The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has definitively rejected Donald Trump’s appeal in the E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse and defamation case, upholding the $5 million judgment against him. This decision follows a prior ruling affirming the jury’s verdict and the admissibility of evidence demonstrating a pattern of similar behavior. Trump’s only remaining recourse is a petition to the Supreme Court, but this does not halt the collection process on the judgment. Failure to secure a stay and post bond could result in immediate asset seizures to satisfy the judgment.
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Robert E. Lee, a wealthy slave-owning oligarch, orchestrated a treasonous war against the United States, resulting in the deaths of nearly 750,000 Americans. Donald Trump’s recent praise of Lee and subsequent actions, including lying to and manipulating soldiers for political gain, demonstrate a dangerous disregard for democratic principles and military neutrality. Trump’s actions, coupled with the complicity of key figures like Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, echo historical patterns of authoritarian regimes undermining democratic institutions. This blatant disregard for established military policy and the normalization of fascist rhetoric pose a significant threat to American democracy.
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The “No Kings” protest, planned for Saturday, anticipates millions of participants at nearly 2,000 locations nationwide, coinciding with Trump’s military parade and birthday. Fueled by recent events, including the deployment of troops to quell protests in Los Angeles, the demonstrations will target Trump’s actions regarding courts, deportations, civil rights, and government services. The decentralized nature of the protests, notably excluding Washington D.C., aims to showcase widespread opposition and avoid concentrating counter-protests. Organizers expect participation to surpass previous large-scale demonstrations, despite Trump’s threats. The protests are framed as a crucial step in building sustained resistance against what many perceive as increasingly authoritarian actions.
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President Trump’s attendance at the Kennedy Center’s opening night of *Les Misérables* resulted in a mixed reaction, with cheers and boos greeting his arrival. This followed Trump’s February firing of the Kennedy Center’s leadership and subsequent appointment of a new board, leading to decreased ticket sales and cancellations by artists like Issa Rae and the *Hamilton* production. The incident highlighted the politicization of the arts center under Trump’s control, with protests from attendees including drag queens. Trump, however, expressed his intention to restore the Kennedy Center to its former glory.
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President Trump dismissed a reporter’s question about a planned Kennedy Center walkout by actors protesting his presence, claiming his focus is solely on successfully running the country. This incident highlights the ongoing conflict stemming from Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center, marked by board replacements and the elimination of programming he deemed “woke.” Despite plummeting subscription sales and widespread protests against his administration’s policies, Trump remains confident in his leadership and the Center’s future. The event itself featured contrasting reactions, with boos and cheers directed at the President, while several drag performers attended in protest. Even Vice President Vance admitted to unfamiliarity with *Les Misérables* itself.
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LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell refuted President Trump’s claim that the Los Angeles Police Department requested National Guard intervention for immigration protests. McDonnell stated that the LAPD followed established protocols, utilizing internal resources and mutual aid from other agencies before considering such a request, a stage they haven’t reached. He emphasized the department’s ability to handle the situation without federal assistance, directly contradicting Trump’s assertion of necessity. The White House has yet to respond to requests for comment.
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Senator Rand Paul alleges the White House disinvited his family from a bipartisan picnic, citing “petty vindictiveness” and “immaturity.” This action follows Paul’s outspoken criticism of the President’s policy bill, particularly its expansion of the national debt. Paul believes this disinvitation, impacting even his infant grandson, is a politically ineffective attempt to silence his opposition. He further suggests the action may have originated from White House staffers, possibly including Stephen Miller, and demonstrates a concerning decline in political discourse.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson asserted a key difference between the Los Angeles protests and the January 6th Capitol riot, rejecting claims of hypocrisy regarding President Trump’s pardon of Capitol rioters. He cited the 1992 LA riots as justification for the current deployment of federal forces, emphasizing the need to maintain order and prevent widespread destruction. Johnson defended the president’s actions while declining to further discuss the January 6th events, stating that those involved in illegal activities faced consequences. The contrast highlights the administration’s differing responses to protests, drawing criticism for its strong-arm tactics in Los Angeles.
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This Saturday, Americans face a choice: attend Donald Trump’s military parade and birthday celebration in Washington D.C., or Pope Leo XIV’s counter-programming event in Chicago. The Pope’s message, aimed at young people, will be broadcast simultaneously and criticizes nationalist movements, contrasting sharply with Trump’s display of military might. The event in Chicago, almost entirely sold out, underscores the public’s divided response. Pope Leo’s past criticisms of the Trump administration’s policies, particularly regarding immigration, further highlight the ideological clash.
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Following Donald Trump’s controversial 2024 election win over Kamala Harris, a Wisconsin nonprofit filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk, alleging that he and his political allies violated state election laws. The complaint centers on Musk’s distribution of significant sums of money to voters in Wisconsin and other swing states, allegedly incentivizing them to vote for Trump through schemes that circumvented legal limits on campaign contributions. These actions, which included cash payments and lotteries, prompted unsuccessful legal challenges prior to the election. The lawsuit seeks to prevent future similar actions and potentially award damages.
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John Q. Hosedrinker