Swalwell, Blanche, Bondi & Presidential Records Act (with Mimi Rocah)

In this episode of Stay Tuned with Preet, host Joyce Vance is joined by Mimi Rocah, former DA and law professor, to discuss several high-stakes legal developments. They begin with the Manhattan DA's investigation into sexual assault allegations against Congressman Eric Swalwell, though the focus quickly shifts to a controversial Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion declaring the Presidential Records Act unconstitutional. The OLC, under T. Elliott Gazer, argues that Congress overstepped by requiring presidential records to be transferred to the National Archives, asserting presidential autonomy over these documents. Rocah critiques the opinion as legally baseless, politically motivated, and reminiscent of Trump’s disregard for facts—comparing it to his infamous hurricane-shaping moment. She warns that such actions are part of a broader pattern of rewriting history, including downplaying January 6th and pardoning rioters, while using DOJ machinery to amplify Trump’s narrative. The episode underscores how legal opinions can be weaponized to legitimize obstruction and erode institutional integrity. The discussion highlights the dangerous precedent set by an OLC opinion that bypasses Supreme Court precedent and lacks legal foundation. Rocah emphasizes that while the opinion has no binding force outside the executive branch, it provides political cover for actions that could destroy or withhold critical historical records. She connects this to a larger strategy of politicizing the DOJ, undermining ethics, and shielding officials from accountability. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support the show through membership, while also promoting Vanta as a compliance solution. Overall, the tone is urgent and critical, warning of the erosion of democratic norms through legal subterfuge and institutional capture.