Abuse of power
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‘Chief Enabler’: Nicolle Wallace reacts to Susie Wiles shockingly honest view of Trump and cabinet
MSNBC· 2025-12-16 22:45
Christmas has come early for Democrats and a growing group of Republicans who are warning every day that Donald Trump's second term is off the rails and dangerous. That gift comes in the form of a rare on there recitation of Donald Trump's manifest lack of suitability or fitness for the office he holds. Quote, an alcoholic's personality.That's how Donald Trump's current chief of staff. The effective CEO of Donald Trump's White House describes Donald Trump right now. That's her view right now to journalist a ...
Trump on edge as MAGA loses Warner Bros. Discovery bid and ally goes 'hostile': Melber breakdown
MSNBC· 2025-12-09 01:26
Media Industry & Antitrust Concerns - Potential merger of Netflix and Warner Brothers raises antitrust concerns due to significant market share, requiring government review to prevent monopolies and protect consumers [2][3][4] - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has an antitrust division to test the legitimacy of market share, but the independence of the DOJ is crucial to avoid political interference [4][5] - Trump's prior involvement in the AT&T/Warner merger faced criticism, and his current expressed intent to be "personally involved" in the Netflix/Warner merger raises conflict of interest concerns [5][6][7] - Jared Kushner's involvement in a hostile bid by Paramount (backed by the Ellison's) to buy Warner instead of Netflix creates a conflict of interest, as his family could potentially profit [6][7] - Government intervention to favor specific companies or punish political opponents through media oversight could be an abuse of power [10] Political Influence & Power Dynamics - Concerns are raised about Donald Trump's attempts to shape culture and exert influence over government institutions, potentially undermining their independence [1][16][17] - Trump ousted the board of the Kennedy Center to install loyalists, deviating from the historical bipartisan balance [13][14] - Trump renamed the Institute of Peace after himself, indicating a pattern of personalizing government institutions [14] - The Trump administration is seeking more power before the Supreme Court, raising concerns about the potential for a monarchy-like system [15][17] - Justice Sotomayor warns that granting the president unqualified removal power could lead to a corrupt patronage system [17][20]
Fmr. FBI official slams Kash Patel's use of SWAT teams to protect girlfriend
MSNBC· 2025-11-24 02:35
FBI director Cash Patel has shown an appreciation for the finer taxpayer funded trappings of his perch. Patel jets to his country singer girlfriend Alexis Wilkins concert on government air and now he's facing scrutiny for using SWAT teams to protect his lady at multiple events across the country. The FBI says Wilkins has received hundreds of threats, but current and former FBI officials told the New York Times that Patel seems to be relying on SWAT agents on an ad hoc basis, sometimes giving them little not ...
Deflecting from Epstein? Rep. Garcia slams Trump's 'outrageous' calls for arrest of some Dems
MSNBC· 2025-11-20 16:32
Epstein Files Investigation - The House Oversight Committee is leading the Epstein investigation, focusing on releasing the files and examining financial crimes [7][10] - A law was signed requiring the DOJ to release the Epstein files, but concerns exist that the DOJ might use ongoing investigations to delay the release [7][8] - A subpoena issued by the Oversight Committee doesn't have the same limitations as the law, ensuring the release of documents regardless of any "sham investigation" [6][9] - The committee is now looking into bank records to uncover financial crimes related to the Epstein case, specifically who paid large sums of money for abuse [10] - The goal is to hold accountable those involved in the Epstein case, regardless of their political affiliation or wealth, and to seek justice for the survivors [11] Allegations Against President Trump - President Trump is accused of using the government to target political enemies, including members of Congress [1][15] - Trump's actions are described as a pattern of using government for political and personal purposes, including intimidating the public and Congress [3] - Trump is allegedly trying to cover up the Epstein files, with accusations of White House involvement and obstruction of their release [5] - A housing official is accused of mortgage fraud allegations against Trump's political opponents, indicating abuse of power [13][15] Congressional Oversight - The House Oversight Committee is working to document abuses of power by the administration and ensure accountability [16] - The committee aims to protect members of Congress' ability to check and balance the executive branch [16]
MS NOW EXCLUSIVE: Kash Patel's girlfriend being protected by FBI SWAT agents as security perk
MSNBC· 2025-11-17 23:27
So, we've got an MS Now exclusive. It turns out FBI director Cash Patel's country singer girlfriend is getting a taxpayerf funed security detail. Sources tell my colleague Carol Lenigan and I that agents from the FBI's SWAT unit in Nashville have been assigned to protect Alexis Wilkins, Patel's 27-year-old partner.She lives in Nashville. Experts say this is unprecedented. People familiar with FBI security protocols say the girlfriends of top officials have never received government staff security details.On ...
Finally sworn in, Grijalva slams Johnson's 'ABUSE OF POWER' for obstructing her
MSNBC· 2025-11-13 05:10
Political Obstruction & Congressional Function - A Congresswoman from Arizona was delayed 50 days before being sworn in, which is considered an abuse of power by obstructing a duly elected member of Congress for political reasons [1][2][5][13] - The Congresswoman signed a discharge petition to release the Epstein files, forcing a House vote to direct the Justice Department to release the files [2][3] - The delay prevented the Congresswoman from leasing office space and opening constituent services, hindering her ability to serve her constituents [7][14] - The situation highlights corruption and cover-ups within the administration, emphasizing the need for elected officials to call it out [9][10] - There is a need for bipartisan legislation to ensure that no duly elected member ever experiences such obstruction again, regardless of party affiliation [13] Public & Bipartisan Reaction - The Congresswoman's situation has resonated with people, even those who didn't vote for her, who recognize the injustice of the obstruction [15][17] - There is hope that the situation will prompt questions about other potential wrongdoings within the government [18] - Republican representatives from Arizona's delegation showed support, indicating bipartisan concern about the situation [17]
'Near-absolute unchecked power': Trump has the ability to run for a third term, judge warns
MSNBC· 2025-10-28 14:43
Legal & Political Analysis - Over 100 former DOJ officials oppose the prosecution of James Comey, viewing it as retaliatory and vindictive [1] - The prosecution is seen as an act of personal retribution by the president [1] - The president is perceived to be using the Department of Justice and US attorneys to carry out his agenda of revenge against political opponents [4][5] - Concerns are raised about the upcoming elections potentially not being free and fair [7] - Arresting figures like James Comey is seen as a tactic to intimidate the opposition [9] - The system's strength lies in the 51 different election systems across states and the District of Columbia [11] - The president's attempts to assert control over state election processes are noted, despite lacking legal power [12] Election Integrity & Presidential Power - The possibility of the president seeking a third term is a widespread concern [14] - The president has allegedly seized near absolute unchecked power [16]
Justice Department whistleblower says he witnessed abuses of power | 60 Minutes
60 Minutes· 2025-10-20 03:01
Allegations of Misconduct within the Justice Department - A former Justice Department attorney, Arez Ruvanei, alleges witnessing government lawyers lying in court and evading judicial orders [1][2] - Ruvanei claims that a high-ranking Justice Department official instructed attorneys to disregard potential court orders related to the expulsion of Venezuelans [9][10] - Ruvanei states he was ordered to falsely accuse a deported individual of being a gang member and terrorist [20] - Law professor Ryan Goodman's analysis indicates over 35 cases where judges accused the Justice Department of providing false information, including false sworn declarations [20][21] Due Process and Legal Principles - The core issue revolves around the denial of due process rights to individuals, regardless of their alleged affiliations [17][18][20] - The principle that everyone deserves their day in court is emphasized as a fundamental aspect of the American legal system [17][18] - Concerns are raised that the Justice Department's actions could set a precedent for arbitrary accusations and deprivation of liberty [20] - The Supreme Court unanimously agreed that the Venezuelan prisoners were entitled to their day in court [27] Repercussions and Responses - Arez Ruvanei was fired after refusing to sign a brief containing false information and subsequently filed a whistleblower disclosure [20] - Amal Boie, a former Justice Department official, denied advising attorneys to violate court orders and dismissed Ruvanei's claims as falsehoods and distortions [24][26]
Unicorn-clad protester shares why they joined L.A.’s ‘No Kings’ protest
MSNBC· 2025-10-18 23:54
[Music] Hey, how you doing. >> Hey, we're live on MSNBC. I'm Jacob.What's your name. Angel. >> Hi, Angel.Wait, where are you. Tony. >> Angel, I've never interviewed a unicorn uh live on MSNBC.>> It's always a first time for everything. >> Angel, talk as loud as you can because you got a kind of a big uh snout here. >> Say that again.Sorry. >> I said it's hard to hear you, but tell me what brings you out and and to be inside this hot unicorn costume today. Well, we're here to represent the loving, hardworkin ...
Red alert! ‘Enemies list’ in action as DOJ bows to Trump demands to target rivals
MSNBC· 2025-10-13 23:56
Political Interference & Rule of Law - Allegations of the Department of Justice (DOJ) being influenced by the President to prosecute political opponents are raised [8][9] - Concerns are voiced about the potential abuse of power to target critics and opponents, drawing parallels with autocratic regimes [3][4] - The report highlights a shift in DOJ's approach, suggesting a departure from traditional rules and nonpartisan staff [6][12] - The appointment of a new, inexperienced prosecutor is seen as a means to pursue cases previously deemed unsuitable [12] Actions Against Individuals - Specific individuals like Leticia James, James Comey, and Adam Schiff are mentioned as targets of potential investigations or charges [1][2][9] - The report questions the legal basis and motivations behind these actions, suggesting they are politically driven [8][9][11] Civil Liberties & Federal Overreach - Concerns are raised about the deployment of federal agents and troops across US streets, with some judges limiting these powers [5][14] - ICE tactics, including actions near a church and the detention of a Marine's parents, are drawing scrutiny and criticism [15][16][17] Public Reaction & Opposition - Despite potential self-censorship due to fear, there is growing opposition to these actions from various figures, including Joe Rogan, MTG, and President Obama [18][20] - The report suggests that these actions are unpopular, even within the President's own team [6]