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Welcome to The Logoff: President Donald Trump’s marketing campaign of political prosecutions in opposition to his enemies is struggling — and increasing.
What simply occurred? On Monday, a decide within the Japanese District of Virginia dismissed instances in opposition to former FBI Director James Comey and New York state Legal professional Normal Letitia James after discovering that the prosecutor who introduced them, Lindsey Halligan, was illegally appointed as interim US legal professional.
Individually, the Protection Division introduced Monday it was opening an investigation into Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, for showing in a current video reminding US service members that they could refuse illegal orders.
How huge of a deal is the Halligan disqualification? Comey, who was charged with mendacity to Congress and obstructing a congressional continuing, and James, who was charged with financial institution fraud, have been each excessive on Trump’s enemies record; in September, he immediately solicited their prosecutions from Legal professional Normal Pam Bondi in a put up to Reality Social, writing:
What about Comey, Adam ‘Shifty’ Schiff, Leticia???…We are able to’t delay any longer, it’s killing our fame and credibility.
Monday’s dismissals will not be mechanically the top of both case, however they could nicely symbolize an insurmountable obstacle; Trump beforehand struggled to discover a lawyer prepared to carry the indictments, which is how he ended up with Halligan.
What’s occurring with Kelly? Not like Comey and James, who have been indicted on legal fees, Kelly is probably dealing with a court docket martial below the Uniform Code of Navy Justice, which exists exterior of the US legal justice system. It’s unclear whether or not the investigation will proceed to that stage, however its mere announcement, on an extremely flimsy pretext, is a big step by the Trump administration.
What’s the massive image? The rule of regulation is essentially holding — thus far — in opposition to Trump’s efforts to direct political prosecutions. However the administration has numerous instruments at its disposal to maintain making an attempt, and clearly means to.
And with that, it’s time to sign off…
It’s Thanksgiving week, considered one of our most joyous and least productive stretches of the vacation season (surpassed solely by the week between Christmas and New Yr). To kick it off, right here’s Vox’s At the moment, Defined podcast on every little thing turkey— tips on how to prepare dinner it, the way it grew to become a Thanksgiving fixture, and the reality about tryptophan. Personally, I heartily endorse steering away from the entire turkey and choosing confit turkey thighs in duck fats.
As all the time, thanks for studying, have an ideal night, and we’ll see you again right here tomorrow!
