Stay Tuned with Preet How to Investigate a President (with Elie Honig)
Sep 18, 2025
Elie Honig, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and legal analyst, shares insights from his book, *When You Come at the King*. He reveals the intricacies of special counsel investigations and discusses historical cases, from Watergate to Trump's presidency. Elie explains why independent probes are crucial for accountability and outlines the unique challenges these investigations face. Expect anecdotes, including a wild story about the mob's attempt to take down Curtis Sliwa, making for a fascinating and informative conversation.
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Rosenstein's Reluctant Mueller Decision
- Rod Rosenstein hesitated but appointed Robert Mueller after intense pressure following Comey's firing.
- Rosenstein told Honig he probably would not have chosen special counsel without Mueller's acceptance.
Watergate As The Success Benchmark
- Watergate remains the gold standard for successful independent investigations.
- Honig highlights the team's resilience after the Saturday Night Massacre and Leon Jaworski's eventual role leading to Nixon's resignation.
Durham's Limited Results
- John Durham's special counsel tenure ranks lowest among the modern examples in Honig's view.
- Durham spent four years to bring three charges, with two acquittals and one probation plea.
