A significant portion of the Justice Department’s Federal Programs Branch, responsible for defending Trump administration policies, has departed or announced their departure since the election. Reuters reported that nearly two-thirds of the approximately 110 lawyers in the unit have left. These departures could pose challenges for the unit, particularly as it faces numerous lawsuits related to controversial policies. The DOJ is actively recruiting replacements and reallocating personnel to maintain its litigation capacity, but the impact on the department’s ability to defend the President’s agenda in court remains to be seen.
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Andry José Hernández Romero, a Venezuelan asylum seeker, was labeled a criminal and sent to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, a place known for inhumane conditions. Despite applying for asylum legally, his devotion to his family, expressed through tattoos, was used against him in what appears to be a propaganda campaign. After his disappearance, his family and legal team have had no contact with him for months and are unsure if he is still alive. Government officials refuse to confirm his whereabouts, highlighting the administration’s efforts to make seeking asylum a crime punishable by torture or even death.
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Thomas, an Irish tech worker, was detained by ICE for overstaying his US visa by only three days due to a medical issue. Despite agreeing to deportation, he remained in ICE custody for approximately 100 days, enduring harsh conditions in multiple facilities, including a federal prison, during the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration. After his release, he was banned from the US for 10 years. The incident highlights broader concerns about the detention of visitors with valid visas and the impact of the administration’s immigration policies on those caught in the system.
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The White House was reportedly thrown into confusion regarding the status of FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino following his failure to appear at work on Friday, which fueled speculation about his resignation. Aides reached out to CNN seeking clarity on Bongino’s employment status as his relationship with the administration had deteriorated, and the president was reportedly angered by Bongino’s threats to quit. This uncertainty was further compounded by the president’s ambiguous response when asked if Bongino was still in his post. Bongino’s potential departure stemmed from his frustration with the DOJ and FBI’s findings regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s death.
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Lovehoney is hosting a “Black Friday in July” sale, offering up to 70 percent off sex toys, lingerie, and accessories. The sale features a variety of products, including the Lovehoney Hot Shot Male Masturbator, designed to mimic oral sex sensations. For couples, the Up All Night Couple’s Sex Toy Kit provides multiple toys for diverse stimulation. To help navigate the sale, Lovehoney provides a comprehensive guide with expert advice on selecting the right toys.
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In a significant legal challenge, Colorado, along with 23 other states and the District of Columbia, has sued the Trump administration over the freeze of $6.8 billion in federal education funding slated for K-12 schools. The lawsuit argues that the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to withhold funds, appropriated by Congress for programs such as English language learning and teacher training, is unlawful. This action, which impacts states like California and North Carolina, has prompted concerns from education leaders and advocates, as school districts have already budgeted these funds and are now facing potential cuts to essential programs and staffing.
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Joseph Tirrell, the head of the justice department’s ethics office, was fired on Friday by Attorney General Pam Bondi, with the termination letter lacking a reason for dismissal. Tirrell, who oversaw a team ensuring ethical guidelines were followed, was responsible for reviewing financial disclosures of top officials. The firing is part of a series of dismissals targeting civil servants, coinciding with actions against those connected to the investigation into Donald Trump. It is unclear if the dismissal is related to the January 6-related terminations, though Tirrell had previously signed off on legal services provided to Jack Smith.
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Ghislaine Maxwell’s appeal to the Supreme Court regarding her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking operation has placed Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General, under increased scrutiny. The Trump administration is required to respond to the appeal by July 14, a deadline that has been extended twice, as it comes at a sensitive time for Bondi. Following a DOJ and FBI report stating there was no Epstein client list or evidence of blackmail, Bondi has faced criticism from the MAGA base. Maxwell’s lawyers argue her trial should have been dismissed due to a prior plea deal, thus leading to more pressure on the DOJ.
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Two-thirds of the DOJ unit defending Trump policies in court have quit. That’s the headline, and it’s a significant one. This isn’t some minor reshuffling; it’s a mass exodus from a specific branch of the Justice Department, the Federal Programs Branch. What’s important to note is that these departures were voluntary. This wasn’t a situation of being forced out for disagreeing with the administration. These lawyers made a conscious choice to leave.
The voluntary nature of these departures suggests a deeper issue. It implies these professionals were making a stand based on their own values and principles. It’s hard to ignore the potential ethical concerns that might have driven them to such a decision.… Continue reading
U.S. customs duties revenue exceeded $100 billion for the first time this fiscal year, largely due to increased tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The Treasury Department reported $113 billion in customs-duty revenue year-to-date, accompanied by a $27 billion overall surplus in June, contrasting with a deficit from the previous year. These tariffs, aimed at boosting domestic production and addressing trade imbalances, have been applied to various trading partners, including China, Brazil, and Japan, although the fluctuating nature of these policies introduces uncertainty regarding future revenue. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggests the US could collect over $300 billion in tariffs by the end of the year.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood