Ben Protess and Michael Rothfeld, investigative reporters for The New York Times, dive into the high-stakes legal drama surrounding former Trump CFO Allen Weisselberg. They discuss his deep loyalty to Trump and the complexities of potential cooperation with prosecutors. The conversation highlights Weisselberg's influential role and the tension between protecting his boss and facing serious charges. With the ongoing investigation into the Trump Organization's financial practices, they ponder whether this long-time insider will flip, altering the course of the legal battle.
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insights INSIGHT
Vance's Investigation
Manhattan DA Cy Vance investigated potential discrepancies in Trump's financial records.
After an 18-month legal battle, Vance obtained Trump's tax returns.
insights INSIGHT
Two Sets of Books
The DA found potential discrepancies between Trump's financial records.
One set of books appeared to inflate his finances, and the other to deflate them.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Weisselberg's Perks
Weisselberg received unreported perks like cars, an apartment, and tuition.
The DA alleges a 15-year scheme to defraud the government of tax income.
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In its investigation of the Trump Organization’s financial affairs, the Manhattan district attorney’s office has zeroed in on Allen Weisselberg, the company’s former finance chief, who spent almost half a century working for the Trump family.
Criminal charges have been brought against Mr. Weisselberg in the hopes of getting him to cooperate in an investigation of former President Donald Trump. Will he flip?
Guest: Ben Protess, an investigative reporter for The New York Times; and Michael Rothfeld, an investigative reporter for The Times’s Metro Desk.
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Background reading:
The Trump Organization has been charged with running a 15-year scheme to help its executives evade taxes by compensating them with fringe benefits that were hidden from the authorities.
In nearly half a century of service to Mr. Trump’s family businesses, Allen Weisselberg has survived — and thrived — by anticipating and carrying out his boss’s dictates in a zealous mission to protect the bottom line. His fealty has now landed him in serious legal jeopardy.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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