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    Special Counsel Subpoenas Trump White House Aides Over Events Leading Up To Jan. 6

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    6
    Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    The special counsel leading the investigation into former President Donald Trump‘s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results is taking a closer look at the firing of the then-president’s cybersecurity chief.

    The New York Times reports that Jack Smith’s team has interviewed former DHS Cybersecurity chief Chris Krebs, who was terminated by Trump after refuting his claims the election was wrought with fraud.

    “There is no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, changed votes or was in any way compromised,” the statement from Krebs’s agency read nine days after the election.

    Less than a week later Trump tweeted that Mr. Krebs was “terminated” after releasing a “highly inaccurate” statement about the 2020 election.

    “The investigators appear focused on Mr. Trump’s state of mind around the firing of Mr. Krebs, as well as on establishing a timeline of events leading up to the attack on the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob on Jan. 6, 2021,” Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan reported. “The latest subpoenas, issued roughly two weeks ago, went to officials in the personnel office, according to the two people familiar with the matter.”

    Smith’s investigators seem to be asking witnesses about the efforts Trump and his allies took to evaluate the loyalty of federal officials working for the ex-president. John McEntee, a former Trump personal aide, was among those who had Krebs flagged for disloyalty and had developed a “loyalty test” to evaluate government hires under Trump. The Times notes that McEntee “was seen going into the grand jury in recent months.”

    Trump is facing numerous investigations regarding his actions while in the White House and after the election.

    Smith is also leading the investigation into Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents which were seized from his Mar-A-Lago estate in August. Earlier this month reports from The Times indicated the investigation is heating up after the Justice Department secured a “star witness” in the probe. (RELATED: Key Mar-a-Lago witness said to be former White House Employee)

    According to the report, the scope of the insider witness’s cooperation is not yet clear, nor is the timeline, but the witness reportedly gave investigators a picture of the storage room where some materials were held. 

    Report: Conservative Network Shared Private Smartmatic Employee Data With Trump Team After 2020 Election

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    0
    Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Voting systems company Smartmatic is suing conservative media network One America News (OAN) and new evidence shows a direct connection to former President Donald Trump.

    According to a report by CNN, an email exchange dated January 8, 2021, between OAN president Charles Herring and Trump lawyer Sidney Powell, who is also being sued by Smartmatic as well as other individuals tied to Trump for spreading misinformation about the 2020 election, purportedly contained a spreadsheet full of passwords for employees of Smartmatic.

    The court records don’t reveal how OAN obtained the spreadsheet; according to CNN, lawyers for Smartmatic alleged the possession of the information means OAN executives “may have engaged in criminal activities” by “appear[ing] to have violated state and federal laws regarding data privacy.”

    Per CNN:

    While Smartmatic’s public filings didn’t identify the sender or recipient of the email, court records from a separate 2020-related lawsuit confirm that Herring and Powell exchanged emails on the same date. The pair’s communications about the purported Smartmatic spreadsheet, which have not been previously reported, resurrect questions that have dogged OAN for years regarding its tendency to blur the lines between opinion journalism and brazen political advocacy.

    Smartmatic is seeking billions of dollars in damages from OAN and Fox News after the networks falsely claimed that the company flipped votes during the 2020 election.

    Last year, Dominion Voting Systems won nearly $800 million in its similar defamation suit against Fox News.

    Report: Judge Imposes Gag Order In Trump Hush Money Trial

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    1
    Gavel via Wikimedia Commons Image

    On Tuesday, the New York judge overseeing the Trump hush money trial imposed a gag order on the former President.

    Judge Juan Merchan’s order still enables Trump to publicly attack the judge and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) but protects jurors and court staff as the trial approaches.

    The Hill has more:

    But it prevents the former president from attacking other prosecutors, court staff and their family members “if those statements are made with the intent to materially interfere with” the case.

    Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) charged Trump in the case with 34 counts of falsifying business records last spring over reimbursements Trump made to his then-fixer, Michael Cohen.

    Cohen had paid porn actress Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an affair she alleged to have had with Trump. The indictment accuses Trump of improperly deeming the reimbursements a legal retainer to conceal damaging information from the public ahead of the 2016 presidential election. 

    Trump, who denies the affair, pleaded not guilty.

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

    Trump Faces Judge After Special Counsel Delivers Jan. 6 Indictment

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    5
    Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Former President Trump will plead “not guilty” in federal court to all four federal charges stemming from Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into 2020 election interference and the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.

    Trump traveled from his resort in Bedminster, N.J., Thursday to Washington D.C. His first court appearance took place at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. 

