# Andrew Weissmann: Comprehensive Profile and Career Analysis ![[Andrew Weissmann.png]] ## Background and Early Career Andrew A. Weissmann was born on March 17, 1958, and grew up in New York, where he attended the [Ethical Culture Fieldston School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Weissmann). He comes from a [Jewish heritage](https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/andrew-weissmann-wife), which has shaped his perspective and values throughout his career. Weissmann received his bachelor's degree from [Princeton University in 1980](https://uchv.princeton.edu/events/main-justice-podcast-live-taping-and-audience-qa-andrew-weissmann-%E2%80%9980-and-mary-mccord), where he majored in History with a [certificate in European Cultural Studies](https://www.92ny.org/event/a-conversation-on-law-and-democracy). After a Fulbright scholarship to the University of Geneva, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from [Columbia Law School in 1984](https://www.ethics.org/events/dojs-new-enforcement-policies-september-2022/), where he served on the managing board of the Columbia Law Review. He then clerked for Judge Eugene Nickerson in the [United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Weissmann). **Personal Life and Religion**: Weissmann is married to [Deborah M. Weissmann](https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/biographies/1590337-who-andrew-weissmanns-wife-debra-weissmann/), who is also a lawyer and law professor at the University of North Carolina School of Law. She graduated with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Syracuse University and obtained her law degree cum laude from [Syracuse University Law School](https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/andrew-weissmann-wife). The couple maintains a private personal life and [has one child](https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/biographies/1590337-who-andrew-weissmanns-wife-debra-weissmann/). Weissmann's [Jewish faith](https://kahndefense.com/14729027/unveiling-the-truth-does-andrew-weissmann-have-children/) has been a significant part of his identity. ## DOJ Career Prior to Mueller Investigation Weissmann began his federal career in 1991 as an [Assistant United States Attorney](https://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/politico-power-list/andrew-weissmann/) in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, where he served until 2002. During this period, he prosecuted high-profile organized crime cases, trying more than 25 cases involving members of the [Genovese, Colombo, and Gambino crime families](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Weissmann). His most notable prosecution was of Vincent Gigante, who headed the powerful Genovese crime family and had avoided trial for years by [feigning mental illness](https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-trump-weissmann-20180216-story.html). **Enron Task Force Leadership**: In 2002, President George W. Bush appointed Weissmann as [deputy director](https://grabien.com/profile?id=104419) and then [director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Enron Task Force](https://www.thearticle.com/trump-the-constitution-and-the-law). This appointment marked a significant milestone in his career, as he supervised the prosecution of more than 30 individuals in connection with the [company's collapse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Weissmann). Weissmann also successfully argued that auditing firm Arthur Andersen had covered up losses at Enron and had shredded documents, leading to the firm's conviction and [eventual demise](https://its.law.nyu.edu/facultyprofiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=profile.biography&personid=39254). However, in May 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously overturned the Arthur Andersen conviction, citing issues with [jury instructions](https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/andrew-weissmann-wife). **[[FBI]] General Counsel**: From 2011 to 2013, Weissmann served as [General Counsel for the Federal Bureau of Investigation](https://its.law.nyu.edu/facultyprofiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=profile.biography&personid=39254) under Director [Robert Mueller](https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/andrew-weissmann-appointed-as-fbis-general-counsel/). This role established a working relationship between Weissmann and Mueller that would prove crucial for his later appointment to the Special Counsel's Office. **Fraud Section Chief**: From 2015 to 2017, Weissmann served as [Chief of the Criminal Fraud Section](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Weissmann) in the [U.S. Department of Justice](https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/andrew-weissmann-selected-chief-criminal-divisions-fraud-section-0). In this role, he oversaw more than 125 white-collar prosecutors across three units: Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Securities and Financial Fraud, and Health Care Fraud. He devised and implemented several major corporate policies that remain in place today, including the [FCPA Pilot Program](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/andrew-weissmann--former-department-of-justice-fraud-section-chief-fbi-general-counsel-and-special-counsel-lead-prosecutor--to-rejoin-jenner--block-301049514.html) (now known as the FCPA Corporate Enforcement Policy). ## Role in the [[Robert Mueller]] Investigation In June 2017, Weissmann was [appointed to a management role](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Weissmann) on the Special Counsel team headed by [Robert Mueller](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-31/senior-justice-official-said-to-jump-to-russia-probe-team). To assume this position, he took a leave from his Department of Justice post. Weissmann served as one of the lead prosecutors in the investigation, particularly heading "Team M," which focused on [Paul Manafort and Rick Gates](https://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/politico-power-list/andrew-weissmann/). **Key Responsibilities**: Weissmann led the prosecution of former Trump campaign chairman [[Paul Manafort]], who was convicted on multiple charges including [fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering](https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/07/12/weissmann-garland-justice-trump-investigation-00045502). He was often the primary author of the government's legal filings and was expected to be the main attorney arguing cases at trial. The investigation under his leadership resulted in Manafort pleading guilty to [conspiracy charges in 2018](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/andrew-weissmann-robert-mueller-team-writing-book-on-russia-investigation/). **Contributions to the [[Mueller Report]]**: Weissmann played a significant role in the overall investigation, with his team preparing what became known as an ["alternative" Mueller report](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/robert-mueller-s-top-prosecutor-leaving-special-counsel-s-office-n983161) that detailed evidence gathered by Team M. This report focused on connections between Manafort, Rick Gates, and pro-Russian business figures, including Konstantin Kilimnik, whom the FBI contended had close ties to [Russian intelligence services](https://www.politico.com/news/2022/05/26/secret-alternative-mueller-report-goes-public-00035507). ## Exit from DOJ and Transition **Departure from Special Counsel's Office**: Weissmann left the Special Counsel's Office in March 2019, shortly before the investigation concluded. His departure was seen as one of the strongest signs that the [Mueller investigation was nearing its end](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/robert-mueller-s-top-prosecutor-leaving-special-counsel-s-office-n983161). Peter Carr, spokesman for the special counsel, confirmed that ["Andrew Weissmann will be concluding his detail to the Special Counsel's Office in the near future"](https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/14/politics/andrew-weissmann-leaving-doj). **Return to Private Practice and Academia**: After leaving the DOJ, Weissmann returned to private practice and academia. He rejoined [Jenner & Block as a partner in July 2020](https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/jenner-blocks-rehiring-of-lead-mueller-prosecutor-cited-in-executive-order-targeting-the-law-firm), where he had previously worked from 2006-2011. However, he left Jenner & Block again in 2021 and currently serves as a [Professor of Practice at NYU Law School](https://its.law.nyu.edu/facultyprofiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=profile.overview&personid=39254), where he teaches courses in [national security and criminal procedure](https://its.law.nyu.edu/facultyprofiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=profile.biography&personid=39254). ## Literary Works and Publications **"Where Law Ends: Inside the Mueller Investigation"**: In September 2020, Weissmann published his first book, which became a [New York Times bestseller](https://www.randomhousebooks.com/books/634189/). The book provides an insider's account of the Mueller investigation, including internal debates, mistakes made by the team, and external efforts by President Trump and Attorney General William Barr to influence the investigation. Weissmann was critical of Mueller's approach in the book, arguing that the investigation could have been [more aggressive](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where-law-ends-andrew-weissmann/1137330769) in pursuing [certain leads](https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/29/politics/robert-mueller-andrew-weissmann-book-trump). **"The Trump Indictments"**: In February 2024, Weissmann co-authored ["The Trump Indictments: The Historic Charging Documents with Commentary"](https://wakefieldbooks.com/book/9781324079200) with NYU law professor [Melissa Murray](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKv1Q51ktTM). This book collected the four unprecedented indictments against Donald Trump with extensive commentary from both authors. ## Media Presence and Current Activities **MSNBC Legal Analyst**: Weissmann serves as a [legal analyst for MSNBC](https://www.msnbc.com/author/andrew-weissmann-ncpn1303570) and [NBC](https://www.msnbc.com/main-justice), where he provides commentary on legal and political matters. He has become a prominent media figure, appearing regularly on various MSNBC programs including shows hosted by [Nicolle Wallace](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PICqkdpf7gM) and [Jen Psaki](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKzZ17FKwJU). **Podcast Host**: Weissmann co-hosts the popular podcast ["Main Justice"](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/main-justice/id1679657705) with [Mary McCord](https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8e19f62b-42dd-4c03-aa5a-4cac0f2254ba/main-justice), which evolved from their previous podcast ["Prosecuting Donald Trump"](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/552-main-justice-111719185/). The podcast focuses on legal analysis of the Trump administration and Department of Justice matters. Their previous podcast won the Webby Award for best podcast in the field of crime and justice in [2024](https://uchv.princeton.edu/events/main-justice-podcast-live-taping-and-audience-qa-andrew-weissmann-%E2%80%9980-and-mary-mccord). **Academic and Writing Career**: As a Professor of Practice at NYU Law School, Weissmann teaches [criminal procedure and national security law](https://its.law.nyu.edu/facultyprofiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=profile.overview&personid=39254). He also serves on the board of [Just Security](https://www.92ny.org/event/a-conversation-on-law-and-democracy) and writes frequently for major publications including [The New York Times](https://its.law.nyu.edu/facultyprofiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=profile.biography&personid=39254), [The Atlantic](https://www.justsecurity.org/author/weissmannandrew/), and [The Washington Post](https://www.theatlantic.com/author/andrew-weissmann/). ## Legal Challenges and Controversies **Passantino Defamation Lawsuit**: In September 2023, Stefan Passantino, Cassidy Hutchinson's former attorney, filed a [defamation lawsuit](https://www.scribd.com/document/673010790/Passantino-Weissmann-Complaint) against Weissmann in [federal court](https://cdn01.dailycaller.