The Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied Donald Trump’s request to reconsider the $5 million verdict in E. Jean Carroll’s sexual abuse and defamation case. The court upheld its December 2024 decision affirming the jury’s finding that Trump sexually abused and defamed Carroll. Trump’s arguments for reconsideration centered on the admission of the “Access Hollywood” tape and testimony from other women alleging similar misconduct. This ruling comes separate from a pending appeal of an $83.3 million defamation verdict against Trump in the same case, where he invokes Supreme Court precedent on presidential immunity.
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The appeals court’s rejection of Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn the $5 million judgment awarded to E. Jean Carroll is a significant development in the ongoing legal battle. Trump had requested a hearing before the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit after a three-judge panel refused to overturn the verdict. This action, effectively denying his plea for a rehearing, solidifies the lower court’s decision finding him liable for sexual abuse.
This refusal to overturn the lower court’s decision reinforces the serious nature of the allegations against Trump. The considerable resources invested in this and numerous other Trump-related lawsuits are a cause for concern, raising questions about the allocation of public funds and the legal system’s capacity to address such high-profile cases efficiently.… Continue reading
A recent court ruling against Donald Trump’s tariffs has sparked outrage among his MAGA allies. The decision exposed significant flaws in the legal arguments supporting the tariffs, according to a lawyer for the opposing side. This legal setback represents a significant blow to Trump’s trade policies. The ruling’s implications are far-reaching and will likely impact future trade disputes.
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A federal court blocked President Trump’s widespread tariffs, deeming them beyond his legal authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The court rejected the administration’s claim that IEEPA permitted such broad tariff powers, finding the levies on various countries (including a global 10% tariff) addressed trade imbalances rather than genuine emergencies. The ruling specifically targeted tariffs imposed on China, Mexico, and Canada, deemed unrelated to stated justifications of drug trafficking and illegal immigration. The Trump administration plans to appeal the decision.
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A federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke the temporary legal status of approximately 400,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This decision upholds a lower court ruling that blocked the Department of Homeland Security’s termination of a Biden-era parole program. The lower court found that DHS had improperly revoked the migrants’ status without individual reviews, based on a misinterpretation of the law. The Trump administration may appeal to the Supreme Court.
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The Trump administration revoked over 1,500 student visas, citing national security concerns related to political activities like pro-Palestinian protests. Subsequently, many universities disenrolled affected students based on terminated SEVIS records. However, a Michigan court ruling and DHS court filings confirmed that SEVIS termination does not automatically revoke legal immigration status. This revelation exposes the universities’ actions as potentially unlawful, as the basis for disenrollment was faulty. Despite this, the DHS website still incorrectly implies that SEVIS termination ends legal status, leaving many students and institutions in uncertainty.
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Following a court ruling, the Prime Minister reiterated his previously stated definition of a woman as an “adult female,” aligning with comments made by Sir Keir Starmer in various interviews throughout 2023 and 2024. While Sir Keir initially criticized similar statements by Rosie Duffield, he later affirmed her biologically accurate assertion about cervixes. The Prime Minister welcomed the court’s decision for providing clarity on guidance, emphasizing the need for updated policies. Despite this, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson declined to comment on the implications for using preferred pronouns for transgender women, while still insisting on the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
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A federal judge has ordered Elon Musk to release documents revealing the identities of staff and internal records related to his “department of government efficiency,” Doge. This order stems from a lawsuit alleging Musk unconstitutionally exercised powers reserved for Senate-confirmed officials. The judge ruled that the requested documents are necessary to determine the scope of Doge’s authority and whether its actions should be halted. The ruling follows a separate decision ordering Doge to release documents to a watchdog group due to its “unprecedented” power and secrecy. The White House’s attempts to shield Musk’s activities through claims of executive privilege were rejected.
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A federal appeals court upheld R. Kelly’s 30-year sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking, rejecting his claims of inadequate evidence, juror bias, and improper trial rulings. The court found that Kelly leveraged his fame over 25 years to abuse numerous girls and young women, aided by his entourage. The appeals court deemed the evidence, including graphic videos, admissible, and concluded that the racketeering charge was appropriately applied. Despite a partial dissent regarding a restitution award, the conviction and sentence remain in effect.
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A New York court initially fined Donald Trump $454 million for fraudulently overvaluing his assets, a ruling he is appealing. Trump claims this was politically motivated “lawfare,” citing the alleged improper handling of his case by judges. While an appeals court showed skepticism towards the initial ruling, Trump still faces over $500 million in fines. His appeal, secured with a $175 million bond from a less-than-reputable surety company, hinges on overturning the original verdict.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood