Federal prosecutors dismissed the two criminal cases against Donald Trump, citing Justice Department policy prohibiting the prosecution of a sitting president. This decision, spurred by Trump’s election victory, effectively ends the years-long legal battles initiated by Special Counsel Jack Smith. While the cases against Trump’s co-defendants may continue, the dismissal highlights Trump’s successful strategy of leveraging his presidential campaign to avoid prosecution. The decision was met with celebratory statements from Trump’s team, who cited the “political weaponization” of the justice system.
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A Harris Poll reveals that two-thirds of Americans believe Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs will increase consumer prices, a concern shared across party lines. The majority anticipate companies passing tariff costs onto consumers, leading to higher prices for goods and impacting household budgets. Many are already preemptively adjusting their spending habits in anticipation of these price increases. This widespread apprehension casts doubt on the popularity of Trump’s tariff policy platform, despite his claims that tariffs are economically beneficial.
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In short, President-elect Trump’s proposed mass deportation plan threatens to severely disrupt the U.S. food supply chain, as nearly half of the nation’s farmworkers are undocumented. This labor shortage could significantly increase consumer food prices and decrease the GDP. While some suggest a solution like prioritizing long-term, law-abiding immigrants, the existing H-2A visa program faces significant accessibility challenges. The potential economic consequences, coupled with past enforcement actions targeting agricultural workers, raise serious concerns within the farming community.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith dismissed all federal criminal charges against President-elect Trump, citing constitutional requirements for dismissal before inauguration. The dismissals were “without prejudice,” meaning the cases could be reinstated after Trump leaves office in 2029. While Smith dropped the appeal in Trump’s classified documents case, appeals remain for co-defendants. This action leaves open the possibility of future prosecution, although the likelihood of renewed cases remains uncertain.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith dropped all charges against Donald Trump for election subversion and classified document retention, citing Department of Justice policy preventing the indictment of a sitting president. This decision, deemed a “miscarriage of justice” by some, leaves Trump facing only Georgia election charges and potential future re-filing. Critics argue this establishes Trump’s position above the law, while supporters celebrate a victory for the rule of law. The outcome is widely interpreted as a significant development in the ongoing political and legal battles surrounding Trump.
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Senator Elizabeth Warren’s letter to the GSA administrator highlights the Trump transition team’s unprecedented refusal to sign standard memoranda of understanding with the Biden-Harris administration, hindering the incoming administration’s ability to govern effectively. This refusal also prevents the publication of a comprehensive ethics code addressing Trump’s conflicts of interest, increasing the risk of special interest influence. Furthermore, the lack of an agreement allows the Trump team to avoid disclosing transition donors, potentially circumventing individual donation limits and raising ethical concerns about transparency and potential quid pro quo arrangements. Warren’s letter demands answers from the GSA regarding the team’s non-compliance.
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Representative Gaetz has announced he will not be seeking re-election to the 119th Congress, citing a desire to support other qualified candidates from Florida. This decision follows his resignation from the 118th Congress amidst an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sex trafficking. While Gaetz denies the allegations, the committee reportedly obtained evidence supporting the claims. Despite his stated intention not to run, Gaetz remains eligible for future political office in Florida.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith moved to dismiss all federal charges against President-elect Donald Trump concerning classified document mishandling and election interference. These dismissals stem from the Department of Justice’s longstanding policy prohibiting the indictment of a sitting president, a policy invoked previously during Trump’s first term and now applicable due to his re-election. While the government maintained the merits of its cases, the policy’s application necessitated the dismissal. This decision, following Supreme Court rulings bolstering presidential immunity, marks a significant moment, leaving the pursuit of accountability for these alleged actions to Congress via impeachment.
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Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster criticized certain Republicans, including Tulsi Gabbard, for echoing Vladimir Putin’s rhetoric and displaying an “affection” for the Russian leader. McMaster specifically highlighted Gabbard’s acceptance of Putin’s justifications for invading Ukraine, contradicting U.S. intelligence assessments. This criticism follows concerns raised by Democrats regarding Gabbard’s past actions and potential allegiances, including a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The concerns underscore broader anxieties about Gabbard’s suitability for a national security role.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith dropped all federal charges against President-elect Donald Trump regarding mishandling classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election. This decision, citing the Department of Justice’s longstanding policy against indicting a sitting president, comes despite the gravity of the alleged crimes. Conservative judicial rulings, including a Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity, significantly impacted the case’s dismissal. The DOJ’s policy, established during Watergate, prioritizes a president’s ability to perform their duties unimpeded by legal proceedings, ultimately preventing further prosecution. Smith’s team plans to resign before Trump’s inauguration.
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John Q. Hosedrinker