A federal judge denied the Justice Department’s motion to unseal Ghislaine Maxwell grand jury transcripts, viewing the DOJ’s transparency claims as insincere. This rejection highlights a new lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward, aiming to uncover the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein matter. The lawsuit, filed in Washington, D.C., seeks to compel the government to comply with the Freedom of Information Act regarding communications and records. Democracy Forward alleges the government violated FOIA by not expediting their requests due to the widespread public interest and potential integrity concerns surrounding the Epstein case.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request concerning the Trump administration’s deployment of federal agents near a recent event in Los Angeles. Newsom’s office believes the administration is attempting to intimidate those defending the electoral process, particularly after the presence of ICE officers was noted. The FOIA also seeks information on communications with Fox News regarding the embedding of a reporter with the ICE agents. Newsom has described Trump’s actions as a dangerous step toward authoritarianism, citing the tactics of despots in Russia and North Korea.
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A press freedom group, represented by American Oversight, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding a memo concerning the legality of President Trump accepting a Qatari jet, set to become Air Force One. The Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) requested the memo through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, but the DOJ projected a 600+ day wait for its release. The complaint raises concerns about potential corruption and the violation of the Foreign Emoluments Clause, given the context of the donation, and the government’s inability to administer FOIA. The lawsuit also highlights ethical concerns surrounding former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s involvement and the allocation of funds for retrofitting the plane.
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A watchdog group founded by former Obama official Norm Eisen has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Department of Justice, seeking the disclosure of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. This request specifically targets any Epstein files that reference former President Donald Trump, citing reports that Trump is included in these files. The DDF is requesting any internal communications between DOJ officials regarding handling references to Trump in the Epstein case. This appeal follows growing controversy surrounding the Epstein case, including alleged attempts to protect Trump from the fallout.
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Former White House ethics chief Norm Eisen has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking Epstein-related files that may reference Donald Trump. The request, filed through Eisen’s Democracy Defenders Fund, targets specific individuals like Pam Bondi and Kash Patel, demanding internal communications and materials discussing Trump. This action follows the Justice Department and FBI’s conclusion that Epstein died by suicide, which sparked backlash among Trump’s supporters. Eisen, a longtime Trump critic, aims to uncover the truth regarding the former president’s potential connections to Epstein.
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The Supreme Court temporarily blocked lower court orders compelling the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to release records and allow depositions to a government watchdog group. The Court found the lower court’s discovery order insufficiently tailored, citing separation of powers concerns regarding internal executive branch communications. The case centers on whether DOGE, a presidential advisory body, is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), a matter the Supreme Court did not address directly this time. The case was remanded to the appeals court for further proceedings. The dispute highlights the tension between executive branch confidentiality and public transparency regarding presidential advisory bodies.
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The Intercept has published Elon Musk’s White House email address, [email protected], to facilitate Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests investigating his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). DOGE’s secretive slashing of federal agency budgets and staff has prompted numerous FOIA requests from The Intercept and watchdog groups, facing resistance from the government which claims DOGE is exempt from FOIA. Legal challenges argue that DOGE’s extensive powers contradict claims it’s merely an advisory body, highlighting inconsistencies between DOGE’s actions and the government’s statements. These lawsuits seek to compel DOGE’s compliance with FOIA and clarify Musk’s actual role within the organization.
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CNN’s Freedom of Information Act request to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regarding Elon Musk and associates’ security clearances received a dismissive response, citing the recent firing of the entire OPM privacy team. This action, mirroring Musk’s past firings at Twitter, limits public access to government records related to these clearances. The firings also included communications staff and FOIA request handlers, hindering transparency efforts. This follows OPM’s controversial “Fork in the Road” memo, echoing a similar communication from Musk.
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I got my own Trump document dump — and it makes clear why his election interference case is delayed. The revelations that have come to light concerning the manipulation of information, the delay tactics employed, and the clear bias towards Trump within the government are truly eye-opening. It’s apparent that there are forces at play that are actively working to shield Trump from accountability and public scrutiny. The fact that the press, who are meant to be the watchdogs of democracy, have played a role in aiding Trump is deeply troubling. The media’s thirst for sensationalism and ad revenue has led them to prioritize outrage over facts, contributing to the perpetuation of Trump’s narrative.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker