Good evening. Welcome to the beat. I'm Ari Mel. We have a lot to cover tonight. There is that showdown in Texas where Republicans say they will try to arrest Democrats who left the state to protest what they call a kind of MAGA power grab that distorts democracy at that state level. Also tonight, Andrew Weissman coming up on something that is deeply disturbing. It's what Donald Trump admitted he wanted to do, what many prosecutors and investigators would refuse to do, which is apparently investigate the for ...

I'm Antonia Hilton in tonight for Ari Melbour. We begin with the Jeffrey Epstein whirlwind all around Donald Trump. The New York Times surfacing long buried communications between the two men. Protest groups holding Trump's feet to the fire with garish public displays. And reporters bombarding Trump with questions. This morning, as Trump prepared to go overseas to Scotland, he was asked directly about Galileain Maxwell. The Epstein accomplice, of course, convicted of child sex trafficking. His DOJ interview ...

Regulatory & Political Influence - The FCC approved the 8 billion USD Paramount Skyance merger shortly after Skyance pledged to end DEI policies, raising concerns about potential weaponization of regulatory authority to control media content [1] - The administration is allegedly seeking an additional 20 million USD from Paramount for advertising and PSAs on causes favored by the administration [1] - The FCC Chairman ominously previewed future "consequences," raising concerns about potential targeting of specific media figures and outlets [1] Concerns & Criticisms - Concerns are raised about the administration using governmental power to retaliate against and control news media organizations, potentially violating First Amendment freedoms [1] - A former Biden administration official expressed concern that American institutions are under attack, experiencing a new sense of trepidation and fear due to potential abuse of power [1][2] - The administration is accused of weaponizing the executive branch to compel behaviors aligned with its political views, impacting various communities including national security, legal, universities, and industry [3][4][5] Impact on Arts & Free Speech - An artist canceled her Smithsonian show due to fears that a painting depicting a transgender woman as the Statue of Liberty might be removed because of the administration's potential reaction, highlighting a climate of censorship and intimidation [8][9][10] - There is a concern that institutions are choosing to comply and remain silent to avoid risking their businesses, nonprofits, or personal income, potentially jeopardizing the future of democracy [11]

Allegations of Abuse of Power - The report suggests potential abuse of power and illicit prosecution, which could be an impeachable offense [29] - The report raises concerns about the legitimacy of the probe into John Brennan, questioning whether it's based on differing views rather than a factual basis for a crime [23][24][25] - The report highlights potential violations of Department of Justice (DOJ) rules, suggesting the leak of the investigation indicates an intent to publicize the story rather than maintain confidentiality [26][27] Political Interference and Bias - The report alleges that the investigation is driven by Donald Trump's desire to discredit the assessment of Russian interference in the 2016 election [3] - The report suggests that individuals like John Ratcliffe may be acting to satisfy Donald Trump's interests, potentially violating rules and abusing power [2][3] - The report points out the White House press secretary's call for the prosecution of John Brennan and Jim Comey, coinciding with the fallout from the Epstein conspiracy, suggesting a coordinated media strategy [16][17] Context of Prior Investigations - The report emphasizes that previous investigations, including the Durham probe which cost $67 million, found no evidence of wrongdoing [8][9] - The report highlights that the assessment of Russian interference in the 2016 election has been repeatedly confirmed, including in a Senate report signed by Marco Rubio [25][28]

Tonight, as we end what has been a scandalous week for the use of federal powers in the United States, just want to briefly broaden out and remember it was also agents acting under the Trump administration that arrested and indicted a Democratic mayor in his own town of Newark, Ros Baraka, when he was outside an ICE facility. So, we have that footage, which again you could debate, but if you ask the Trump DOJ, was that the right thing. Was the mayor in the wrong.The answer now weeks later is no. The mayor w ...