Arizona’s seventh congressional district has been without representation for weeks due to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s refusal to swear in Adelita Grijalva, the representative-elect. This unprecedented move is seen as a tactic to silence a political opponent and deny voters their representation, possibly to prevent Grijalva from supporting a vote on releasing confidential files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The delay is also speculated to provide the White House time to pressure Republicans to withdraw support for the petition. Ultimately, Johnson’s actions set a dangerous precedent and raise questions about future transfers of power, particularly if a Democratic majority is elected.
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Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego confronted House Speaker Mike Johnson in the Capitol regarding the delayed swearing-in of Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva. Johnson initially stated Grijalva would be sworn in “as soon as she wants,” but later linked the swearing-in to the end of the government shutdown. Democrats believe the delay is due to Grijalva’s intention to sign a petition forcing a vote on the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The petition requires 218 signatures to force the vote and Grijalva would make that the number.
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During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi’s prepared notes, inadvertently revealed in photographs, offered insight into her strategy for the session. The documents included attack lines, such as accusations of hypocrisy and associations with “dark money groups,” targeted at specific senators like Sheldon Whitehouse. Bondi also had a question prepared regarding potential financial ties between Whitehouse and Reid Hoffman, a known associate of Jeffrey Epstein, indicating her focus on deflecting criticism. These notes, which also included attacks on former special counsel Jack Smith, reveal a preemptive and defensive approach to the hearing, particularly concerning the Epstein files and investigations.
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In her first oversight hearing as Attorney General, Pam Bondi faced questions regarding the Justice Department’s actions, including the handling of investigations into Donald Trump’s perceived enemies. She repeatedly evaded questions about whether Trump directed prosecutions and declined to answer about conversations with the White House. Bondi defended the Justice Department’s refusal to release additional Epstein-related documents and responded combatively to Democratic senators, including personal attacks. Furthermore, Bondi was unable to provide clear answers on the number of undocumented immigrants in Chicago or whether it is a “sanctuary city.” This contentious hearing highlighted the Justice Department’s actions following Trump’s demands to prosecute his enemies, sparking significant scrutiny.
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During a Senate Judiciary Hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi engaged in heated exchanges with Senator Dick Durbin and other Democrats. The focus of the discussions revolved around the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, with Democrats pressing for details and answers regarding the release of information and any potential political interference. Bondi deflected questions and accused Democrats of their own wrongdoings, while also refusing to discuss internal conversations with former President Trump. The hearing highlighted existing tensions and accusations surrounding the Trump administration’s actions, particularly regarding the Department of Justice.
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President Trump’s consideration of a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted of sex trafficking, has drawn significant backlash from within the MAGA movement. Right-wing figures expressed strong disapproval on social media platforms, warning against such a move. This reaction comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s rejection of Maxwell’s appeal, raising concerns about the administration’s handling of the Epstein case. Trump’s potential pardon could further alienate his base, and potentially impact his credibility and the Republican Party’s success.
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The Supreme Court has refused to hear Ghislaine Maxwell’s appeal, upholding her 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking. Maxwell argued she should be shielded from prosecution due to a non-prosecution agreement Epstein secured in Florida, a claim rejected by lower courts. The Justice Department maintained that the agreement did not cover Maxwell, and the court agreed. Maxwell’s lawyer stated that they are disappointed, but will continue to pursue other avenues.
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The Supreme Court rejected an appeal from Ghislaine Maxwell on Monday, declining to review her conviction for sex trafficking. Maxwell’s lawyers argued that a prior non-prosecution agreement also protected her from federal charges. The justices did not provide a reason for their decision, but the Trump administration had previously urged them to stay out of the case. The decision leaves Maxwell serving a 20-year prison sentence.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed accusations that the government shutdown is being used to deflect scrutiny of Donald Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Johnson stated the shutdown is solely due to Democratic senators voting to keep the government closed. The speaker was responding to concerns about the release of Epstein-related documents, which could be impacted by the House not being in session. Ultimately, Johnson insisted the shutdown is unrelated to the Epstein case.
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Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking crimes will hold a press conference at the Capitol on Wednesday, October 8th, alongside bipartisan supporters of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This follows a previous press conference where allegations of Donald Trump’s close relationship with Epstein were made public. The push for the release of the files comes amidst the ongoing investigation and a petition currently deadlocked in Congress. The bill’s fate is uncertain, with Speaker Mike Johnson delaying a vote on the act.
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John Q. Hosedrinker