No Exit

The victims have been included in the proceeding today both because of their relevant experiences and because they should always be involved before rather than after the fact.

That's the court in SDNY, where Maxwell was convicted, telling Todd Blanche he can’t cut corners on anything he asks for now. Including a reduction in sentence for Maxwell.

Trump can unilaterally commute her sentence, or pardon her. But that puts Trump’s fingers directly in the pie. The only way to create any distance (not plausible distance, but still…), is to ask the court to approve a deal made between Maxwell and DOJ. This would also give her statements slightly (but only slightly) more credibility.

But then they’ll have to talk to the victims; who don’t hold veto power, but who will speak loudly in the court of public opinion.

Todd Blanche is walking Trump into a whole new hornet’s nest.