Ty Cobb, former White House Special Counsel during President Trump’s first term, spoke with Margaret Brennan on “Face the Nation” on September 28, 2025. Here’s a summary of their discussion.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome, Ty. You’ve been in the spotlight since last week when former FBI Director James Comey was indicted for his testimony on Russian interference in the 2016 election. Do you think this case has enough strength to go to trial?
TY COBB: Honestly, I don’t think so. The grand jury dismissed one major charge and approved two counts, but only with a slim majority. In court, it’s much tougher to convict. The jury needs a unanimous decision, and Comey will have a strong defense. I doubt he’ll be convicted, and there’s a good chance the case won’t even make it to trial given the questionable process behind it.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You’ve referred to this process as “unconstitutional” and “authoritarian.” Why do you think that way, given your experience in the White House?
TY COBB: My role was as a government employee during the Mueller investigation; I wasn’t President Trump’s personal lawyer. Looking back, I see the importance of fairness in any prosecution, as emphasized by past leaders like Justice Jackson. The legal system shouldn’t target individuals based on politics; it should focus on crimes. Unfortunately, the current direction seems to prioritize political motives over justice.
MARGARET BRENNAN: There’s a lot of talk about investigations into various individuals linked to Trump, including former officials. What’s your take on this trend?
TY COBB: It seems like a drive to rewrite history. Trump wants the next generation to forget his actions related to the insurrection and mishandling of classified documents. All those who opposed him could face trouble. Furthermore, he’s appointed people who have purged historical truths, aiming to reshape America’s narrative rather than learn from its past mistakes.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Some Republican lawmakers are hesitant to address these issues. Can the judicial system stay unbiased amid this pressure?
TY COBB: That’s a tough question. Historically, Congress was designed to check the presidency. Sadly, many Republicans seem to shirk this responsibility. Currently, the judicial system must remain impartial, but the pressure is palpable.
In recent years, legal battles related to presidential actions have sparked widespread debate. Many experts argue that this reflects a growing concern over political interference in judicial matters. According to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center, 63% of Americans believe that political pressures affect the judicial system’s fairness. This trend could pose significant challenges in maintaining the rule of law in our democracy.
Ultimately, the conversation about justice and accountability continues as America grapples with its complex political landscape. For those interested in further reading on this topic, you might find insights in reputable sources like the [American Bar Association](https://www.americanbar.org/) and related studies that explore the relationship between politics and law enforcement.
