Bragg Backs off Trump Sentencing, The Courts & Deportations, GOP Senators AWOL on Key Votes

Former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney and National Review Contributing Editor Andy McCarthy steps in for Jim Geraghty on today’s 3 Martini Lunch. Andy and Greg dive into Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s request to delay sentencing Donald Trump for four years, whether the courts will side with Trump on deportations, and the damaging impact of Republican senators missing votes on Biden judicial nominees.

They begin by discussing Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg asking for a four-year delay in sentencing Donald Trump until after Trump leaves the White House in 2029. Andy explains Trump is already appealing the verdict over immunity arguments and why both Trump and Bragg have good reasons to want the extended pause.

Next, they examine whether federal courts will support Trump’s mass deportation plans. Andy explores the broad authority of the federal government over immigration and the limitations of what state and local officials can do about it. But after the federal courts upheld Biden's authority in the midst of his utter utter failure border security, will Trump get the same reacton when he tries to execute a very different set of policies?

Finally, Andy and Greg share their frustration over several Republican senators missing key votes, enabling controversial Biden judicial nominees to secure lifetime appointments. While senators like JD Vance and Marco Rubio were tied up with responsibilities for the incoming administration, their absences allowed far-left nominees to reshape the judiciary for decades.