Following Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts related to hush-money payments, his motion to dismiss the case was opposed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Bragg argued that presidential immunity does not apply and suggested a temporary delay in proceedings to avoid interfering with presidential duties, not a dismissal. Both Bragg and the New York attorney general’s office contend the case will not impede Trump’s official functions. The dispute’s resolution could extend into Trump’s presidency, potentially delaying sentencing until after his term.
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Spanish Foreign Minister José Luis Albares dismissed Donald Trump’s claim of ending the Ukraine war in 24 hours as unrealistic, citing Vladimir Putin’s apparent lack of desire for peace. Albares emphasized that a Russian victory would severely escalate global instability. This skepticism contrasts with surprisingly high Ukrainian trust in Trump, despite Zelenskyy’s own non-literal interpretation of the campaign promise. The statement highlights the significant doubt surrounding Trump’s assertion within international circles.
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Manhattan prosecutors are opposing Donald Trump’s motion to vacate his felony conviction for falsifying business records. They argue that the recently expanded presidential immunity does not necessitate dismissing the case, suggesting alternative solutions like non-carceral punishment or delaying sentencing until after his presidential term. Prosecutors contend that there’s no legal basis for dismissal, emphasizing the jury’s guilty verdict. Trump’s legal team’s attempts to overturn the conviction are deemed baseless by the prosecution.
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Following a dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, where the topic of Canada’s potential statehood was raised as a joke, President-elect Trump repeatedly reiterated the idea across various media platforms. This included social media posts referencing Canada as a state and Trudeau as “governor,” alongside a television interview where he incorrectly linked US trade deficits with “subsidies” justifying annexation. Trump’s assertions are based on fundamentally flawed understandings of trade deficits and subsidies. His continued public pronouncements on the matter, despite their factual inaccuracies, indicate a low likelihood of the issue ceasing to be a point of discussion.
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Attorney General Merrick Garland’s tenure has been marked by highly controversial actions, drawing criticism from across the political spectrum. These include the DOJ’s attempts to prosecute Donald Trump while simultaneously shielding President Biden from similar accusations, the controversial raid on Mar-a-Lago, and the targeting of parents protesting school policies. Further fueling discontent, the DOJ has been accused of ignoring subpoenas, prosecuting political opponents more aggressively than those aligned with the administration, and interfering with investigations into the Biden family. The cumulative effect of these actions has severely damaged public trust in the DOJ and the FBI.
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Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg filed an 82-page motion opposing Donald Trump’s attempt to dismiss his hush-money case before his January 20 inauguration. Bragg argues that Trump’s “history of malicious conduct,” including threats and attacks on the judicial process, precludes dismissal and that “president-elect immunity” does not exist. The motion emphasizes the seriousness of Trump’s crimes, which involved falsifying business records to conceal a hush-money payment made shortly before the 2016 election, and their impact on the integrity of the electoral process. Bragg requests either pre-inauguration sentencing or a postponement until after Trump’s second term.
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With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Somaliland’s prospects for US recognition are significantly enhanced, fueled by strong support among Republican policymakers and think tanks. This recognition would strategically benefit the US by improving intelligence gathering capabilities in a volatile region, particularly regarding weapons trafficking, Chinese influence, and Houthi activity in Yemen. Somaliland’s recent successful elections, showcasing its commitment to democracy, further bolster its case for international recognition. This increased engagement is anticipated to bring Somaliland closer to its goal of independence, furthering its partnerships with the United States and other nations.
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The New York Attorney General’s pursuit of a $454 million civil fraud judgment against Donald Trump continues, and it’s a story that keeps unfolding. This significant legal battle underscores the lengths to which authorities are willing to go to hold Trump accountable for alleged financial misconduct. The sheer scale of the judgment itself is striking, highlighting the gravity of the accusations and the potential ramifications for Trump’s financial empire.
The long timeframe of this legal pursuit is noteworthy. Some observers have questioned why it took so long to reach this point, suggesting that earlier action might have yielded quicker results. However, the complexity of such a large-scale financial investigation, coupled with the inherent challenges of building a solid legal case, likely played a significant role in the extended timeline.… Continue reading
In a speech at the Reagan National Defense Forum, Senator Mitch McConnell implicitly criticized President-elect Trump’s isolationist foreign policy stance. McConnell warned against abandoning global leadership, contrasting the current GOP with the party under Reagan and highlighting threats from Russia and China. He emphasized the importance of American alliances and rejected the notion that U.S. primacy is self-sustaining. This critique builds on previously published sentiments where McConnell described Trump as damaging to the Republican party.
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Following President-elect Trump’s call for the January 6th committee members’ imprisonment, Sen.-elect Adam Schiff defended the committee’s work on MSNBC’s *Morning Joe*. Schiff rejected Trump’s accusations, asserting the committee acted appropriately. He emphasized his pride in the committee’s findings and upcoming Senate swearing-in ceremony on December 9th, 2024. The interview covered both the political fallout from the January 6th investigation and Schiff’s transition to the Senate.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood