Random

    Government

    Home Government

    Supreme Court Responds To Michael Cohen Appeal

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1
    Duncan Lock, Dflock, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

    The Supreme Court will not get involved.

    On Monday, the Supreme Court declined to revive Michael Cohen’s lawsuit seeking damages for retaliation during his prison sentence.

    Cohen’s lawsuit comes after the former Trump “fixer” began serving his sentence for federal election finance crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Due to health reasons that would be exacerbated by the virus, Cohen’s prison term was furloughed, and he was temporarily sent to home confinement. 

    Officials later ordered him back to prison after he raised issue with a release condition asking him to waive his ability to criticize then-President Trump

    A federal judge ruled to release Cohen again and said the former president’s ex-fixer suffered unconstitutional retaliation for wanting to critique Trump on social media and in a book. However, the judge later dismissed Cohen’s claim for damages over the incident. 

    The Hill reports:

    “As it stands, this case represents the principle that presidents and their subordinates can lock away critics of the executive without consequence,” Cohen wrote in his request for the justices to hear his case.  

    Trump attorney Alina Habba said in the former president’s brief to the court that Cohen’s complaint is “entirely devoid of merit.” She also added a question over whether Cohen’s claim is barred by presidential immunity, which the justices declined to weigh. 

    Cohen testified as a star witness in the Manhattan district attorney’s criminal case against his former boss, which ended in a conviction in May, and took the stand in an earlier civil fraud trial against Trump and his business.  

    In a previous interview with The Hill, Cohen said his appeal to the justices was about deterrence. His experience, he said, was “merely a practice run” for the sweeping retribution Trump has vowed in a potential second term. 

    “Donald has opened up a Pandora’s box for future Trump 2.0s acting in the same autocratic manner,” Cohen said. “This writ of certiorari will be part of the process that would prevent any other U.S. citizen ever from being imprisoned because they refused to waive their First Amendment right or because they express criticism.”  

    The type of relief Cohen sought against Trump, various officials involved and the federal government itself for violating his constitutional rights is known as a Bivens claim. Over the past 44 years, the Supreme Court has turned away a dozen such lawsuits – making the ex-fixer’s request an uphill fight. 

    This is a breaking news story. Click refresh for the latest updates.

    President Trump is the only one who stood up for working families, and the DC elite want him destroyed. Kamala is raising over $1 Billion to crush his campaign. Will you chip in $3 before the day ends? — JD Vance

    Congress Votes To Make Trump Gulf Of America Name Change Permanent

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0
    By Executive Office of the President of the United States - https://x.com/POTUS/status/1888706337699238047/photo/1, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=159501092

    The House of Representatives voted to make President Donald Trump’s name change for the Gulf of America permanent on Friday morning. 

    The legislation was led by staunch Trump ally, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).

    “This is such an important thing to do for the American people. The American people deserve pride in their country, and they deserve pride in the waters that we own, that we protect with our military and our Coast Guard and all of the businesses that prosper along these waters,” Greene said during debate on the bill.

    Democratic lawmakers, meanwhile, panned the legislation as a waste of time.

    “Republicans think this juvenile legislation is the best use of this House’s time. This is the only work we’re doing today, folks,” Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) said in his rebuttal to Greene.

    Earlier this week, Fox News Digital was told that several GOP lawmakers privately expressed frustration at what they saw as a largely symbolic bill taking up their time instead of more meaningful legislation to move Trump’s agenda along.

    “I’ve heard criticisms from all corners of the conference. Conservatives to pragmatic ones,” Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. “It seems sophomoric. The United States is bigger and better than this.”

    One conservative GOP lawmaker vented to Fox News Digital, “125 other [executive orders], this is the one we pick.”

    Greene hit back at the detractors, however, in response to Fox News Digital’s report.

    “Some of my Republican colleagues don’t want to vote for my Gulf of America Act, which is one of President Trump’s favorite executive orders. They say they would rather vote on ‘more serious EOs.’ Boys are you ready to vote to criminalize sex changes on kids?? Because I have that bill on that EO too,” she wrote on X.

    Federal Judge Orders Limited DOGE Access To Treasury Payment System

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    10
    UK Government, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

    On Thursday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from obtaining access to certain Treasury Department payment records.

    Treasury officials “will not provide access to any payment record or payment system of records maintained within the [Treasury] Bureau of Fiscal Service,” Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly wrote in a temporary restraining order.

    That program handles an estimated 90% of federal payments. 

    The order comes after the Justice Department on Wednesday agreed in a proposed court order to limit access to the sensitive records to only two “special government employees” within DOGE, who will have read-only permission. Kollar-Kotelly approved the motion in a brief order Thursday.

    Several government employee unions brought suit over who could access the material as part of a government-wide evaluation of programs and systems, led by DOGE. 

    dcd-afra-v-bessentDownload

    The lawsuit claimed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent allowed improper access to Elon Musk’s team, potentially exposing personal financial information to unauthorized individuals. 

    Under the order, only Musk ally Tom Krause, CEO of Cloud Software Group, and Marko Elez – an engineer and former Musk company employee — will continue to have access to Treasury’s Fiscal Service, but they will not be allowed to make any changes to the program. 

    Biden Issues Preemptive Pardons To Siblings, Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, and J6 Panel Members

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    3
    The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

    With minutes left in his presidency, Joe Biden issued pardons to his family members.

    The pardon applies to James Biden, Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John Owens, and Francis Biden, the White House announced.

    “I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics. But baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families. Even when individuals have done nothing wrong and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage their reputations and finances,” Biden said in a statement.

    Hours before Donald Trump’s Inauguration ceremony, President Joe Biden also granted pardons to several public servants, who have faced attacks from the incoming President

    President Biden pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and others who some speculated may have faced investigations under the incoming Trump administration on Monday.

    “Our nation relies on dedicated, selfless public servants every day. They are the lifeblood of our democracy,” Biden said. “Yet alarmingly, public servants have been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties.”

    In addition to the named individuals, the pardon applies to, “Members of Congress and staff who served on the Select Committee, and the U.S. Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan police officers who testified before the Select Committee.”

    Notably, Special Counsel Jack Smith, former FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Merrick Garland are not included in the pardon, despite speculation that they may face backlash from the incoming administration.

    Milley thanked Biden in a statement on Monday.

    “My family and I are deeply grateful for the President’s action today,” he wrote. “After forty-three years of faithful service in uniform to our Nation, protecting and defending the Constitution, I do not wish to spend whatever remaining time the Lord grants me fighting those who unjustly might seek retribution for perceived slights.

    “I do not want to put my family, my friends, and those with whom I served through the resulting distraction, expense, and anxiety,” he added.

    Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has been a frequent target of political criticism in recent years as the face of the federal government response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Speaking with ABC News’ chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl, Fauci addressed Biden’s decision, said:

    I really truly appreciate the action President Biden has taken today on my behalf. Let me be perfectly clear, Jon, I have committed no crime, you know that, and there are no possible grounds for any allegation or threat of criminal investigation or prosecution of me.

    Fauci went on to acknowledge that the mere possibility of prosecution has placed an “immeasurable and intolerable distress” on him and his family.

    President-elect Trump told NBC that it was disgraceful President Biden issued the pardons.

    “It is disgraceful. Many are guilty of MAJOR CRIMES! DJT” Trump texted NBC’s “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker.

    Trump Threatens Perjury Charge Against Former U.S. President

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    2
    Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    President Donald Trump announced Friday that he is nullifying all documents allegedly signed by former President Joe Biden using an autopen device.

    In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed that 92% of documents signed during Biden’s presidency were executed using an autopen, a tool that mechanically reproduces a person’s signature.

    “The Autopen is not allowed to be used if approval is not specifically given by the President of the United States,” Trump wrote. “The Radical Left Lunatics circling Biden around the beautiful Resolute Desk in the Oval Office took the Presidency away from him.”

    Trump said he is canceling all executive orders and “anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally.” He also threatened to charge Biden with perjury if Biden claims he personally approved the signatures.

    Joe Biden via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Background on the Autopen Issue

    The autopen, used by the U.S. government since the Truman administration, holds a real pen and signs documents using a template of the signer’s handwriting. Its use is widespread for routine presidential correspondence, and critically, the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel has affirmed that autopen signatures on legislation and executive actions are legal, provided the president authorizes them.

    Trump’s accusation hinges on his claim that Biden did not give such authorization — an assertion for which no verification has yet been provided. Historically, multiple presidents, including George W. Bush and Barack Obama, used the autopen for official documents without controversy. Biden’s use was consistent with this longstanding practice.

