Do you remember just how just about a month ago we got the news that the politicized mortgage fraud investigation into Democratic California Senator Adam Schiff had stalled. After months of investigating, the top federal prosecutor in charge of the case told the DOJ that there was not enough evidence to indict. But that news didn't sound right to conservative activist, realtor, and California congressional candidate Christine Bish.There's a lot packed in there. I mean, Bish claimed that the news couldn't be ...

We are tracking a critical court hearing today that could decide the fate of the federal criminal charges against former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Leticia James. In a rare joint hearing, lawyers for both Comey and James argued that the case's lead prosecutor, Lindseay Halligan, was unlawfully appointed. Halagan was sworn in as interim US attorney back in September, just days after the former person in that position resigned after facing pressure to indict Comey and James.NBC New ...

Legal & Political Analysis - The indictment of Leticia James is viewed by some as potential political retaliation, contrasting with the due process afforded to Donald Trump in James's case against him [2][4][5] - The speed of the grand jury's decision, reaching a verdict on its first day, raises questions about the process [7] - Career prosecutors and even Trump appointees initially did not believe there was sufficient evidence to indict Leticia James, suggesting a departure from standard DOJ practices [2][10] - The appointment of Lindseay Halligan, a US attorney with limited experience, is questioned regarding its legality and potential impact on the validity of prosecutions [14] - Concerns are raised about the weaponization of the Justice Department for political purposes, potentially chilling individuals from standing up to power [13][16] Department of Justice & Rule of Law - The Eastern District of Virginia, traditionally known for its rigorous terrorism and national security prosecutions, risks being tainted by perceived political prosecutions [11][12] - The DOJ's manual advises against bringing cases out of pettiness, political goals, or animosity, emphasizing the need for solid facts and public interest [13] - There are concerns about the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act and the use of the military to assert control, potentially impacting future elections [15] Selective Prosecution & Hypocrisy - Allegations of selective prosecution arise, pointing to instances where Trump's cabinet members faced similar mortgage issues as those James is being accused of [16] - Trump's public statements directing the Attorney General to indict political opponents are seen as evidence of payback and a chilling effect on dissent [17][18]

Legal & Political Analysis - The indictment of Leticia James is viewed by some as politically motivated, resembling a tit-for-tat response, but facts and due process differ significantly from the case she brought against Donald Trump [1] - Career officials and Trump appointees initially did not find sufficient evidence to justify the case against Leticia James [1][4] - The speed of the grand jury's decision, reaching a verdict on its first day, is unusual [1] - The Eastern District of Virginia prosecutors felt pressured to bring the case, with some resigning due to ethical concerns [1] - The case against Leticia James is considered weak, with concerns that it doesn't meet the minimum evidentiary standards for conviction [1][3] Department of Justice & Political Influence - The Department of Justice is being exploited and manipulated, with an Attorney General willing to do the bidding of the administration [9] - There is a concern that the current administration is engaging in autocratic and authoritarian efforts, targeting critics and those not on the "Trump team" [10] - The legacy of the Eastern District of Virginia office, known for rigorous terrorism prosecutions, is being tainted by politically motivated prosecutions [1] - The Department of Justice's manual advises against bringing cases based on pettiness, political goals, or animosity [2]

[Music] If it's Friday, the former FBI director who investigated President Trump now under indictment, accused of lying to Congress and obstruction as President Trump warns more indictments are coming. Plus, shutdown countdown. With just days to go before the government runs out of money, there is no sign of a solution.Lawmakers are at an impass and federal workers brace for mass layoffs. And President Trump tells reporters he thinks he has a deal to end the war in Gaza and release the remaining hostages as ...

Legal & Political Developments - Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of making a false statement and obstruction of a congressional proceeding [1][2] - The indictment against Comey includes one count of making a false statement and one count of obstruction of a congressional proceeding, carrying a potential sentence of up to 5 years in prison if convicted [2] - The statute of limitations was expiring next week, prompting the DOJ to bring charges against Comey [8] - The acting US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Lindseay Halligan, a former personal attorney for Donald Trump, brought the charges against Comey [4] - Career prosecutors at the DOJ expressed concerns about the lack of evidence in the case [5] Key Individuals & Roles - James Comey, former FBI director, is facing charges related to his congressional testimony [1][2] - Lindseay Halligan is the new acting US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and a former personal attorney for Donald Trump [4] - President Trump publicly called for the prosecution of his political opponents and celebrated Comey's indictment [1][5] Concerns & Criticisms - Concerns exist within the DOJ regarding the strength of the evidence against Comey [5][10] - The newly installed US attorney's lack of prosecutorial experience raises questions about her ability to handle the case [13][16] - The president is accused of dictating prosecutions, raising concerns about the independence of the Justice Department [25] - The case is considered unprecedented due to the president's involvement and the US attorney's background [25] - Ethical concerns are raised regarding the development of the case and the evidence presented to the grand jury [33]

Allegations of Political Interference - The report alleges that Donald Trump pressured the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Eric Cybert, to prosecute New York Attorney General Leticia James on unsubstantiated mortgage fraud charges [1] - The US Attorney refused to prosecute due to insufficient evidence, leading to Trump's demand for his removal [2][6] - The situation is described as an administration-consuming scandal, highlighting the severity of potential political interference in prosecutorial decisions [5] - The actions are viewed as an assault on prosecutorial practice and an insult to the cornerstone of the justice system [7][9] Concerns Regarding Justice Department Integrity - The report raises concerns about the potential erosion of trust in the Department of Justice, with fears that judges and juries may become more skeptical of the department's impartiality [13] - There are concerns that the incident could lead to increased scrutiny and motions in court cases, questioning the motives behind prosecutions [18] - The report contrasts the situation with other cases where prosecutors have pursued questionable prosecutions, highlighting the importance of upholding prosecutorial ethics [10][12] Defense of Prosecutorial Independence - The report emphasizes the US Attorney's constitutional duty to avoid indicting individuals without sufficient evidence [6] - The refusal to pursue the case is portrayed as an act of upholding the highest obligation of a US Attorney [6] - The report highlights internal disagreements within the Justice Department, with some officials defending the US Attorney's decision [15][16]