'She knows better': Ex-FBI counsel shames Elise Stefanik for attacking Trump judge

Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY) should "know better" than to take aim at the New York judge presiding over Donald Trump's civil fraud case, a former top Justice Department official and FBI general counsel says.

The former prosecutor attacked Stefanik as one of Trump's many enablers in government for a bias complaint against Judge Arthur Engoron.

"That is so irresponsible," Weissmann said. "She knows better."

Weissmann contends Stefanik's anti-Engoron statement was part of Trump's ongoing attack against the rule of law, the judicial system, and law enforcement.

It's a question of timing, Weissmann argues.

"He has an opportunity in court to convince the judge why he is right, starting Monday," said Weissmann. "He will be calling witnesses in his case, as is his right and his co-defendants. That's the way the system works, whether it's a civil case or a criminal case. And when you don't like the outcome, especially as somebody who was in the government, attacking the umpire is not a way that you instill confidence in the system."

Weissmann believes Trump is looking to "delegitimize the system, delegitimize people in law enforcement, delegitimize journalists like you and Carol. It's to have no checks and balances. These are really the tools of an autocrat."