Special Counsel Jack Smith’s prosecutions of Donald Trump for election interference and classified document mishandling were ultimately unsuccessful, resulting in a significant victory for the president-elect. The federal cases were shelved due to Justice Department policy prohibiting the indictment or prosecution of sitting presidents, a decision that effectively exonerated Trump despite the gravity of the accusations. This outcome reinforces Trump’s belief in unchecked authority and carries profound implications for his upcoming term and future presidencies. The failure to hold Trump accountable represents a setback for the rule of law, potentially emboldening future presidents to engage in similar actions.
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The Trump transition team’s failure to sign necessary memoranda of understanding (MOUs) is delaying the transfer of power. This inaction prevents the current administration from providing briefings and security clearances, and the FBI from conducting background checks on prospective cabinet members. The lack of background checks raises concerns about rushed Senate confirmation votes, highlighted by Matt Gaetz’s withdrawn attorney general nomination amidst ethical investigations. The White House emphasizes the importance of a non-partisan Department of Justice upholding the Constitution and rule of law.
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Trump’s November 26th hush money sentencing has been called off, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the American judicial system and ignited a firestorm of public debate. The postponement leaves many questioning the very foundation of the rule of law in the United States. The sheer audacity of the move, coupled with the lack of readily apparent legal justification, fuels widespread outrage and cynicism.
The abrupt cancellation of the sentencing is perceived by many as a blatant disregard for the principles of justice and equality under the law. It raises serious concerns about whether the legal system truly applies equally to all citizens, regardless of wealth or political influence.… Continue reading
In a significant legal setback, Mark Meadows’s attempt to transfer his Georgia election interference case to federal court was rejected, as the appeals court found his actions unrelated to his former federal duties. This ruling, impacting one of nineteen co-defendants including Donald Trump, leaves the case in state court. Trump’s recent election victory grants him presidential immunity, effectively halting his prosecution; however, the impact on his co-defendants remains uncertain. A pending appeal to remove the District Attorney is also subject to change given Trump’s new status.
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Donald Trump’s appointment of Matt Gaetz as Attorney General and Todd Blanche as Deputy Attorney General raises serious concerns about the weaponization of the Department of Justice for political retribution. Gaetz’s ethically questionable past and Trump’s stated intention to target political opponents, including Special Counsel Jack Smith, threaten the department’s independence and the rule of law. This, coupled with a recent Supreme Court ruling granting presidents broad immunity, significantly weakens checks on executive power. Experts warn of potential widespread pardons for January 6th insurrectionists and the undermining of ongoing investigations, further jeopardizing the integrity of the justice system. The actions are viewed as a blatant disregard for historical norms and departmental standards.
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The New York judge presiding over Donald Trump’s criminal trial faces a monumental decision: whether to sentence him to prison. It’s a decision that could have seismic consequences, a reality that is both terrifying and exhilarating.
The prospect of a former president, and now President-elect, facing imprisonment is unprecedented. The gravity of such a decision is undeniable, as it would be a watershed moment in American history. It would send a clear message that no one is above the law, even the most powerful figures in the land.
The judge’s decision is even more fraught given the current political climate. The very fabric of American democracy is under strain, with widespread mistrust in institutions and a deep partisan divide.… Continue reading
President-elect Donald Trump’s legal battles face a dramatically altered landscape following his electoral victory. Experts predict that his federal cases, already in jeopardy due to legal challenges and Supreme Court rulings, will likely be dismissed due to the long-standing practice of not criminally prosecuting a sitting president. Similarly, the Georgia case, while less certain, is expected to be either paused or dismissed, likely due to the statute of limitations expiring. While Trump’s New York sentencing is scheduled for late November, experts expect the outcome to be a mere financial penalty, with a prison sentence highly unlikely given the nature of the charges and the impracticality of imprisoning a president with Secret Service protection.
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A federal judge has denied a request from a defendant in the January 6th Capitol riot case to delay his trial, dismissing the argument that President-elect Trump might pardon him. This denial comes as the defendant, an 18-year-old who entered the Capitol on January 6th, claimed that he was expecting to be pardoned by the incoming administration. He based this expectation on the assumption that Trump would fulfill his campaign promises of clemency for non-violent participants in the riot.
The judge’s decision, however, highlights the legal complexities surrounding potential pardons and their impact on ongoing criminal cases. While the potential for a presidential pardon exists, it is not a guarantee, and it certainly cannot be used as a reason to delay or dismiss a criminal case.… Continue reading
I find myself deeply troubled by the recent reports of Trump’s alleged calls with Putin that appear to be illegal. The fact that Trump has been engaging in correspondence with foreign leaders without the authority of the United States raises serious questions about the legality of his actions. The Logan Act clearly prohibits such behavior, but history has shown that few have ever been convicted under it in the past 225 years.
The lack of consequences for Trump’s repeated illegal activities is both frustrating and disheartening. Despite the overwhelming evidence of his misconduct, it seems that he continues to operate with impunity.… Continue reading
It’s mind-boggling to think that we are even having a debate about whether a sitting president is entitled to immunity for blatantly trying to subvert the democratic process. Overturning an election, a hush money fraud, sexual assault, or any other criminal activity are certainly not part of the presidential duties we were all taught in civics class. It seems pretty cut and dry that the duties of the President do not include attempting to overthrow the government that they were elected to lead.
This recent revelation by Special Counsel Jack Smith, highlighting Trump’s private criminal effort to overturn the 2020 election results, underscores the importance of holding our elected leaders accountable for their actions.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood