling and its Implications

This Chapter discusses the Supreme Court's recent ruling on presidential immunity and its potential impact on the Trump case. The chapter features an interview with Michael Bacheless, NBC News Presidential historian, who argues that the ruling represents a dangerous shift in the balance of power between the president and ordinary citizens, potentially leading to a situation where the president can act with impunity and citizens have no recourse.

01:23:59
Sentencing Delay and Potential Retrial

This Chapter discusses the delay in Donald Trump's sentencing for his conviction on 34 felony counts and the potential for a retrial of the case. The chapter features an interview with Catherine Christian, former Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan DA's office, who discusses the legal ramifications of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Trump case. Christian argues that the ruling could lead to a retrial of the case, but that the prosecution would still have a strong case even without the evidence related to Trump's official acts as president.

Keywords

Donald Trump


Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. He was born and raised in the New York City borough of Queens and received an economics degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Trump took charge of his family's real-estate business in 1971, renamed it The Trump Organization, and expanded its operations from Queens and Brooklyn into Manhattan. The company built or renovated skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump later started various side ventures, mostly by licensing his name. Trump and his businesses have been involved in more than 4,000 state and federal legal actions, including six bankruptcies. Trump entered the 2016 presidential race as a Republican and defeated 16 other candidates in the primaries. His political positions have been described as populist, protectionist, isolationist, and nationalist. He won the general election, defeating Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Trump's presidency was marked by controversy, including his policies on immigration, trade, and foreign policy. He was impeached by the House of Representatives in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, but was acquitted by the Senate. He was impeached again in 2021 for inciting the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, but was again acquitted by the Senate. Trump lost the 2020 presidential election to Democratic nominee Joe Biden. He has continued to make false claims about the election being stolen from him and has hinted at a possible run for president in 2024.

Stormy Daniels


Stormy Daniels is an American adult film actress and director. She is known for her work in the adult film industry and for her legal battle with Donald Trump. Daniels was born Stephanie Clifford in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She began her career in the adult film industry in the early 2000s. In 2011, she released her first directorial effort, a film titled "The American Sex Scandal." In 2018, Daniels became a household name after she alleged that she had an affair with Donald Trump in 2006. She filed a lawsuit against Trump, alleging that he had violated a non-disclosure agreement by denying the affair. The lawsuit was settled out of court. Daniels has since become a vocal critic of Trump and has written a book about her experiences, titled "Full Disclosure." She has also appeared on television and in films. Daniels is a controversial figure, but she has become a symbol of the #MeToo movement and has inspired other women to come forward with their own stories of sexual harassment and assault.

Doxing


Doxing is the act of publicly revealing private or identifying information about an individual or organization, often with malicious intent. This information can include names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, and other sensitive data. Doxing can be used to harass, intimidate, or harm individuals or organizations. It can also be used to damage reputations or to interfere with someone's work or personal life. Doxing is a serious crime in many jurisdictions and can result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment. It is important to be aware of the risks of doxing and to take steps to protect your own privacy online.

Contempt of Court


Contempt of court is a legal term that refers to any behavior that undermines the authority or dignity of a court of law. It can include actions such as refusing to obey a court order, making disrespectful remarks to a judge, or interfering with the administration of justice. Contempt of court can be either civil or criminal. Civil contempt is typically used to enforce a court order, while criminal contempt is used to punish behavior that disrupts the court's proceedings. Contempt of court can result in fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions.

Defamation


Defamation is a legal term that refers to the act of making a false and defamatory statement about another person that harms their reputation. Defamation can be either libel (written) or slander (spoken). To prove defamation, a plaintiff must show that the statement was false, that it was published to a third party, and that it caused harm to their reputation. Defamation is a serious offense and can result in significant damages, including financial compensation for harm to reputation and emotional distress.

GoFundMe


GoFundMe is a crowdfunding platform that allows individuals and organizations to raise money for a variety of causes. It is one of the most popular crowdfunding platforms in the world, with over $15 billion raised through the platform. GoFundMe is used to raise money for a wide range of purposes, including medical expenses, funeral costs, disaster relief, and charitable causes. The platform is free to use for fundraisers, but GoFundMe takes a small percentage of the funds raised as a fee. GoFundMe has been criticized for its handling of certain campaigns, including those that have been used to raise money for fraudulent or unethical purposes. However, the platform remains a popular and effective tool for raising money for a variety of causes.

Trump Movement


The Trump movement refers to the political and social phenomenon that emerged during Donald Trump's presidency and continues to influence American politics. It is characterized by a populist, nationalist, and often anti-establishment ideology. The movement draws support from a diverse range of individuals, including working-class voters, white evangelicals, and those who feel disenfranchised by the political establishment. The Trump movement is known for its use of social media, its embrace of conspiracy theories, and its willingness to challenge traditional norms of political discourse. The movement has had a significant impact on American politics, contributing to the rise of populism and the polarization of the political landscape.

MSNBC Live Democracy 2024


MSNBC Live Democracy 2024 is a live audience event hosted by MSNBC, a cable news channel known for its liberal perspective. The event is designed to engage viewers in a conversation about the 2024 presidential election. It features a lineup of MSNBC personalities, including Rachel Maddow, and aims to provide insights and analysis on the political landscape. The event is likely to attract a diverse audience of politically engaged individuals interested in the upcoming election.

Presidential Immunity


Presidential immunity is a legal doctrine that protects the president of the United States from being sued for actions taken while in office. The doctrine is based on the principle of separation of powers, which holds that the president should be able to carry out his duties without fear of being sued for every decision he makes. However, the scope of presidential immunity has been the subject of much debate, and the Supreme Court has ruled on the issue several times. In recent years, the Supreme Court has narrowed the scope of presidential immunity, holding that the president is not immune from lawsuits for actions taken outside of his official duties. The Supreme Court's recent ruling on presidential immunity is likely to have a significant impact on the Trump case, as it could potentially shield Trump from prosecution for actions taken while in office.

Michael Bacheless


Michael Bacheless is a Presidential historian for NBC News. He is an expert on American history and politics, and he has written extensively on the presidency. Bacheless is a frequent commentator on MSNBC, and he is known for his insightful analysis of current events. In this episode, Bacheless discusses the Supreme Court's recent ruling on presidential immunity and its potential impact on the Trump case. He argues that the ruling represents a dangerous shift in the balance of power between the president and ordinary citizens, potentially leading to a situation where the president can act with impunity and citizens have no recourse.

Catherine Christian


Catherine Christian is a former Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan DA's office. She is an expert on criminal law and procedure, and she has extensive experience in prosecuting cases. Christian is a frequent commentator on MSNBC, and she is known for her insightful analysis of legal issues. In this episode, Christian discusses the potential legal ramifications of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Trump case. She argues that the ruling could lead to a retrial of the case, but that the prosecution would still have a strong case even without the evidence related to Trump's official acts as president.

Q&A

  • What is the current status of Donald Trump's sentencing for his conviction on 34 felony counts?

    Trump's sentencing has been delayed until September due to a new motion from his defense lawyers based on a recent Supreme Court ruling granting him immunity from prosecution for actions taken while in office.

  • What are some of the threats and harassment that Stormy Daniels has faced since the trial?

    Daniels has been doxed, receiving graphic death threats and facing the potential loss of her home. She is also concerned about the possibility of an arrest warrant for refusing to provide personal information about her daughter.

  • Why is Stormy Daniels' story important in the context of the Trump movement?

    Daniels' story highlights the targeting of individuals who speak out against Trump, demonstrating the menace and physical threats that the Trump movement uses against its perceived enemies. It raises concerns about the lack of protection for those who confront Trump and the need for greater safeguards for individual citizens.

  • What are the key takeaways from Stormy Daniels' testimony in Trump's criminal trial?

    Daniels' testimony provided detailed and graphic accounts of her encounter with Trump, which allowed the jury to assess her credibility and ultimately contributed to Trump's conviction. Her testimony also revealed the manipulative nature of Trump's actions and the potential for power imbalances in such situations.

  • What are the implications of the Trump movement's targeting of individuals who speak out against Trump?

    The Trump movement's targeting of individuals who confront Trump creates a climate of fear and intimidation, discouraging others from speaking out against him. This undermines the principles of free speech and accountability, and raises concerns about the safety and well-being of those who challenge Trump's authority.

  • What are the potential consequences for Stormy Daniels if she refuses to provide personal information about her daughter?

    Daniels could be held in contempt of court, which could result in a possible arrest warrant and further financial penalties. This situation highlights the difficult choices that individuals face when confronted with the Trump movement's tactics of intimidation and harassment.

  • What are some of the ways that the justice system and the country could have better supported Stormy Daniels?

    Daniels believes that she should have been allowed to present her case in the defamation lawsuit against Trump, which could have prevented her current financial hardship. She also emphasizes the need for greater protection for individuals who confront Trump and speak out against him, particularly those who are not part of powerful institutions.

  • What is the significance of Stormy Daniels' story in the context of American history?

    Daniels' story is significant because it represents the first ever criminal conviction of an American president. Her testimony and the subsequent events surrounding her life highlight the power imbalances that can exist between powerful individuals and ordinary citizens, and the importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions.

  • What are some of the challenges that individuals face when confronting powerful figures like Donald Trump?

    Individuals who confront powerful figures like Trump often face significant threats and harassment, including doxing, death threats, and financial ruin. They may also be subjected to public scrutiny and criticism, and may experience difficulty in maintaining their privacy and safety. These challenges can have a profound impact on their lives, both personally and professionally.

  • What are some of the broader implications of the Trump movement's targeting of individuals?

    The Trump movement's targeting of individuals who speak out against Trump has a chilling effect on free speech and accountability. It creates a climate of fear and intimidation, discouraging others from challenging Trump's authority. This undermines the principles of democracy and the rule of law, and raises concerns about the future of American society.

  • What are the potential implications of the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity for the Trump case?

    The Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity could potentially shield Trump from prosecution for actions taken while in office, potentially leading to a dismissal of the charges against him. This raises concerns about the balance of power between the president and ordinary citizens, and the potential for the president to act with impunity.

  • What are the arguments for and against the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity?

    Those who support the ruling argue that it is necessary to protect the president from being sued for every decision he makes, allowing him to carry out his duties without fear of being held personally liable. Those who oppose the ruling argue that it gives the president too much power and undermines the principle of accountability, potentially allowing the president to act with impunity and escape justice for his actions.

  • What are the potential legal ramifications of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Trump case?

    The Supreme Court's ruling could lead to a retrial of the Trump case, as the prosecution may need to exclude evidence related to Trump's official acts as president. However, the prosecution would still have a strong case even without this evidence, as there is a mountain of evidence that points to Trump's guilt. The ruling could also have broader implications for the balance of power between the president and ordinary citizens, potentially leading to a situation where the president can act with impunity and citizens have no recourse.

Show Notes

Plus, the real reason Stormy Daniels agreed to meet with Donald Trump

Comments (1)

asknise

Hoping the Go Fund Me reaches its goal thanks to Rachel's exposure. And thanks to Stormy for giving us her perspective from that horrible experience all those years ago. Things likely would have turned out differently for her if she knew then what she knows now.

Jul 4th
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Exclusive: Stormy Daniels talks about the harsh reality of being the star witness against Trump

Exclusive: Stormy Daniels talks about the harsh reality of being the star witness against Trump

MSNBC