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Appeals Court Panel Upholds Nearly $1M Sanctions Against Trump

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    A federal appeals court has upheld almost $1 million in financial penalties imposed on President Trump and his attorney Alina Habba for filing what a lower court labeled “frivolous” lawsuits connected to the long-running Russia-collusion controversy—an episode many conservatives continue to view as a politically motivated attempt to damage Trump’s presidency.

    The case centers on Trump’s 2022 lawsuit alleging that Hillary Clinton, the Democratic National Committee (DNC), former FBI Director James Comey, and more than two dozen other political and government figures conspired to falsely tie his 2016 presidential campaign to Russia. Trump argued that this network of Democratic operatives and intelligence officials sought to “discredit, delegitimize and defame” him through misleading documents and coordinated political attacks—what he has consistently referred to as the “Russia, Russia, Russia” hoax.

    Appeals Court Agrees With Lower Court’s Penalties

    On Wednesday, Chief Judge William Pryor Jr. of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals—appointed by President George W. Bush—affirmed the lower court’s decision, concluding that Trump and Habba engaged in “sanctionable conduct.”

    Pryor wrote that the pair “give us no reason to reverse the district court’s ruling that these claims were frivolous,” a position supported by the full appellate panel, including Circuit Judges Andrew Brasher (a Trump appointee) and Embry Kidd (appointed by President Biden).

    Their decision leaves in place the original sanctions imposed by District Judge Donald Middlebrooks, an appointee of former President Clinton, who ruled in January 2023 that the lawsuit “should never have been brought.” Middlebrooks ordered Trump and Habba to pay nearly $1 million in legal fees to the defendants—many of whom were high-profile Democratic figures or Trump rivals.

    Trump Legal Team Vows to Keep Fighting

    In response to Wednesday’s ruling, a spokesperson for the president’s legal team told The Hill that Trump “continues to fight back against all Democrat-led Witch Hunts, including the ‘Russia, Russia, Russia’ hoax and un-Constitutional and un-American weaponization of our justice system” by the Biden administration.

    The spokesperson added that the president would “continue to pursue this matter to its just and rightful conclusion,” signaling that his team may take further legal steps, potentially including an appeal to the Supreme Court.

    Prosecutor Drops Trump Georgia Election Case

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      Gavel via Wikimedia Commons Image

      On Wednesday, President Trump’s criminal prosecution in Georgia came to an abrupt end when the prosecutor who took over the case announced he would not move forward. 

      Pete Skandalakis, the executive director of Georgia’s Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council who took over Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’s 2020 election subversion case against Trump and several allies, filed a motion indicating to the judge that he is declining to prosecute them further.  

      “The political persecution of President Trump by disqualified DA Fani Willis is finally over. This case should never have been brought. A fair and impartial prosecutor has put an end to this lawfare,” Trump’s lead Georgia defense counsel Steve Sadow said.

      The Hill reports:

      “It is on life support and the decision what to do with it falls on me and me alone,” Skandalakis wrote in a 22-page memo submitted to the court Wednesday. “But unlike family members who must make the emotional decision to withdraw loved ones from life-sustaining treatment, I have no emotional connection to this case.” 

      “As a former elected official who ran as both a Democrat and a Republican and now is the Executive Director of a non-partisan agency, this decision is not guided by a desire to advance an agenda but is based on my beliefs and understanding of the law,” he continued. 

      Trump has repeatedly said the “whole case has been a disgrace to justice.” 

      “It was started by the Biden DOJ as an attack on his political opponent, Donald Trump,” Trump said in a previous interview with Fox News, “They used anyone and anybody, and she has been disqualified, and her boyfriend has been disqualified, and they stole funds and went on trips.” 

      Trump said the case “should not be allowed to go any further.” 

      “There is no way such corrupt people can lead a case, and then it gets taken over by somebody else,” Trump told Fox News Digital. “It was a corrupt case, so how could it be taken over by someone else?” 