    Scope of the Impact

    During his presidency, Biden issued 162 executive orders and signed hundreds of memoranda, proclamations, and notices. While Trump already rescinded nearly 80 Biden-era orders in January, his new declaration suggests a broader cancellation effort. Policies that could now be subject to invalidation include:

    • Executive Order 14087, aimed at lowering U.S. prescription drug costs
    • Executive Order 14096, focused on environmental justice
    • Executive Order 14110, addressing the development and regulation of artificial intelligence

    It remains unclear which authority or process will be used to determine the authenticity or validity of signatures on documents Biden approved.

    Trump’s move marks an escalation in his ongoing effort to question the legitimacy of Biden’s presidential actions, extending a line of criticism he frequently employed during and after Biden’s term.

    Don Jr. needs YOUR help shaping the MAGA agenda. Respond to the November Party Platform Audit before TONIGHT at MIDNIGHT and make sure your voice is heard. [Complete your audit HERE]

    Former FBI Director Indicted But Trump Remarks Signal Potential Problems

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1
    Image via Wikimedia Commons

    A grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia has indicted former FBI Director James Comey.

    Comey was reportedly indicted on one count of making false statements and one count of obstruction of justice for allegedly lying under oath to Congress. The 12 grand jurors reportedly declined to indict on additional charges.

    Comey declared he’s “not afraid” in a video posted to his Instagram responding to his historic indictment on two charges.

    “My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump, but we couldn’t imagine ourselves living any other way. We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either,” began Comey. “Somebody that I love dearly recently said that fear is the tool of a tyrant and she’s right. But I’m not afraid and I hope you’re not either. I hope instead you are engaged. You are paying attention. And you will vote like your beloved country depends upon it, which it does.”

    “My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system and I’m innocent,” he concluded. “So let’s have a trial and keep the faith.”

    Comey’s son-in-law, a senior federal prosecutor, abruptly resigned Thursday just hours after the former FBI director was indicted on charges of false statements and obstruction.

    Troy A. Edwards Jr., a national security prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia, stepped down Thursday night with a brief note to his boss.

    “To uphold my oath to the Constitution and country, I hereby resign as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia in the Department of Justice effective immediately,” Edwards wrote in the letter, posted to X.

    The case follows the firing of Comey’s daughter, Maurene Comey, a federal prosecutor who has since sued the Justice Department, claiming retaliation tied to her family name.

    President Donald Trump unloaded on James Comey, deeming him a “destroyer of lives” in an early morning Truth Social post Friday that also saw him brand the former FBI director a “DIRTY COP.”

    On Friday morning, the president unleashed on Comey as “corrupt,” insisting that the former FBI boss “lied” in his testimony and demanding he pay “a very big price”:

    Whether you like Corrupt James Comey or not, and I can’t imagine too many people liking him, HE LIED! It is not a complex lie, it’s a very simple, but IMPORTANT one. There is no way he can explain his way out of it. He is a Dirty Cop, and always has been, but he was just assigned a Crooked Joe Biden appointed Judge, so he’s off to a very good start. Nevertheless, words are words, and he wasn’t hedging or in dispute. He was very positive, there was no doubt in his mind about what he said, or meant by saying it. He left himself ZERO margin of error on a big and important answer to a question. He just got unexpectedly caught. James “Dirty Cop” Comey was a destroyer of lives. He knew exactly what he was saying, and that it was a very serious and far reaching lie for which a very big price must be paid! President DJT

    Trump followed minutes later with an all caps quip:

    JAMES COMEY IS A DIRTY COP. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

    Since the indictment, some legal analysts have warned that Trump’s social media posts about Comey could arm the defense with an argument for a selective prosecution motion to dismiss the indictment.

    The “We Are Charlie Kirk” wristband is more than just a symbol — it’s a tribute to Charlie’s legacy and a reminder to live boldly for faith, family, and freedom. [CLAIM YOURS NOW]

    Report: Trump To Sign Order To Shutter Dept. Of Education

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    3
    President Donald Trump signs Executive Orders, Monday, February 10, 2025, in the Oval Office. (Official White House photo by Abe McNatt)

    An administration official told NewsNation White House correspondent Libbey Dean that Trump will sign an executive order Thursday afternoon that directs McMahon to begin dissolving the Education Department

    The executive order, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, has been in the works since before Trump was sworn into office in January.

    The draft of the order recognizes that the president does not have the authority to abolish the department and that it would likely take 60 votes in the Senate, where Republicans hold only 53 seats, The Washington Post reported.

    But it directs McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Education Department” based on “the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law,” according to the Journal.

    “The experiment of controlling American education through Federal programs and dollars—and the unaccountable bureaucrats those programs and dollars support — has failed our children, our teachers, and our families,” the draft order reportedly reads.

    The official White House schedule was updated Thursday morning with Trump signing unspecified executive orders at 2 p.m. EST.

    The Post also noted that the draft was labeled “pre-decisional,” citing a personal familiar with the matter who cautioned that its details could change before it is final.

    McMahon was confirmed Monday to lead the Education Department. That evening, she foreshadowed the executive order in a letter in which she described her goal of making education a matter for the states.

    “My vision is aligned with the President’s: to send education back to the states and empower all parents to choose an excellent education for their children,” she wrote. “As a mother and grandmother, I know there is nobody more qualified than a parent to make educational decisions for their children.”

    This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

    Karoline Leavitt Prepares For Second Child As White House Weighs Temporary Shift

    By
    Patrick Houck
    -
    1
    Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons


    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is expected to welcome her second child this week, adding a personal milestone to a tenure already defined by firsts. At 28, she is the youngest press secretary in U.S. history and the first known to serve in the role while pregnant.

    Her upcoming leave raises practical questions for the administration, including how long she plans to step away and how the White House will manage one of its most visible daily responsibilities in her absence.

    Unclear timeline for leave

    A White House official said it’s not yet clear how much time Leavitt will take off after the birth. Like other federal employees, she is generally entitled to up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Whether she uses the full period remains an open question.

    That uncertainty leaves the briefing schedule in a flexible position, with no firm timeline for her return to the podium.

    No interim press secretary planned

    Instead of naming a temporary replacement, the White House plans to rely on a rotating group of officials to handle press briefings. That group could include President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, an approach that would break from the more traditional model of a single, consistent spokesperson.

    The decision signals a willingness to experiment, but it also introduces the possibility of mixed messaging. Different officials bring different styles, and consistency has long been a priority in managing daily communication with the press.

    Family life in the public eye

    Leavitt first announced her pregnancy in December, sharing that she and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, were expecting a daughter. Their first child, Niko, was born in July 2024 and has already appeared in the briefing room during special events.

    In a social media post after Christmas, Leavitt said she was looking forward to becoming a “girl mom” and described the coming year as meaningful for her family. She also pointed to what she called a supportive, pro-family culture within the White House, crediting both President Trump and chief of staff Susie Wiles.

    Staying active on the job

    Leavitt continued her duties throughout the pregnancy, rarely stepping back from the demands of the role. That includes leading daily briefings and serving as a central voice for the administration during a busy stretch of domestic and international developments.

    Her tenure has also brought changes to the structure of the briefing room. Most notably, she introduced a designated space for “new media,” giving podcasters, independent journalists, and digital creators a more visible presence.

    She has often called on those voices early in briefings, a shift away from the traditional dominance of legacy outlets.

    A test for a changing briefing room

    Leavitt’s temporary absence could put that evolving setup to the test. With multiple officials rotating through the podium, the tone and priorities of briefings may shift from day to day.

    That variability may not matter much during quieter periods. But in moments that require clear, unified messaging, it could become more noticeable.

    Balancing public service and private life

    For now, the focus remains on a personal milestone. Even in a role tied closely to national politics and constant scrutiny, family life continues alongside the job.

    Leavitt’s situation underscores a familiar challenge in Washington: balancing the demands of public service with life outside the office. It’s not unique, but it’s rarely this visible.

    Her return, whenever it comes, will likely bring the operation back to a more familiar rhythm. Until then, the White House is preparing to adjust on the fly.

    READ NEXT: Major City Removes Leader Following Appalling Lawsuit

    Tick-Tock: Time is running out to sync your Trump account before your data is lost forever! Team Trump is counting on you. HURRY, before it’s too late! [Click HERE to update your info]

    White House Fires Newly Appointed US Attorney

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0

    The Trump administration on Wednesday removed a newly appointed U.S. attorney in New York’s Northern District just hours after federal judges selected him for the post.

    Donald Kinsella was appointed by district judges to serve as U.S. attorney in New York’s Northern District following the departure of John A. Sarcone III, who had been acting in the role. Sarcone stepped aside after a judge blocked him from further involvement in an investigation concerning New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that he was not lawfully serving in the office when certain subpoenas were issued.

    Shortly after Kinsella’s appointment, he received an email from a White House official stating that he was being removed from the position. In comments to The New York Times, Kinsella said he was uncertain whether the email legally constituted his dismissal and indicated he would consult with the district judges who appointed him before taking further action.

    Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, however, signaled that the administration considered the matter settled. Responding to a social media post from a TimesUnion reporter who first broke the story, Blanche wrote that Kinsella was officially “fired.”

    The episode reflects a broader, ongoing clash between the White House and the federal judiciary over the appointment and service of U.S. attorneys.

    In December, Alina Habba, President Trump’s former personal attorney, was removed from her post as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor after a federal appeals court upheld a lower court ruling that found she had been unlawfully serving in the position.

    Similarly, in November, a court determined that Lindsey Halligan, the president’s selected prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia, had been “unlawfully appointed.” That ruling led to the dismissal of charges against former FBI Director James Comey and Attorney General Letitia James.

    Halligan left the U.S. attorney’s office in January after a judge criticized her repeated references to herself as U.S. attorney in court filings, calling it a “charade of Ms. Halligan masquerading as the United States attorney.”

    READ NEXT: Is There A Way Around The Filibuster For The SAVE Act?

    It’s Don Jr. To the world, he’s President Trump — to me, he’s just Dad. That’s why I’m personally inviting you to the MAGA Presidential Circle — our closest team of trusted patriots. Don’t wait. Accept your invitation by answering a few quick questions today!

    Report: United CEO Pitches Merger to Trump That Would Create World’s Largest Airline

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1
    Image via Pixabay

    United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby is reportedly floating a blockbuster idea inside the Trump orbit: a potential merger with American Airlines that would create the largest airline in the world — and instantly reshape the U.S. aviation industry.

    According to reports, Kirby raised the possibility toward the end of a White House meeting focused on the future of Washington Dulles International Airport. The timing is notable. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has already launched an initiative to “revitalize” Dulles, signaling a broader push to strengthen major U.S. travel hubs and compete globally.

    And the stakes are massive. Data from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority shows that a dominant 68.5 percent of commercial passengers at Dulles in December flew United — underscoring just how much influence one airline already holds at a key East Coast gateway.

    Now imagine that power combined.

    In 2023, United and American ranked first and third, respectively, in revenue by passenger miles among U.S.-based airlines, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. A merger between the two wouldn’t just be big — it would create an aviation giant unlike anything seen before, potentially giving the U.S. a dominant global carrier at a time of rising international competition.

    Kirby, who knows both companies well, previously served as president of American Airlines after its 2013 merger with U.S. Airways before joining United in 2016 — adding another layer of intrigue to the reported pitch.

    Not surprisingly, the reaction from Washington’s political class — especially on the left — was immediate and hostile.

    Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) fired off a blunt response on X, writing, “That’s gonna be a no.”

    Matt Stoller, a researcher at the anti-monopolist American Economic Liberties Project, went even further, calling the idea “corporate crime” that is “now legal.”

    But behind the outrage is a deeper policy divide. Under Trump appointee Andrew Ferguson, the Federal Trade Commission has taken a more business-friendly approach than it did under former Chair Lina Khan, whose aggressive antitrust stance often targeted large corporate mergers. For many conservatives, that shift reflects a broader belief that American companies need scale to compete with state-backed foreign rivals — particularly in industries like aviation.

    Still, even some legal experts say the proposal would face an uphill battle.

    Antitrust lawyer Seth Bloom told Reuters the deal would be unlikely to survive regulatory scrutiny, warning that it could hit consumers where it hurts most: prices.

    “The administration has said it really cares about the issues that affect the consumer’s pocketbook, and this would give the airlines more pricing power,” Bloom said.

    That tension — between building a stronger, more competitive American airline industry and protecting consumers from higher costs — is likely to define the debate if this idea gains traction.

    For now, Kirby’s reported pitch remains just that — a pitch.

    FROM THE DESK OF DONALD TRUMP JR. Democrats tried to rig the census by counting millions of illegal immigrants — giving blue states more power in Congress. Now we’re making sure only American citizens are counted. But first, we need to verify our own records. CONFIRM YOUR VOTER INFORMATION NOW.
    123...15Page 1 of 15
    © Great America News Desk 2022