    Trump, the current 2024 GOP front-runner, was charged earlier this week with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.

    Trump posted to his Truth Social late Wednesday saying that the case “will hopefully be moved to an impartial Venue, such as the politically unbiased nearby State of West Virginia!” 

    “IMPOSSIBLE to get a fair trial in Washington, D.C., which is over 95% anti-Trump, & for which I have called for a Federal TAKEOVER in order to bring our Capital back to Greatness,” Trump posted. “It is now a high crime embarrassment to our Nation and, indeed, the World. This Indictment is all about Election Interference!!!” 

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

    Democrat Group Launches Opposition Database Targeting DeSantis

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    2
    Ron DeSantis via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Democrats are taking notice of Gov. Ron DeSantis…

    On Monday, a prominent Democrats group announced an opposition research hub targeting Florida Gov. DeSantis (R), citing the governor’s past views on critical issues as he weighs a 2024 presidential bid.

    According to The Hill, American Bridge 21st Century launched the “Ron Desantis Research Book,” which focuses on existing reporting on the governor’s views and record on abortion, entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare, education, COVID-19, and the economy, as well as his past comments on the legitimacy of elections and about former President Donald Trump.

    The site will also reportedly include information on DeSantis’ record while serving as a federal prosecutor for Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s office.

    “For the past year, American Bridge has been hard at work compiling the most extensive and exhaustive public file on 2024 Republican presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis,” American Bridge 21st Century President Pat Dennis said in a statement. “This website weaves together all the information we have gathered on DeSantis over the past decade and paints the picture of a MAGA extremist caught up in culture wars, unfit for office, and utterly unprepared for the public pressure that comes with a contentious Republican presidential primary.”

    American Bridge has launched similar efforts against Republican lawmakers in the past. In 2020, the group launched a database targeting then-President Donald Trump through his second presidential campaign. The group says it will continue to update its research playbooks on both Trump and DeSantis as it gathers more information about both men throughout the 2024 campaign.

    DeSantis has yet to announce an official White House campaign but is widely expected to jump into the race after the Sunshine State concludes its legislative session this spring.

    On Sunday, former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson became the latest Republican to enter the race.

    The governor is widely viewed as Trump’s most formidable potential challenger based on polling data. Some polls in individual states have shown DeSantis leading Trump.

    Last week, “The View” co-host Joy Behar revealed she believes DeSantis stands a greater chance of defeating Joe Biden in 2024.

    Report: Republican Governor Expected To Launch Presidential Campaign In June

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    1
    North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, greets U.S. President Donald J. Trump arrives at the North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Fargo, N.D., Sept. 7, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. David H Lipp)

    The Republican presidential primary field is still growing.

    Fresh reports indicate another Republican governor is planning to launch his presidential campaign in the coming weeks.

    Sources close to two-term North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum told Fox News that the former software company CEO is planning to officially launch his campaign during an event in Fargo on June 7.

    Fox News has more:

    Sources close to Burgum say the governor would likely focus a presidential campaign on two issues — the economy and energy. However, Burgum, who served as chair of the Western Governors Association, could also point to his recent moves as governor to sign into law a strict measure that bans abortions six weeks after gestation with limited exceptions, as well as legislation to restrict transgender rights and a bill making gender-affirming care for minors in the state a criminal offense.

    Fargo, where Burgum is expected to make his announcement, is close to his tiny hometown of Arthur and sources with knowledge of the governor’s thinking say “it underscores that a theme of the campaign is that he’s the only candidate from a small town in the heartland and Americans want more small town values. One of his greatest perceived weaknesses is actually his best virtue.”

    Despite the North Dakota Gov. being a relatively unknown name compared to others in the race, Burgum would enter the 2024 presidential race as one of the wealthiest members of the Republican field.

    Before entering politics, Burgum steered his one-time small business, Great Plains Software, into a $1 billion software company. His business was eventually acquired by Microsoft while Burgum stayed on board as a senior vice president.

    Gov. Burgum, who would widely be considered a dark horse candidate, would enter a competitive primary field. Earlier this week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis launched his highly anticipated campaign. Former ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, tech mogul Vivek Ramaswamy, and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson have also launched campaigns against frontrunner Donald Trump.

    Trump Drops Second Lawsuit Against New York Attorney General

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    0
    Alec Perkins from Hoboken, USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

    Donald Trump has dropped another lawsuit against New York Attorney General Letitia James.

    On Tuesday, Trump dropped a second lawsuit against the New York Democrat which sought to block her investigations into him and the Trump Organization.

