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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Republican Senator Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration for Attorney General after facing anticipated opposition from several Republican Senators. This opposition stemmed from Gaetz’s role in ousting former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and an ongoing ethics investigation. The withdrawal sparked outrage among prominent Trump supporters, who accused these senators of obstructing the President-elect’s agenda. At least four Republican Senators reportedly indicated they would vote against Gaetz’s confirmation. Gaetz cited concerns that his confirmation process was becoming a distraction.
Read More
Donald Trump’s recent appointments, including Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, and Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, represent a significant shift towards controversial figures. Gabbard, a former congresswoman with a history of promoting conspiracy theories and aligning with Russian propaganda, is particularly concerning given her new role overseeing intelligence agencies. Her past actions, including downplaying Assad’s chemical weapons attacks and spreading misinformation about US-funded biolabs in Ukraine, raise serious questions about her suitability for the position. This unconventional approach to staffing key national security positions reflects a clear preference by Trump for candidates who challenge established norms.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Stay informed on the 2024 US Presidential election with the FT’s comprehensive coverage, including news, analysis, and data. Access exclusive insights and policy plans through the White House Watch newsletter. Gain deeper perspectives on the election’s impact on democracy through the Democracy 2024 section. These resources offer a complete understanding of the election and its implications.
Read More
Haley’s recent expressions of concern regarding Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are drawing significant criticism, largely due to her past actions and endorsements. The timing of her concerns, surfacing after her failure to secure a position in the current administration, fuels suspicion that her pronouncements are motivated by self-interest rather than genuine principle.
The argument that Haley’s concerns are disingenuous stems from her previous enthusiastic support for Donald Trump. Her endorsement of Trump, despite her earlier criticisms of his qualifications for the presidency, is seen as a betrayal of her purported values and a significant erosion of her credibility. This past allegiance to Trump, now viewed by many as a catastrophic mistake, renders her current anxieties about other political figures suspect in the eyes of many.… Continue reading
Following President Trump’s nomination of Tulsi Gabbard to lead U.S. intelligence, Democrats raised concerns about her past interactions with Russian and Syrian officials, citing potential conflicts of interest. Republicans strongly defended Gabbard, dismissing Democratic accusations of her being a “compromised” asset as politically motivated attacks stemming from her party switch and alliance with Trump. While some Republicans acknowledged needing further clarification on Gabbard’s past actions, they largely rejected the claims of her being a threat to national security. The controversy highlights partisan divisions over Gabbard’s suitability for the critical intelligence role.
Read More
Jimmy Kimmel, appearing on MSNBC’s *Morning Joe*, argued that disliking Donald Trump is rational, even suggesting that “Trump Derangement Syndrome” should apply to reasonable people. He highlighted Trump’s Manhattan conviction and the upcoming sentencing, emphasizing that the former president is essentially running for president to avoid prison. Kimmel’s comments are part of a broader trend of liberal celebrities increasing their anti-Trump rhetoric in the lead-up to the election, a trend seemingly correlated with Trump’s improved poll numbers following indictments. This surge in celebrity opposition coincides with Trump’s fundraising increases post-conviction.
Read More