A federal judge is considering whether to dismiss the criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant, due to potentially “vindictive” prosecution by the government. The judge cited statements from Trump administration officials, including a Deputy Attorney General, as possible “direct evidence” of retaliatory motives related to Abrego Garcia’s legal challenges to his wrongful deportation. These statements, coupled with the timing of the criminal indictment, suggest a potential link between the charges and Abrego Garcia’s exercise of his constitutional rights. More hearings are scheduled to determine whether the prosecution was indeed motivated by retaliation.
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Kennedy Fires N.I.H. Scientist Who Filed Whistle-Blower Complaint – Let’s dive right into it, shall we? The news that an NIH scientist was fired after filing a whistle-blower complaint is, to put it mildly, infuriating. It’s a classic case of apparent retaliation, a blatant disregard for the very protections that are supposed to be in place to shield those who bravely speak truth to power. It’s a situation that screams “abuse of power,” and it’s hard not to feel a sense of outrage. It feels like a clear-cut case of wrongdoing, and one can’t help but wonder how this could possibly be justified.… Continue reading
In response to the European Union’s $3.5 billion antitrust fine against Google, former US President Donald Trump criticized the decision as “unfair” and threatened retaliatory action. Trump stated the fine would take money away from American investments and jobs, vowing his administration would not allow such “discriminatory actions” to continue. This followed a meeting with Google executives where he praised a US court decision in a separate antitrust case, while the EU’s ruling focused on Google’s alleged abuse of its dominant position in digital advertising. Google has since rejected the ruling and plans to appeal the decision.
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Ukraine vows to retaliate after Russian attacks on power sector, and it’s clear this is a deeply felt response to a critical situation. The destruction of infrastructure, especially the power grid, isn’t just about inconvenience; it’s about crippling a nation’s ability to function. It directly impacts the lives of civilians, hospitals, schools, and the basic necessities required for survival during a brutal war. Understandably, this has fueled a strong resolve for retribution.
The focus seems to be on what’s next, with a shift towards the kinds of actions Ukraine is prepared to take. We’re talking about a potential escalation, a ramping up of attacks to inflict similar pain on the aggressor.… Continue reading
Senior Kremlin official Dmitry Medvedev warned Austria of retaliatory measures if it pursues NATO membership, accusing Vienna of abandoning its neutrality. Medvedev threatened to reconsider the location of international organizations currently hosted in Austria, citing concerns that NATO accession would undermine Austria’s global standing. He argued that any move toward NATO membership could violate international law and emphasized that Austria should not expect exceptions from Russia, referencing the actions taken against Sweden and Finland after they joined NATO. Medvedev’s statements come amidst Austria’s deepening military cooperation with the EU and NATO, despite public resistance and legal questions surrounding its non-aligned status.
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India is reportedly preparing to retaliate against the U.S. for its imposition of a 50% duty on Indian steel, aluminum, and their derivatives, a move stemming from a trade dispute that has escalated significantly. This retaliation, based on World Trade Organization rules, comes after the U.S. rejected India’s request for consultations regarding the tariffs, which New Delhi views as non-compliant with WTO regulations. The Indian government views the tariffs as detrimental to India’s economic interests, particularly as bilateral trade talks have stalled. The U.S. exports a significant amount of merchandise to the Indian market.
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A former Justice Department official, Patty Hartman, has warned of potential retribution within the agency, as she was recently fired, making her the fourth person connected to the Jan. 6 Capitol riots cases to be terminated in the past month. Hartman, who worked on the public affairs team for the District of Columbia U.S. Attorney’s Office, believes these firings are a form of retaliation from the administration, as the mass pardon of the defendants shuttered the Jan. 6 prosecutions. She characterized her dismissal as an indication of a broader destabilization within the Justice Department, asserting that the administration has disregarded established rules and due process. Hartman is now considering a legal challenge regarding her termination, highlighting the growing concerns of those within the agency.
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Following Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military facilities and reportedly killing civilians, including women and children, Iranian Armed Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi vowed a retaliatory response. Shekarchi declared that both Israel and the United States would “pay dearly” for the attacks, regardless of US denials of involvement. The strikes, described by Israel as preemptive, reportedly killed Major General Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran’s armed forces are reportedly on high alert.
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President Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods has prompted swift and significant retaliation. Ontario Premier Doug Ford predicts devastating impacts on the U.S. auto sector, potentially leading to plant closures. Prime Minister Trudeau, highlighting the absurdity of the situation, emphasizes Canada’s unwavering stance until U.S. tariffs are removed. Trump’s incoherent response includes suggestions for U.S. factory construction and an executive order prioritizing logging, potentially jeopardizing endangered species and contradicting scientific consensus on wildfire prevention. The ongoing “national security” investigations into Canadian lumber, steel, and aluminum further underscore the escalating trade conflict.
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Nine anonymous FBI agents filed a class-action lawsuit against the Justice Department, alleging an unlawful, retaliatory directive from President Trump to remove agents involved in the January 6th Capitol riot and Mar-a-Lago investigations. The suit cites a DOJ questionnaire targeting thousands of agents, potentially leading to termination or endangering agents and their families due to threats from pardoned January 6th defendants. A second lawsuit, involving the FBI Agents Association and seven additional anonymous agents, followed, similarly accusing the DOJ of mass, unlawful terminations. These actions are viewed as retaliation for agents fulfilling their duties.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood