Following a defamation lawsuit settlement with ABC News, Donald Trump announced plans to file further suits against media outlets. His target includes the Des Moines Register due to a poll that underestimated his electoral support in Iowa, despite his actual victory margin. This action, coupled with existing lawsuits against other news organizations, reflects Trump’s declared war on what he deems a corrupt press. Critics fear this emboldens him to further stifle media criticism and sets a concerning precedent for future legal battles.
Read More
A New York judge has ruled that Donald Trump is not entitled to immunity from prosecution in the hush-money case. This decision directly addresses Trump’s attempt to leverage claims of presidential immunity to dismiss the 34 felony charges against him. The judge’s rejection of this argument is significant, representing a decisive blow to Trump’s legal strategy. This ruling allows the criminal case to proceed, unburdened by the complexities and potential delays that the immunity claim introduced.
The judge’s decision explicitly rejects the argument that actions taken before Trump assumed the presidency, or during his time in office, automatically shield him from prosecution under the umbrella of presidential immunity.… Continue reading
Judge Juan Merchan rejected Donald Trump’s motion to dismiss his hush-money conviction, finding the Supreme Court’s presidential immunity ruling inapplicable. Merchan determined the evidence presented related to Trump’s unofficial conduct, not his official acts as president, thus warranting no immunity. The judge deemed any potential evidentiary errors harmless given the overwhelming evidence of guilt. While a motion alleging juror misconduct remains unfiled, Trump’s legal team is expected to appeal the decision, potentially delaying sentencing for months or years.
Read More
Judge Juan Merchan denied Donald Trump’s motion to dismiss his hush-money conviction, ruling that the charges relate to unofficial conduct, not actions taken while in office. This decision counters Trump’s claim of presidential immunity, as the Supreme Court’s ruling applies only to official acts. The judge’s reasoning centers on the unofficial nature of falsifying records to conceal payments and subsequent communications. While a motion to dismiss the conviction entirely remains pending, the judge’s ruling maintains the conviction for now. Trump’s spokesperson has denounced the decision as a violation of Supreme Court precedent.
Read More
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son pledged a $100 billion investment in the U.S. over four years, aiming to generate at least 100,000 new jobs primarily in AI and related fields. This commitment, announced alongside President-elect Trump, represents a significant increase from a previous $50 billion pledge. The funding will be drawn from SoftBank’s various holdings, potentially including existing investments. This substantial investment underscores Son’s optimism regarding the U.S. economy under Trump’s leadership.
Read More
Donald Trump’s recent staffing choices reveal a preference for candidates with significant electoral defeats, a pattern contradicting his public pronouncements on winning. This selection of “losers,” including figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Lori Chavez-Deremer, and Marco Rubio, suggests a prioritization beyond simple electoral success. Analysis indicates this may reflect a strategic approach or a different set of criteria for his administration. The implications of this staffing strategy are debated by political experts.
Read More
Readers are encouraged to submit news tips to The Daily Beast. The submission process is streamlined for ease of use. All tips are treated confidentially. This allows readers to contribute to the publication’s investigative journalism. Contributions are valued and help maintain rigorous reporting.
Read More
ABC News and George Stephanopoulos settled a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump for $15 million, including a donation to a future presidential library and covering Trump’s legal fees. The settlement, following a deposition order for Trump, prompted strong criticism, with many commentators labeling it a “sellout” and an “awful precedent.” Critics expressed concern that the network caved to pressure, setting a worrying precedent for future conflicts. The case stemmed from an interview where Stephanopoulos questioned Rep. Nancy Mace about her Trump endorsement in light of the E. Jean Carroll case.
Read More
Millions of Americans face lifelong consequences due to felony convictions, impacting employment and other opportunities despite having served their sentences. This stigma, rooted in societal fears of violence and dishonesty, disproportionately affects those with non-violent offenses. However, the recent election of Donald Trump, despite his own felony convictions, highlights a perceived double standard, particularly concerning white-collar crimes. While some felons express hope that this might ease the stigma they face, others feel it underscores a system that unfairly punishes those lacking power and wealth. Ultimately, the experiences of the six convicted felons interviewed illustrate the persistent challenges and frustrations of reintegrating into society after incarceration.
Read More
Elon Musk’s reported $277 million contribution to the election, coupled with his subsequent $200 billion increase in net worth, raises significant questions about the interplay between political influence and financial gain. This staggering increase, largely attributed to Tesla’s stock performance, occurred in the same timeframe as a major political event, leading many to draw a connection between his political investment and his financial windfall. The sheer scale of the numbers involved is undeniably striking, suggesting a potentially unprecedented level of influence exerted within the electoral process.
The narrative that this represents a “big bet” on Donald Trump that “paid off handsomely” is compelling, but requires careful consideration.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood