DOJ threads the needle
Michael Avenatti is one week into representing himself in federal court in Southern California, where he is accused of stealing funds from his client. Is he doing a good job lawyering for himself? And is a juror in the trial secretly posing as Josh Barro for this week\u2019s podcast? You won\u2019t know until you listen! P.S. As mentioned in the show, we\u2019ve been enjoying and relying on Meghann Cuniff\u2019s excellent and detailed reporting on the Avenatti trial. Follow her here.
\n\nThen: the DOJ has indicated that they will refuse to step in to defend Congressman Mo Brooks in a civil lawsuit brought against him over the insurrection. Why is this different from other situations related to January 6 where the DOJ has stepped in? Also: one person arrested in the insurrection made a selective prosecution argument \u2014 why is he being prosecuted now when so many people who were arrested on federal property in Portland last summer were not?
\n\nPlus: when you\u2019re under federal indictment and also rich enough to post a $250 million bond, how do the feds ensure you stay in the country and show up in court?