The New Civil Liberties Alliance, backed by Leonard Leo and Charles Koch, is challenging Donald Trump’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), arguing this application is unlawful. The suit, filed on behalf of a Florida-based importer, contends that the president overstepped his authority and that tariff power resides with Congress, citing potential conflicts with Supreme Court precedents. This action reflects growing right-wing opposition to Trump’s tariffs, with some Republicans expressing economic concerns and supporting legislative efforts to limit the president’s tariff-imposing power. The alliance argues that the tariffs’ purported connection to the fentanyl crisis is insufficient justification.
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A Senate investigation reveals widespread ethical violations and conflicts of interest among Supreme Court justices, both current and deceased. The report details numerous undisclosed luxury trips accepted by Justices Scalia, Thomas, and Alito, often from individuals with cases before the Court, with Justice Thomas’s gifts unparalleled in modern history. This behavior, facilitated by figures like Leonard Leo, highlights a right-wing ecosystem of influence peddling surrounding the Court. The report underscores the Court’s failure to self-regulate and calls for Congressional action to restore public trust, though such action is currently unlikely given the current political climate. The report cites specific instances of undisclosed travel, gifts, and political activity by justices and their spouses that created clear conflicts of interest.
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Leonard Leo, a key figure in shaping the conservative Supreme Court majority that overturned *Roe v. Wade*, is now focused on reshaping American culture. Through the Teneo Network, he aims to cultivate and promote conservative talent in Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and other sectors perceived as liberal-dominated, mirroring his previous strategy of placing conservative judges on the bench. Leo openly advocates for “crush[ing] liberal dominance,” seeking to create a more level playing field for conservative viewpoints in these influential sectors. His efforts are expected to be a long-term project, though recent developments suggest a faster pace of change than previously experienced in the judicial arena.
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John Q. Hosedrinker