Former special counsel Jack Smith, who indicted Trump twice, wants the public to hear his story. Today, Smith's lawyers requesting he testify in open hearings, citing the quote, "any mischaracterizations of Smith's criminal probes and to Trump. " Smith's team also requesting assurance from the DOJ that he will not be punished for answering questions under oath. During his time as special counsel, Jack Smith only made public appearances when necessary. Now, the famously tight lip Smith is speaking up and he ...

Legal & Ethical Concerns - The report highlights concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as individuals who previously served as personal lawyers for the former president are now in positions to decide on matters related to him [2] - The report suggests the former president is seeking \$230 million from taxpayers, which is viewed as an exorbitant amount, especially considering that punitive damages may not be allowed under the relevant statute [3][4][12] - The report raises constitutional questions regarding the president receiving money beyond his official salary, citing Article 2, Section 1, Clause 7 of the Constitution [5] - The report alleges potential violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause, referencing a \$400 million airplane gift from Qatar [7][15] - The report suggests a lack of transparency, implying that settlements and payments could be kept secret [8][9] Political Implications - The report characterizes the former president's actions as a "bulldozer" against the Constitution and the rule of law [5] - The report criticizes the administration for allegedly prioritizing the interests of billionaires and CEOs while cutting healthcare and nutrition programs for families [11][12] - The report suggests the administration is engaging in business deals with corrupt foreign leaders [17][18] Procedural Irregularities - The report claims that major construction or renovation of the White House is being done without going through the proper congressional process [14] - The report indicates that existing statutes may not adequately address the alleged violations of constitutional principles [15]

Um, Mike, let me read you this part. So, here's what's normal. The Times actually takes us through this in the story.What's normal. Actually, the Times reports out what the Justice Department manual says is normal. Quote, according to the Justice Department manual, settlements of claims against the department for more than $4 million.This is $230 million. Quote, must be approved by the Deputy Attorney General or Associate Attorney General, meaning the person who oversees the agency civil division. Quote, "T ...

Rule of Law and Political Climate - Jack Smith criticizes the erosion of the rule of law and attacks on public servants, emphasizing the incalculable cost to the country [3] - Smith highlights concerns about the politicization of justice and the importance of upholding the rule of law [4] - Smith points out the danger of eroding checks and balances within the US government, particularly concerning whistleblower protection and nonpartisan prosecution [6] - The analysis suggests the current administration is selectively prosecuting political enemies [13] Pardons and Justice - The pardoning of January 6th rioters is seen as a defiance of the rule of law, siding with criminals against law enforcement [11][12] - The administration's actions are portrayed as potentially undermining law and order [11] Jack Smith's Perspective - Jack Smith is speaking out against attacks on the rule of law, presenting a report-like indictment of the current administration's actions [8] - Smith is modeling a non-partisan approach, emphasizing the need for unity across party lines to defend the rule of law [14][16] - Smith highlights cases where the Trump administration allegedly interfered with justice for political gain [15]

Anthony Kennedy was one of the most consequential Supreme Court justices of modern times. In a memoir, “Life, Law & Liberty”, he sounds deeply alarmed about the rule of law https://t.co/SSIYp7h6S7 ...

ing the president going after the justice department and trying to turn it inside out to become a place where law and facts don't govern charges and instead he gets a Russia-like set of indictments against any opponents that he doesn't like. We have watched the cozy links between Donald Trump and his own appointees. He's now run through more FBI directors than most presidents and it's on display at the White House.What you're seeing here is a total change and in concert with the revenge cases, it's a proble ...

Government Shutdown & Federal Employees - The administration fired at least 4,000 federal employees during the government shutdown [2] - CDC cuts wiped out entire offices that investigate disease outbreaks and manage infectious disease responses [2] - The Republican party and the Trump administration revel in the destruction of the government, using the shutdown to break the government [5][6] - The administration aims to destroy the government and rehire people who agree with the president's program [6] Retribution & Justice System - The Justice Department brought charges against New York Attorney General Leticia James for alleged mortgage fraud [7] - The administration indicted former FBI director James Comey [8] - The administration's actions are perceived as making it illegal or terrifying to oppose the president [9][10] - The actions against political opponents are seen as a way to deter criticism and opposition [10] - The indictments may backfire, creating martyrs and making targeted individuals more powerful [11][12] - The situation is perceived as a deviation from the American rule of law and the US justice system [15][16]

Justice System Integrity - Concerns raised about the potential manipulation of the American justice system, suggesting a departure from impartiality and the rule of law [1] - The discussion highlights the importance of the Department of Justice operating without fear or favor, emphasizing that justice should be blind [1] - The report suggests a perception that political orientation is influencing legal decisions, potentially undermining trust in institutions [1] Political Retribution - The report indicates a focus on retribution within the current administration, with potential implications for individuals targeted [2] - There's an observation that individuals joining the administration may underestimate the extent of the retribution campaign [2] - The report mentions potential internal conflicts and hesitations among those tasked with executing the retribution agenda [2] Key Individuals - Pam Bondi's standing within Trump's inner circle is reportedly low, possibly due to perceived missteps related to the Epstein case [1] - Howard Lutnik also has low standing with the president's advisors [1] - Lindseay Halligan's actions are being scrutinized, with questions raised about whether they are being coordinated with key advisors [1]

Rule of Law and Justice System - The speaker believes there is a full-on frontal attack on the rule of law in the US, with the Department of Justice being weaponized [3][4] - There are concerns about the DOJ being used as a personal lawyer and subverting constitutional safeguards [5] - The speaker questions whether Americans can trust the criminal justice system and what's coming out of the DOJ right now [11] - The speaker encourages civil service folks to stay in their jobs to uphold ethics and the rule of law [14][16] Political Vengeance and Abuse of Power - The speaker suggests that indictments against figures like James Comey and Leticia James are part of a vengeance campaign driven by insecurity [1][9] - The speaker believes the former president is using the power of the federal government and the DOJ to go after people who have disagreed with him [9] - The speaker warns against any president thinking of the Department of Justice as being their personal attorney or influencing prosecutorial decisions based on a political agenda [19] Domestic Issues and Social Concerns - The speaker criticizes the militarization of the streets of America, deploying military personnel in cities like Chicago [4][21] - The speaker accuses the former president of declaring war on cities run by Democrats and using the military as training grounds in those cities [20][22] - The speaker highlights the level of fear, frustration, and distrust among the American people in the system and government [31] Policy and Future Actions - The speaker emphasizes the need to address the immediate needs of the American people, such as extending the child tax credit and affordable child care [33][34] - The speaker suggests that solutions to the country's problems won't solely come from Washington DC, and listening to the American people is crucial [32][30]

DOJ Credibility & Integrity - The DOJ's commitment to the neutral administration of the law is being eviscerated [2] - There is concern about the future and reputation of the DOJ, impacting its ability to function effectively across administrations [3] - Politically motivated prosecutions could discourage individuals from speaking out against the administration [3] - The administration is making little effort to conceal the political nature of certain prosecutions [5] Potential for Abuse & Politicization - There is a perceived "green light" from the White House to pursue politically motivated prosecutions, potentially influencing prosecutors at various levels of government [4] - Targeting political opponents may lead to selective or vindictive prosecutions [6] - Career prosecutors have refused to bring certain cases, suggesting a lack of merit or ethical concerns [6][9] Impact on DOJ Operations - The DOJ is experiencing a "brain drain" due to departures of experienced prosecutors [7] - The loss of experienced prosecutors will make it harder to perform the day-to-day work of administering justice [9] - The James prosecution highlights potential issues with basic legal procedures, as no career official was willing to participate in the grand jury [9]