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Passantino-Weissmann-Complaint.pdf). The lawsuit stems from a tweet by Weissmann that allegedly suggested Passantino "coached" Hutchinson to lie in her congressional testimony before the [January 6 committee](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/ex-trump-lawyer-passantino-sues-weissmann-alleging-defamation). The case has survived a [motion to dismiss](https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2024/10/passantino-defamation-suit-survives-motion-to-dismiss.html) and is proceeding to [discovery](https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/former-trump-white-house-lawyer-lawsuit-against-mueller-prosecutor-andrew-weissmann-heading-to-discovery/). **Ethics Challenges**: Weissmann has faced ethical challenges related to his prosecutorial conduct during the Enron Task Force, with [charges pending](https://seeking-justice.org/doj-defends-fbi-deputy-director-andrew-weissmann-against-serious-ethics-charges-pending-in-ny/) before the First Judicial Department Disciplinary Committee in New York. These charges arise from allegations that he hid evidence favorable to the defense during Enron prosecutions. **Security Clearance Revocation**: In March 2025, President Trump [revoked Weissmann's security clearance](https://time.com/7270771/trump-revokes-security-clearance-biden-harris-clinton-full-list-meaning/) along with [several other former government officials](https://www.newsweek.com/full-list-names-donald-trump-has-stripped-security-clearance-2048973) and Trump critics. The presidential memorandum stated it was ["no longer in the national interest"](https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/rescinding-security-clearances-and-access-to-classified-information-from-specified-individuals/) for these individuals to access classified information. ## Political Connections and Bias Allegations **Political Donations**: Weissmann has made political contributions to Democratic candidates and causes. [Federal Election Commission records](https://www.opensecrets.org/donor-lookup/results?name=Andrew+Weissmann) show he donated $2,300 to Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008 and $2,000 to the [[Democratic National Committee]] in 2006 while working at Jenner & Block. He also attended [Hillary Clinton's election night party](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/more-clinton-ties-on-mueller-team-one-deputy-attended-clinton-party-another-repd-top-aide) in [November 2016](https://www.judicialwatch.org/judicial-watch-sues-doj-for-mueller-deputy-andrew-weissmann-text-messages-regarding-trump-clinton/). **Sally Yates Email**: In January 2017, Weissmann sent an email to former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates expressing support after she was fired for refusing to defend President Trump's travel ban, writing ["I am so proud. And in awe. Thank you so much. All my deepest respects"](https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-trump-weissmann-20180216-story.html). **Relationships with Media Figures**: Weissmann has developed professional relationships with media personalities, particularly Jen Psaki at MSNBC. In April 2023, [Psaki featured Weissmann's apartment](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PICqkdpf7gM) in a segment about his weekend routine. He regularly appears on various MSNBC programs and has become a fixture in [Democratic-leaning media circles](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-blueprint-with-jen-psaki/id1707410660). ## DOJ and FBI Professional Relationships **Robert Mueller**: Weissmann's closest professional relationship was with [Robert Mueller](https://its.law.nyu.edu/facultyprofiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=profile.biography&personid=39254), under whom he served as [FBI General Counsel from 2011-2013](https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/andrew-weissmann-appointed-as-fbis-general-counsel/). This relationship led to his appointment to the [Special Counsel team in 2017](https://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/politico-power-list/andrew-weissmann/). **[[James Baker]]**: Weissmann's tenure as FBI General Counsel was criticized by his successor, James Baker, who testified about communication problems and a "culture of fear" in the FBI counsel's office during Weissmann's leadership. Baker described ["the negativity that flowed from"](https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/20/fbi-discrimination-case-00087650) Weissmann and said it left some employees distrustful of others. **Current Status of Associates**: Many of Weissmann's former colleagues from the Mueller investigation and DOJ have moved to private practice or academia. Several, including Mueller himself, [returned to WilmerHale](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/15/us/politics/law-firms-trump-security-clearance.html) after the investigation concluded. Some former colleagues remain in government service, though Trump's administration has targeted several for removal or disciplinary action. ## Current Professional Status **NYU Law School**: Weissmann currently serves as a Professor of Practice at NYU Law School, where he teaches [criminal procedure and national security law](https://its.law.nyu.edu/facultyprofiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=profile.overview&personid=39254). This position allows him to combine his practical experience with academic instruction. **Legal Commentary and Analysis**: He continues to provide legal analysis through his podcast, [MSNBC appearances](https://www.msnbc.com/author/andrew-weissmann-ncpn1303570), and [written commentary](https://www.justsecurity.org/author/weissmannandrew/) for major publications. His commentary often focuses on Trump-related legal matters and Department of Justice policies. **Recent Legal Challenges**: The Trump administration has specifically targeted Weissmann through various executive orders affecting law firms that employed him, including [Jenner & Block](https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/28/jenner-block-eo-lawsuit-trump-00256160). These orders have led to [ongoing litigation](https://news.wttw.com/2025/03/28/chicago-based-law-firm-targeted-trump-administration-sues-halt-executive-order) challenging their [constitutionality](https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/addressing-risks-from-jenner-block/).