      Kevin McCarthy Warns That MTG Is Likely Just the First of Many House Republicans to Quit

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      Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) may not be the only Republican planning to leave Washington soon, according to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. During an appearance Monday night on Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox News, McCarthy said Greene’s resignation could signal broader unrest within the House GOP conference.

      “She’s almost like a canary in a coal mine,” McCarthy told Watters. “And this is something inside Congress — they better wake up, because they’re going to get a lot of people retiring, and they’ve got to focus.”

      McCarthy did not name any specific lawmakers he believes are considering departures, nor did he detail what is motivating them. But he warned Republicans to recognize the significance of Greene’s decision and to make better use of their time holding the House majority.

      “I think keeping members out of Congress, you only get two years to be in the majority,” he said. “And if the Democrats get you not to work every day for two months, that’s losing two months of the majority.”

      McCarthy also remarked on Greene’s national profile, saying she fits his belief that “if you’re known by three initials, you must be effective at what you do.” He added that he does not view her departure as “the end” of her political visibility and expects she will remain active after leaving office in January 2026.

      Context on Greene’s Resignation

      Greene announced her planned resignation on Nov. 21, a move that stunned many in the Republican Party. She attributed her decision to her increasingly public split with former President Donald Trump, whom she had long supported as a prominent “day one” MAGA loyalist.

      “I have too much self-respect and dignity, love my family way too much, and do not want my sweet district to have to endure a hurtful and hateful primary against me by the President we all fought for, only to fight and win my election while Republicans will likely lose the midterms,” she said. “And in turn, be expected to defend the President against impeachment after he hatefully dumped tens of millions of dollars against me and tried to destroy me.”

      Her break with Trump escalated after she pushed for releasing additional documents related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — an effort Trump reportedly opposed. Tensions rose in the weeks before her announcement, culminating in Trump calling her “Marjorie ‘Traitor’ Greene” and describing her as a “ranting lunatic” on Truth Social while withdrawing his endorsement.

      Greene’s exit removes one of the GOP’s most recognizable firebrands from Congress and highlights the deepening internal divisions within the Republican Party heading into the 2026 midterm cycle

      Thanksgiving Turnaround: Americans Finally See Relief Under President Trump

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        As millions of families gather around the Thanksgiving table this year, many are finally beginning to feel a long-awaited sense of financial relief—relief that President Donald J. Trump has been fighting tirelessly to deliver.

        After inheriting the worst inflation crisis in 40 years from Joe Biden and Democrat leadership, the renewed Trump Administration has moved swiftly to correct course: unleashing American energy, slashing crushing regulations, and tackling inflation at its roots. While there is still much work ahead, these policies are already translating into meaningful, tangible improvements for American families.

        This Thanksgiving, those improvements are showing up where it matters most: at the gas pump and the grocery store.

        The Job Isn’t Finished—But the Turnaround Has Begun

        No one on the right is declaring “mission accomplished.” American families are still paying far more than they should after four years of reckless federal spending, regulatory overreach, and economic mismanagement. But for the first time in years, the trendlines are finally headed in the right direction.

        Local news outlets across the country are reporting the same story: lower gas prices, cheaper Thanksgiving dinners, and early signs of an economy beginning to heal.

        Below are some of the highlights from communities nationwide.


        Falling Gas Prices Coast to Coast

        Denver, CO — Gas Dips Below $2

        KDVR-TV reports Denver-area gas prices have fallen 14.5 cents in just one week, with at least one station dropping below $2 a gallon—levels not seen in years. At $2.47 on average, Denver prices are well under the national average and significantly lower than last year.

        San Antonio, TX — Pandemic-Era Lows

        KSAT-TV notes that Thanksgiving travelers in Texas are seeing some of the cheapest prices since the pandemic—welcome relief for families crisscrossing the state this holiday season.

        Indiana & Louisiana — Steady Declines

        From Indiana’s 12.3-cent drop reported by WBIW Radio to broad decreases across Louisiana, drivers are finally getting a break after years of painful price hikes.

        Ohio, New Hampshire & Pennsylvania — A Return to Normal

        Stations in Northeast Ohio, New Hampshire, and Pittsburgh are reporting sharp declines, with some areas seeing gas below $3 again—something unthinkable throughout most of the Biden years.


        Thanksgiving Dinner: Meaningfully Cheaper for Millions

        It isn’t just fuel costs that are improving. For the third year in a row, the cost of the traditional Thanksgiving meal is falling—and this year’s decreases are especially notable.

        Iowa & Midwest — Turkey Prices Down

        KIMT-TV highlights a 5% overall drop in meal costs in Iowa, with falling turkey and wheat prices leading the way.

        Michigan — Below the National Average

        The Detroit Free Press confirms that Michigan families will spend roughly $51.80 for a dinner serving 10—well below the national average.

        Louisiana — One of the Cheapest States in America

        According to The Shreveport Times, Louisiana’s average Thanksgiving dinner cost is just $44.70—the second lowest in the entire country.

        Arizona, Illinois & New York — Broad-Based Relief

        From Arizona’s modest price drop to Illinois’ 16% decline in turkey prices and New York’s third consecutive year of lower dinner costs, the story is consistent: Thanksgiving is becoming more affordable again.


        A Promising Start to an American Comeback

        None of these improvements happened by accident.

        They are the result of a renewed commitment to American energy dominance, the deregulation of key industries, and an economic strategy focused squarely on the needs of working families—not bureaucrats or special interests.

        Report: Ukraine Agrees To US-Brokered Peace Deal

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        By President Of Ukraine - https://www.flickr.com/photos/165930373@N06/54169325552/, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=156221279

        Ukraine has agreed to a peace deal with Russia that was brokered by the United States, but a cautious Volodymyr Zelensky warned “much work” remains to be done.

        “Following the meetings in Geneva, we see many prospects that can make the path to peace real,” Zelensky wrote in an X post on Tuesday. “There are solid results, and much work still lies ahead.”

        A U.S. military official in Abu Dhabi told CBS News Driscoll spent hours negotiating Tuesday with Russian representatives, going in and out of meetings all day. 

        “We remain very optimistic,” the official said. “Secretary Driscoll is optimistic. Hopefully, we’ll get feedback from the Russians soon. This is moving quick.”

        It is not clear who else is in the U.S. delegation in Abu Dhabi. A U.S. official told CBS News on Tuesday that a Ukrainian delegation was also there and has been in contact with Driscoll and his team.

        A source with knowledge told CBS News that Driscoll was working in Abu Dhabi off of a revised version of the White House’s 28-point proposal, following productive negotiations in Geneva.

        MTG Congressional Exit Sparks Intense Reactions

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          Marjorie Taylor Greene -Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, via Wikimedia Commons

          The fallout continues…

          Marjorie Taylor Greene’s recent announcement revealing her upcoming departure from Congress has sent shockwaves through the political sphere, triggering reactions from the Left and the Right.

          Greene said Friday she will leave Congress in January, citing her falling-out with President Trump. Earlier this month, the president withdrew his endorsement of Greene amid a disagreement over the Jeffrey Epstein files. 

          Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) said Sunday she was surprised by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) announcing her resignation over the weekend.

          “Honestly, I was like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me,’” Crockett told host Jake Tapper on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “You’re on the other side of the president for one week, and you can’t take the heat.”

          On Sunday, the Texas Democrat accused Greene of being an “instigator” of hateful rhetoric during her time in Congress. 

          “It’s just interesting that I don’t know if she really fully understood how bad she was making it for other people,” Crockett added. 

          Last Sunday, Greene acknowledged that she has taken part in the “toxic politics” that have “plagued” the country. 

