In Chicago, a federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration, prohibiting the use of force against journalists covering anti-ICE protests. The order stems from a lawsuit filed by local journalists who accused federal agents of using tear gas and other weapons against them. The judge’s ruling prevents agents from dispersing, arresting, or threatening journalists, unless there is probable cause of a crime. While authorities can order journalists to move, they must provide ample time and opportunity for them to report and observe. The order will remain in effect for two weeks as the legal proceedings continue.
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According to two U.S. officials, the Trump administration has yet to provide lawmakers with concrete evidence proving that vessels targeted in fatal military strikes were carrying narcotics, despite claiming they were drug-smuggling boats. The administration has released unclassified videos of the strikes but has not provided further evidence. This has led to mounting bipartisan frustration and questions regarding the legal justifications for the strikes. A small group of administration officials, including Marco Rubio, are reportedly driving the push to carry out strikes against drug cartels, bypassing traditional interagency processes.
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During a CNN interview, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller stated that President Trump had “plenary authority” regarding the deployment of the National Guard in Oregon, before abruptly cutting himself off. This statement has raised concerns due to the implications of plenary authority, which grants a single official absolute power, contradicting the U.S. system of separation of powers. The use of such authority has drawn comparison to dictators and prompted protests against perceived overreach by the Trump administration. Miller’s silence and the subsequent lack of further clarification have left the meaning behind the statement unclear.
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A Chicago pastor, Rev. David Black, injured during a protest outside a Broadview ICE facility, is now a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s response to demonstrations. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed the lawsuit on behalf of journalists, media organizations, clergy, and local residents, alleging that federal agents used excessive force, including tear gas and pepper balls, against peaceful protestors. The plaintiffs argue that these actions violated First Amendment rights and are seeking to restrict federal tactics at the facility. The court is currently considering a temporary restraining order while the case proceeds.
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During a CNN interview, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller raised questions when he stated that President Trump had “plenary authority” concerning the deployment of the National Guard in Oregon before abruptly cutting himself off. “Plenary authority” implies absolute power, conflicting with the U.S. system of separation of powers and checks and balances. Miller’s comment, and subsequent silence, came amid discussion of a legal challenge to the administration’s use of the National Guard, and comparisons to authoritarian rule. The incident led to speculation about the implications of the comment and whether Miller realized the ramifications of his words.
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During a CNN interview, White House aide Stephen Miller paused mid-sentence while discussing the President’s authority to deploy National Guard troops, leading to speculation of a technical glitch or a deliberate stop. Miller’s use of the term “plenary authority” sparked controversy, as it suggests the president has broad, potentially limitless power. Despite the on-air issue, the interview resumed with Miller re-asserting the President’s authority under Title 10 of the U.S. Code to deploy federal resources, though he emphasized the administration would abide by the judge’s ruling. This incident raised questions and drew criticism, particularly concerning the scope of executive power in domestic troop deployments.
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During a Senate Judiciary Hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi engaged in heated exchanges with Senator Dick Durbin and other Democrats. The focus of the discussions revolved around the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, with Democrats pressing for details and answers regarding the release of information and any potential political interference. Bondi deflected questions and accused Democrats of their own wrongdoings, while also refusing to discuss internal conversations with former President Trump. The hearing highlighted existing tensions and accusations surrounding the Trump administration’s actions, particularly regarding the Department of Justice.
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U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut expressed concern over the Trump administration’s attempt to circumvent her order blocking Oregon National Guard troops from Portland by deploying troops from other states like California and Texas. At a late-night hearing, Immergut questioned the legality of this action, specifically asking if bringing in federalized National Guard troops from California contradicted her previous ruling. After hearing arguments, the judge expanded her order to prevent troops from any state from being sent to Portland, citing the relatively small size of the protests and potential violations of Oregon’s self-governance.
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Dr. David S. Glosser, Stephen Miller’s uncle, has publicly criticized his nephew, including agreeing with a commenter who called Miller a “depraved fiend.” Glosser has previously accused Miller of white nationalism and using propaganda tactics. His posts, which condemn both Miller and President Trump, resurfaced after Miller’s cousin, Alisa Kasmer, posted a viral message severing ties with the White House aide and calling him “the face of evil.” Kasmer, who had once loved her cousin, detailed how her family has suffered under Miller’s influence. Glosser characterized Miller as an “immigration hypocrite” because of his opposition to accepting refugees, given his own family’s history.
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Stephen Miller, a key figure in shaping the Trump administration’s agenda, frequently frames American politics as a battle against “leftwing terrorism,” accusing Democrats, judges, and the media of shielding such threats. This rhetoric, as seen in Miller’s response to an unfavorable judicial ruling, reflects a broader pattern of labeling any opposition to Trump as illegitimate. Miller and Trump view dissent as a form of rebellion, utilizing events like the murder of Charlie Kirk or protests against ICE to justify the use of state power to suppress their political opponents. This strategy underscores a post-liberal approach that rejects neutral standards of conduct, justifying Trump’s actions while deeming any opposition as evil.
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John Q. Hosedrinker