Federal inquiry traced payments from Matt Gaetz to women, a fact substantiated by a document obtained by a major news outlet and a lawyer representing some of these women. This document, a chart detailing a complex web of financial transactions, depicts thousands of dollars flowing from Gaetz to a group of associates and women involved in alleged drug-fueled sex parties between 2017 and 2020. The payments, primarily conducted through Venmo, are visually represented connecting Gaetz and his associates to the women involved.
The details revealed in this chart corroborate earlier claims made by a lawyer representing two women who allege they received payment for sex with Gaetz.… Continue reading
Merrick Garland’s tenure as Attorney General is a catastrophic failure, eclipsing any concerns about Matt Gaetz’s potential appointment. Garland’s abject inaction in holding Donald Trump accountable for his actions leading up to and including the January 6th insurrection has irrevocably damaged American democracy. The slow-walking of investigations, the delayed appointment of a special counsel, and the overall lack of decisive action allowed Trump to not only escape consequences but also to regain a position of political power, threatening a potential return to the White House.
This isn’t simply a matter of differing political opinions; it’s a fundamental failure of the justice system.… Continue reading
Special Counsel Jack Smith and his team plan to resign before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, as the Justice Department generally does not charge sitting presidents with crimes. The looming question is whether Smith’s final report, detailing his charging decisions, will be made public before Inauguration Day. The report must be submitted to Attorney General Merrick Garland, who has the authority to release it. Although Smith’s office was moving forward with the election interference case against Trump, the Supreme Court’s ruling that Trump has immunity for some acts as president has hampered the investigation. Additionally, a case concerning classified documents was dismissed in July but remains on appeal.
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The prospect of Donald Trump returning to the White House sends chills down the spines of many government officials, but within the Department of Justice, the fear is palpable. The sense of dread stems from the belief that Trump will install loyalists in key positions, effectively dismantling the existing system and replacing career civil servants with individuals whose sole qualifications are unwavering loyalty to Trump and a disdain for the status quo. This potential shift evokes images of authoritarian regimes like Hungary and Russia, where the erosion of democratic institutions has paved the way for unchecked power.
The fear is not unfounded.… Continue reading
Donald Trump’s two federal criminal cases, stemming from his attempt to overturn the 2020 election and his possession of classified documents, are set to be dropped due to the long-standing precedent that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted for federal crimes. While this decision may protect the Department of Justice as an institution, it will likely be used by Trump to claim that the charges against him were politically motivated, further weaponizing the justice system against it. To counter this, Special Counsel Jack Smith should memorialize the cases in writing, including all evidence and testimony, forcing Trump’s team to publicly end them and exposing their actions. This will allow the public to see the full extent of Trump’s alleged criminal behavior and hold him accountable for his actions.
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The appointment of Jeffrey Davis, a former clerk for Justice Neil Gorsuch and self-proclaimed “Trump’s viceroy,” as a potential head of the Justice Department signifies a dangerous shift in the department’s direction. Davis’s lack of restraint and his aggressive stance against special counsel Jack Smith, who investigated Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election, are clear indicators of his intent to use the DOJ for retribution and political maneuvering. This appointment, coupled with the departure of many conservative lawyers who refused to participate in Trump’s efforts to subvert the law, highlights the growing influence of MAGA loyalists within the Justice Department, a trend that poses a significant threat to the rule of law and democratic institutions.
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With President-elect Trump’s victory, the two federal cases against him are likely to be dismissed or delayed due to a longstanding Justice Department policy against prosecuting a sitting president. Special counsel Jack Smith is taking steps to conclude both cases before Trump takes office. The cases include charges related to election interference in Washington, D.C., and the alleged mishandling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, Florida. While the latter case presents a more complex situation due to the involvement of other defendants and the potential impact on future special counsel appointments, the Justice Department may choose to abandon the appeal.
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If re-elected, President Trump is expected to appoint an Attorney General who will prioritize his own legal protection and the advancement of a right-wing agenda. This individual would likely dismiss existing cases against Trump, shield him from future investigations, and target his perceived enemies. This strategy would extend beyond the Justice Department, potentially extending to the firing of dissenting civil servants and the implementation of extreme conservative policies. The outcome would be a complete dismantling of accountability for Trump and the advancement of a highly partisan agenda.
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Elon Musk’s recent defiance towards the Justice Department is a striking example of how the powerful can sidestep legal boundaries with little fear of real repercussions. When he publicly told the DOJ to “go screw itself” in response to warnings about his $1 million lottery to support Donald Trump, it laid bare the uncomfortable truth about accountability for the elite. Here, we have a billionaire flaunting not just his wealth, but his apparent belief that the rules of the game don’t apply to him in the same way they do for everyday citizens.
Musk’s actions are not just a publicity stunt; they represent something much deeper and more troubling.… Continue reading
Judge orders Justice Department to return helmet, spear to ‘QAnon Shaman’
When news broke that a judge had ordered the Justice Department to return the helmet and spear to the ‘QAnon Shaman’, my initial reaction was a mixture of confusion and disbelief. The idea of a man who had played a role in the disturbing events that unfolded on January 6th being reunited with his cosplay accessories seemed frivolous and almost comical. However, upon further contemplation, I came to a realization that this decision, although controversial, is fundamentally grounded in principles of justice and legality.
The notion that the government should not unjustly withhold an individual’s property, regardless of their past actions or beliefs, is one that resonates with me.… Continue reading