President-elect Trump intends to reverse President Biden’s commutation of 37 federal death sentences, directing the Department of Justice to aggressively pursue capital punishment upon his inauguration. This action follows Trump’s consistent campaign rhetoric advocating for increased use of the death penalty, particularly for violent crimes and drug trafficking. While Biden’s commutations are irreversible, Trump’s administration can resume seeking the death penalty in future cases. Three individuals remain on federal death row, all convicted of mass violence.
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The recent report on Representative Matt Gaetz has reignited the debate surrounding his apparent evasion of federal sex trafficking charges. This situation highlights a troubling trend: the Justice Department’s seemingly narrow application of federal sex trafficking laws, particularly when it comes to powerful individuals.
The outrage centers around the stark contrast between the alleged actions of Gaetz—allegations of sex with minors, payment for interstate travel for sexual purposes, and drug use at sex parties—and the lack of resulting federal charges. Many feel that such serious allegations, if proven true, should warrant prosecution, regardless of the perpetrator’s political standing or wealth.
This perception of unequal justice is fueled by comparisons to other cases.… Continue reading
In a recent interview, Donald Trump called for the imprisonment of all January 6th committee members, though he denied intending to use the Justice Department for this purpose. He plans to pardon some January 6th rioters upon taking office, citing their lengthy incarceration in poor conditions. Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel, advocates for targeting journalists and dismantling the FBI. These actions, along with a preemptive pardon for his son Hunter Biden, highlight a pattern of using the justice system for political retribution.
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President Biden issued a full pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, citing unfair and politically motivated prosecution. The President maintained he did not interfere with the Department of Justice but believed Hunter was treated differently than others facing similar charges. A negotiated plea deal fell apart due to perceived political pressure, leading to the pardon. The President asserted that his son was targeted due to his familial relationship, resulting in a miscarriage of justice.
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Following the dismissal of the federal case against Donald Trump regarding his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election, Attorney General Merrick Garland faced sharp criticism from left-leaning figures. The case was dropped due to the Department of Justice’s policy against prosecuting sitting presidents, a decision that special counsel Jack Smith supported. Critics argued that Garland’s perceived delays, including the timing of Smith’s appointment, contributed to Trump’s 2024 electoral victory and allowed him to avoid accountability. While the dismissal was without prejudice, allowing for future prosecution, the move sparked intense debate regarding Garland’s handling of the investigation and its broader implications.
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Following concerns from its internal watchdog about widespread civil rights violations and potential racial profiling, the Justice Department has suspended the DEA’s airport passenger cash searches. The Office of the Inspector General found these searches, often conducted without warrants and based on factors like last-minute ticket purchases, created significant legal risks and wasted resources. The investigation highlighted problematic practices, including paying airline employees a percentage of seized cash, and the inability to determine racial bias due to incomplete data collection. This suspension will allow for an internal evaluation of the program’s legality and effectiveness.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith dismissed the January 6th and classified documents cases against Donald Trump due to Justice Department policy barring the prosecution of a sitting president, though the dismissals were without prejudice. While the Georgia election interference case remains, its viability is uncertain due to ongoing appeals. Consequently, Trump avoids legal consequences for several indictments, including a conviction, setting a concerning precedent for future presidents. This impunity, combined with potential political retribution against prosecutors, suggests a future presidency operating largely beyond legal accountability.
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Federal prosecutors dismissed the two criminal cases against Donald Trump, citing Justice Department policy prohibiting the prosecution of a sitting president. This decision, spurred by Trump’s election victory, effectively ends the years-long legal battles initiated by Special Counsel Jack Smith. While the cases against Trump’s co-defendants may continue, the dismissal highlights Trump’s successful strategy of leveraging his presidential campaign to avoid prosecution. The decision was met with celebratory statements from Trump’s team, who cited the “political weaponization” of the justice system.
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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.
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In short, Trump’s vision for the Justice Department centers on weaponizing it against his political opponents, a plan heavily reliant on the willingness of his appointees, like Attorney General nominee Bondi, to participate. Bondi, despite a history of ethically questionable actions, maintains some ties to mainstream conservative legal circles, potentially creating future conflict with Trump’s demands. Experts predict this conflict will inevitably arise as Trump expects absolute loyalty, ultimately harming both Bondi and the nation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood