According to court records, at least three political appointees at the Department of Energy (DOE) reportedly used personal emails for government business, circumventing public records laws. This practice was noted during the secret drafting of a controversial report that questioned the scientific consensus on climate change harms. Emails revealed communications about the report’s coordination, reviewer materials, and the movements of DOE and EPA leadership. These actions have raised concerns from the Environmental Defense Fund that such practices may be widespread and lead to the improper preservation of government records.
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A federal grand jury has declined to indict six Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video reminding military members of their duty to refuse illegal orders. This action was reportedly an effort by the Trump Justice Department, led by US attorney Jeanine Pirro, to charge the lawmakers with interfering with military loyalty and discipline. Lawmakers and legal observers have expressed alarm at the attempt to weaponize the Justice Department against political opponents, calling it an assault on the First Amendment and the rule of law.
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The article highlights a significant moment where Congressman Ted Lieu presented photographs of Prince Andrew, arguing they constituted evidence of a crime warranting an investigation. Lieu directly questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi about her decision to halt a previous investigation into the Prince. Bondi deflected by discussing a former Attorney General’s actions, while Lieu subsequently shifted the focus to Donald Trump by playing a clip of him with Jeffrey Epstein.
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Former interim U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson has been hired to represent Don Lemon in federal civil rights charges related to a church protest. Thompson, who resigned from the Trump administration last month amid internal disputes, will now defend Lemon against accusations of disrupting a service where an ICE official was a pastor. Lemon maintains his innocence, asserting he was present as an independent journalist covering the event. This legal development occurs as several prosecutors have departed the Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office, citing frustration with administration policies.
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A newly released FBI document suggests Donald Trump called a police chief in 2006, stating that “everyone” knew of Jeffrey Epstein’s illicit behavior, potentially contradicting Trump’s past claims of ignorance regarding the financier’s crimes. The document, an interview with a former Palm Beach police chief, alleges Trump’s call occurred after the department began investigating Epstein. This revelation raises further questions about Trump’s knowledge of Epstein’s actions and could lead to increased scrutiny and a potential fracturing of his MAGA support base, many of whom have long demanded transparency on the Epstein case.
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Despite a January 2024 letter, highlighted by Eleanor Mueller of Semafor, that clearly states tariffs are inflationary and would strengthen the dollar, a key figure claimed such a document did not exist. In the letter, it was argued that Donald Trump’s intention to weaken the dollar was to foster US manufacturing competitiveness. Attempts were made to dismiss this conflicting evidence, with a subsequent assertion that any prior statement regarding tariffs being inflationary was mistaken, all while the average American continues to bear the brunt of economic impacts from tariff policies.
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The article highlights the immense pressure faced by immigration court professionals, exemplified by one individual who “stupidly volunteered” due to being “overwhelmed” and needing assistance, particularly in compelling ICE to adhere to court orders. This strain led to an outburst expressing exhaustion and frustration with the system, stating a desire for contempt of court simply for a chance to sleep. Ultimately, the individual will return to their ICE role, as the Minnesota office experiences an unprecedented surge in resignations, attributed to aggressive immigration enforcement policies that have resulted in tragic outcomes and a continued disregard for court mandates in detaining immigrants.
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Speaker Mike Johnson’s attempt to maintain a ban on challenging President Trump’s tariffs was unsuccessful when three Republicans joined Democrats in voting against a procedural measure. This vote’s failure allows Democrats to force votes on repealing these tariffs, a setback for the administration. Representatives Massie, Bacon, and Kiley cited the need for Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority over tariffs, arguing they have been a net negative for the economy and a significant tax on American consumers and businesses. Speaker Johnson acknowledged the difficulties of leading with a slim majority, stating that while most House Republicans support the president’s trade policies, unanimity is required for such measures.
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Mark Carney characterized his conversation with Donald Trump regarding the Gordie Howe International Bridge as “positive,” emphasizing that Canada funded the project and ownership is shared with the United States. Trump had falsely claimed the bridge had minimal US content and that Canada would gain an unfair advantage, even asserting China would ban ice hockey in Canada as part of trade negotiations. Carney clarified that both American and Canadian steel and workers were involved in the bridge’s construction, highlighting it as a testament to bilateral cooperation. This exchange underscores ongoing trade tensions and Trump’s particular focus on Canada’s economic dealings with China.
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Senator Lummis has publicly stated a shift in her perspective regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, particularly concerning the young victims. She now recognizes the importance of the investigations and affirms that those members of Congress who pursued the matter were correct in their efforts. This change in stance follows years where Lummis, like many other Republicans, prioritized loyalty to then-President Trump and remained largely silent on the well-documented sex crimes committed by Epstein against minors. Her belated acknowledgment is framed by some as opportunism, especially in light of her upcoming retirement from Congress.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Prosecutor Quits Trump Admin, Represents Don Lemon in Civil Rights Case
Former interim U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson has been hired to represent Don Lemon in federal civil rights charges related to a church protest. Thompson, who resigned from the Trump administration last month amid internal disputes, will now defend Lemon against accusations of disrupting a service where an ICE official was a pastor. Lemon maintains his innocence, asserting he was present as an independent journalist covering the event. This legal development occurs as several prosecutors have departed the Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office, citing frustration with administration policies.
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