          “I am committed, I’ve been working on this a lot lately, to put down the knives in politics. I really just want to see people be kind to one another,” she told host Dana Bash on “State of the Union.”

          In his Truth Social post revoking his endorsement of the Georgia congresswoman, Trump said the rift began when he showed Greene polling data indicating she would have low support if she were to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff (Ga.) or run to succeed Republican Gov. Brian Kemp in the Peach State in 2026. 

          Last Sunday, Greene denied on CNN that such a conversation with the president took place, saying her decision not to run for higher office next year was hers alone

          Watch:

          Prior to her announcement, the Georgia Congresswoman was reportedly considering a run for president in 2028 — a move that, if realized, could reshape the Republican Party’s post-Trump era and test the staying power of the “America First” movement.

          According to a new report from Notus, Greene privately expressed interest in following in Donald Trump’s footsteps to the White House. The outlet cited four sources familiar with her thinking, saying Greene believes she represents the “real MAGA” faction — the core conservative movement that has reshaped the GOP since 2016 — and that many Republican leaders have drifted away from those grassroots values.

          One source told Notus that Greene feels confident she has built the national donor network and grassroots support needed to mount a serious primary campaign, especially as the GOP’s base remains loyal to Trump’s populist agenda.

          However, it’s becoming increasingly clear Greene’s political capital is shrinking by the day — while a notable figure in Trump’s Make America Great Again movement — now comes in 12th in polling averages for the GOP presidential primary, according to Race to the WH

          Republican strategist Shermichael Singleton predicted that Greene’s political ambitions have been indefinitely put on hold as a result of her feud with President Trump and looming exit from Congress.

          “I’m thinking there’s some other opportunity, perhaps in the media ecosystem, that she’s looking at,” CNN political commentator Shermichael Singleton said Sunday on “State of the Union.” “But I think her future life in politics in over.”

          Trump Officially Designates Saudi Arabia A ‘Major’ Ally Of United States

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            President Donald Trump participates in a welcome ceremony with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud at the Royal Court Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)

            President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that his administration is officially designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, a move that deepens both the economic and military partnership between Washington and Riyadh.

            The announcement came during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s high-profile visit to the White House. While the event stopped short of being an official state visit—Saudi Arabia’s king is still the formal head of state—the crown prince was welcomed with many of the hallmarks typically reserved for top U.S. partners.

            “We’re taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, which is something that is very important to them,” Trump said. He also revealed that the two nations had just signed “a historic strategic defense agreement.”

            The designation signals a renewed commitment to a long-standing strategic relationship—one Trump has made clear he intends to strengthen after what many Republicans saw as the Biden administration’s misguided distancing from Riyadh. The previous administration had strained ties over controversies such as the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, even as Saudi Arabia remained a critical partner in regional security and global energy markets.

            Trump also affirmed that he plans to approve Saudi Arabia’s request to purchase F-35 stealth fighter jets, one of America’s most advanced military assets. “I am planning on doing that,” the president said. “They want to buy them. They’ve been a great ally.”

            For his part, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized Saudi Arabia’s growing economic commitment to the United States, announcing the kingdom intends to increase its investment from $600 billion to “almost $1 trillion”—a staggering figure nearly equivalent to the size of its sovereign wealth fund, according to The New York Times.

            The Trump administration has prioritized rebuilding and expanding America’s alliances in the Middle East, particularly in advancing the Abraham Accords, a major diplomatic achievement of Trump’s previous term. Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in joining the framework and normalizing relations with Israel, though the kingdom has stated that progress toward a viable two-state solution remains a core requirement.

            Saudi Arabia played a significant role among Arab nations backing Trump’s brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas—a deal that, if successfully upheld, could bring an end to the conflict in Gaza and set the stage for the development of a future Palestinian state.