    According to reports from The Hill, Trump’s and James’s attorneys indicated in a one-page filing to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit that they agreed to end the former president’s suit.

    When reached for comment, Trump attorney Alina Habba said, “This appeal was voluntarily withdrawn for strategic purposes.”

    “I am pleased that Donald Trump has withdrawn both of his pending actions against my office. As we have shown all along, we have a legitimate legal case against him and his organization, and we cannot be bullied or dissuaded from pursuing it,” James said in a statement.

    Friday’s dismissal was made without prejudice, meaning Trump’s attorneys can refile the same claim again. Tuesday’s filing, meanwhile, was made with prejudice.

    Trump has long derided James’s efforts against him as a political witch-hunt motivated by a political vendetta.

    Florida Bans Chinese Citizens From Buying Land

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1

    The Sunshine State is taking extra measures to stay away from Chinese influence.

    On Monday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed legislation banning Chinese citizens from purchasing land in Florida unless they are also a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

    “We don’t want the [Chinese Communist Party] in the Sunshine State,” DeSantis said at a press conference in Brooksville, Florida. “We want to maintain this as the free state of Florida.”

    DeSantis highlighted concerns about the CCP’s “concerted effort to acquire farmland throughout the United States,” including in the Sunshine State.

    “Food security is also national security, and so we don’t want the CCP in charge of any food production,” DeSantis said.

    Fox News reported that China owned 352,140 acres of U.S. land in 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 1% of total foreign-held acres. Canadian investors owned 12.4 million acres the same year, the most of any foreign country.

    Senate Bill 264 also bans citizens of Russia, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela — labeled “countries of concern” — from owning land within 10 miles of military bases and critical infrastructure like airports and power plants.

    However, only Chinese residents would be banned from owning land anywhere in Florida.

    Other states, such as Texas, are considering adopting similar measures. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has introduced national legislation calling for a full ban on those associated with China from buying real estate on American soil.

    DeSantis said he hopes all states follow Florida’s lead.

    “We really need to have a unified effort in this country to deter the CCP’s ambitions and their influence,” he said. “Part of that is asserting our economic sovereignty.”

    Fmr. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson Announces Presidential Bid

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    0
    Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Former Arkansas Governor — and noted Trump critic — Asa Hutchinson announced his decision Sunday morning to compete to become the next Republican nominee for president.

    In contrast to the GOP establishment’s decision to defend former President Donald Trump, Hutchinson called for Trump to drop out of the race following his indictment.

    Hutchinson’s announcement came during an interview with ABC’s Johnathan Karl:

    As Fox News reports:

    Hutchinson is the third Republican to announce a campaign and will face off against former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and former President Donald Trump. Several another figures are expected to enter the race but have yet to do so.

    “I have made a decision, and my decision is I’m going to run for president of the United States,” Hutchinson told ABC News. “While the formal announcement will be later in April, in Bentonville, I want to make it clear to you…I am going to be running. And the reason is, I’ve traveled the country for six months, I hear people talk about the leadership of our country. I’m convinced that people want leaders that appeal to the best of America, and not simply appeal to our worst instincts.”

    Hutchinson has mulled a potential presidential run for months, receiving support from a new super PAC in February.

    He remains a long-shot candidate in what is expected to become a crowded field, however. While his only announced opponents are Haley and Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence is expected to announce his campaign soon.

    Poll Shows Concerning News For Trump’s Lead

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    8
    Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    A new poll suggests Republican voters are increasingly concerned about Donald Trump’s multiple indictments as the candidate competes for the party’s nomination for president.

    A new NBC poll shows that nearly half of GOP voters surveyed are skeptical over whether Trump should continue to lead the Republican Party

    A new NBC poll shows a majority of Republican voters would vote for Trump in the Republican primary, with 51% listing him as their top choice. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis came in second with 22% of the votes and former Vice President Mike Pence was third with 7%. 

    These new numbers come in comparison to how the candidates fared with GOP voters in April, shortly after Trump was indicted in New York in connection to hush-money payments made in 2016. About 46% of Republican voters supported Trump then and 31% said they were backing DeSantis. 

    After pleading not guilty to 37 federal charges related to his handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in June, a combined total of 77% of GOP primary voters said the federal charges gave them either minor concerns (14%) or no real concerns (63%). About 64% of Republican voters also said the various indictments and investigations Trump faces are politically motivated.

    However, in a hypothetical Trump-Biden battle, President Biden came out on top with a near majority of the vote (49%). Trump received 45% support. However, a total of 68% of those surveyed stated Biden’s mental and physical health was a major/moderate concern for them.

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