            Still, some foreign-policy analysts have raised concerns about sharing high-level U.S. technology, such as the F-35, with Saudi Arabia—especially given Riyadh’s continued defense relationship with China. According to Politico, experts warn that sensitive technology could be at risk of being accessed by Beijing. Nevertheless, supporters of the move argue that strengthening ties with a key Middle Eastern partner is essential to countering adversaries and stabilizing the region.

            Democrat Lawmaker To File Impeachment Articles Against Trump

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              President Donald Trump signs Executive Orders, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley)

              Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, announced Thursday morning that he plans to once again introduce articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump — a move that highlights ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party over how to confront the president.

              “There will be articles of impeachment filed before the Christmas break. This, I pledge,” Green declared, framing the action as a test of Democrats’ willingness to oppose the Trump administration. “We have to participate. This is a participatory democracy. The impeachment requires the hands and the guidance of all of us.”

              Green said he will file the measure as a privileged resolution, a procedural maneuver that forces the House to consider the articles within two legislative days. Even so, the chamber can vote to table the effort before it reaches an actual impeachment vote — something that has happened repeatedly in the past.

              A Long Record of Failed Impeachment Attempts

              Thursday’s announcement marks Green’s fifth attempt to impeach Trump. Since 2017, Green has repeatedly pushed impeachment articles, often without the backing of House Democratic leadership. His previous filings — including charges such as “bigotry” and “bringing disrepute to the presidency” — were consistently tabled with bipartisan support, underscoring how little traction his efforts gained even before Trump’s two formal impeachments in 2019 and 2021.

              This history has led many observers to view Green’s actions as largely symbolic, aimed more at appealing to the party’s activist base than at producing any practical outcome.

              Progressive Frustrations with Democratic Leadership

              Green’s renewed push comes as the party’s progressive wing expresses growing dissatisfaction with Democratic leaders like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. Critics argue that leadership has failed to secure meaningful concessions during recent legislative battles — including a 43-day government shutdown — and has not mounted an effective resistance to Republican policy priorities.

              Some Democrats, such as Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, have even called for new leadership in Congress to more aggressively oppose GOP momentum.

              Dave Mytych, outreach lead for the activist group For Liberation and Resistance Everywhere (FLARE), joined Green at the press conference and directly criticized top Democrats.

              “This is what the American people want. They want fighters that hold the line. Democrats, are you listening? Leader Schumer, are you listening? Leader Jeffries, are you listening?” Mytych said.

              Questions About the Effort’s Purpose

              When asked whether another failed impeachment vote might reflect poorly on Democratic leadership, Green avoided directly answering. He instead noted that up to 80 House members have supported his proposals in the past.

              “Here’s my perspective. I believe in the Constitution,” Green said. “People who vote to table the articles are voting against impeachment.”

              He did not specify which charges he intends to bring this time.

              A Familiar Outcome Likely

              The House has impeached Trump twice before — first in 2019 over abuse of power and later in 2021 for inciting an insurrection. In both cases, the Senate ultimately voted to acquit. Green’s repeated attempts, none of which have succeeded or gained broad support, leave little expectation that this latest effort will produce a different result.

              Green also announced plans for a peaceful protest at the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday alongside other advocates.

              Saudi Arabia Releases Jailed US Citizen Following Trump, Crown Prince Mohammed Meeting

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              The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

              Saudi Arabia has released a United States citizen who was jailed over social media posts critical of the royal family after President Trump’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

              Saad Almadi, 75, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1976, was arrested in 2021 during a family visit over his remarks online. He was sentenced to more than 19 years on terrorism charges but was released in 2023 and hit with an “exit ban,” which prevented him from leaving the country.

              The terrorism charges were later decreased to “cyber crimes.”

              “This day would not have been possible without President Donald Trump and the tireless efforts of his administration,” the Almadi family said in a statement Wednesday. “We are deeply grateful to Dr. Sebastian Gorka and the team at the National Security Council, as well as everyone at the State Department.”

              The statement came shortly after Trump’s Wednesday speech at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum. 

              The Almadi family said the release “would not have been possible” without the work of the president and the “tireless efforts” of the administration, expressing gratitude to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh for keeping Almadi “safe.” 

              One of Almadi’s posts on social media that landed him in trouble called for a street in the nation’s capital to be renamed after Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who was murdered in 2018 while at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. 

              Crown Prince Mohammed has denied involvement in the killing of the journalist, who fled Saudi Arabia in 2017, but U.S. intelligence reports in 2021 stated the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia “approved” the operation to detain or kill the columnist.

              The 9/11 Families United organization shared similar sentiments in regards to Trump’s interactions. 

              “The crown prince knows nothing of the pain of the 9/11 families. He is actively working to impede our efforts to ensure extensive evidence of Saudi government support for al-Qaeda and the terrorist hijackers are brought to light, harboring a former agent that produced a casing video of the U.S. Capitol building, and trying to rewrite history with investments,” 9/11 Families United  told The Hill in a statement. 

              Trump said Tuesday that the crown prince “knew nothing” about Khashoggi’s murder, triggering harsh criticism from press groups. 

              “We are so excited for the family that Mr. Almadi is finally on his way back to the United States! We know how long and hard the family fought to make this day possible,” the Foley Foundation, which advocates for American hostages and wrongful detainees held overseas, said Wednesday in a statement to The Hill

              Trump Issues Pardon To Athlete Convicted After Record-Breaking Run

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                Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

                President Donald Trump has issued a full pardon to Michelino Sunseri, an endurance athlete who was convicted last year for descending the Grand Teton via a “restricted” trail during a record-breaking run. Sunseri’s case had become a flashpoint in the debate over federal overreach and the growing tendency of unelected bureaucrats to criminalize harmless behavior.

                Sunseri reacted to the news with relief on Monday, writing on Facebook:
                “IT’S FINALLY OVER. The trail trial of the century is officially over. In a twist even Hollywood couldn’t write, I woke up this morning to find out I’ve been given a PRESIDENTIAL PARDON from Donald J. Trump — over the Grand Teton FKT and my use of the Old Climber’s Trail.”

                A Record Run Turned Legal Battle

                In September 2024, Sunseri ascended and descended the 13,775-foot Grand Teton in an astonishing 2 hours and 50 minutes, setting a new fastest-known time. But instead of celebrating the athletic achievement, federal authorities charged him days later for taking a “prohibited” route—the Old Climber’s Trail—during his descent.

                Although the trail has long been used by climbers and is not inherently unsafe, the National Park Service classified it as “restricted,” and Sunseri was prosecuted under rules that critics say lack proper legal grounding.

                A Case of Bureaucratic Overreach?

                The Pacific Legal Foundation, which took up Sunseri’s defense, argued that the federal government had overstepped its authority. According to PLF, the regulations used to charge Sunseri were created by low-level park staff—not by Congress or any properly authorized rulemaking process.

                “We are thrilled that Michelino’s nightmare is over,” said PLF attorney Michael Poon. “But we’re not done fighting unconstitutional regulations that let unelected officials criminalize harmless conduct. We stand ready to help other Americans facing similar prosecutions.”

                This theme—federal agencies creating de facto laws without accountability—has become a major concern among conservatives, especially as executive-branch rulemaking grows in scope and impact. Sunseri’s case, many argue, is a prime example of ordinary Americans being punished by faceless, unaccountable bureaucrats.

                Sunseri: “They Tried to Make an Example of Me”

                Sunseri was convicted last September despite his defense showing that many climbers had used the same trail over the years. He said officials seemed determined to “make an example” of him rather than apply common sense.

                “This case was a massive waste of taxpayer money and government energy from the start,” Sunseri said. “Unfortunately, instead of working with me, the system tried to make an example of me. I know this pardon might get swept up in politics in this heated time, and that’s unfortunate—because this particular case is about fairness and common sense.”