The nation's highest court stays out of a high-profile legal battle involving former President Donald Trump.
CBS News reported that the Supreme Court has declined to intervene in a dispute concerning special counsel Jack Smith's efforts to obtain records from Donald Trump's account on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This decision leaves intact a lower court ruling that upheld a nondisclosure order, preventing the social media company from informing Trump about the demand for his information.
The case stems from Smith's investigation into alleged attempts to subvert the peaceful transfer of power following the 2020 election. In January 2023, the federal government obtained a court-authorized warrant for information associated with Trump's @realDonaldTrump account.
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ordered X to turn over the requested data and prohibited the company from disclosing the warrant for 180 days. X, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, initially challenged the nondisclosure order, claiming it violated the company's First Amendment right to communicate with Trump.
However, Judge Howell ultimately ruled the order valid and imposed a $350,000 civil contempt sanction on the company for failing to hand over the records on time.
The dispute between X and Smith remained confidential for several months until a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit was unsealed in August 2023. By this time, Trump had been indicted on four charges related to what the special counsel described as a plot to reverse the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
The prosecution was temporarily halted while Trump appealed a district court's decision regarding presidential immunity from prosecution. In July 2024, the Supreme Court's conservative majority ruled that the former president cannot be charged for some official acts that occurred during his time in office, but unofficial acts are not covered by immunity.
Following the high court's ruling, a federal grand jury returned a new indictment against Trump with a narrower set of allegations. The federal district court is now conducting further proceedings to determine whether Trump's conduct, particularly his communications with Vice President Mike Pence, is subject to immunity as outlined by the Supreme Court.
X had asked the Supreme Court to decide whether social media companies can be forced to give user communications to the government while being prohibited from notifying the user.
The company claimed that the nondisclosure order denied Trump the chance to claim executive privilege over the information before it was passed to the special counsel.
X also pointed out that the issue is not limited to Trump's case. Other users, like journalists, doctors, or lawyers, might want to protect their own privileges but wouldn’t have the opportunity to do so under such orders. This raises concerns about how nondisclosure orders could affect various professions and their confidential communications.
The Supreme Court's decision not to intervene in this dispute allows the lower court ruling to stand, enabling special counsel Jack Smith to access certain information from Trump's X account. This development is part of the ongoing investigation into alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. The case highlights the complex intersection of social media, privacy rights, and criminal investigations involving high-profile political figures.
Former First Lady Melania Trump breaks her silence on a long-standing controversy surrounding her son.
In her upcoming memoir, Melania Trump directly confronts rumors about her son Barron's health that have circulated for years.
According to The Daily Beast, Melania Trump's 184-page autobiography covers various aspects of her life, including her role as First Lady and her thoughts on those who have criticized her and her husband, former President Donald Trump. However, her open discussion about her son, Barron, has particularly captured public interest.
This concise yet revealing memoir, titled simply "Melania," promises to shed light on previously undisclosed details of the Trump family's private life and Melania's experiences during her time in Washington.
In a revealing passage, Melania Trump explicitly states that her son Barron is not autistic. She attributes the origin of these rumors to a viral video from November 2016, which purportedly showed signs of autism spectrum disorder in Barron's behavior during his father's speech at the Republican National Convention.
The former First Lady expresses her dismay at the video, which she claims was meticulously compiled with captions suggesting autistic traits in her son's movements. She emphasizes that Barron's behavior was typical for his age, as he was only 10 years old at the time of the convention.
Melania Trump writes in her memoir, "There is nothing shameful about autism (though O'Donnell's tweet implied that there was), but Barron is not autistic."
The memoir takes aim at comedian Rosie O'Donnell, who shared the controversial video on Twitter. Melania accuses O'Donnell of "sheer malice" and describes the emotional impact of the incident, stating that "it felt like my heart was breaking into pieces."
While O'Donnell later deleted the tweet and apologized, explaining that one of her own daughters is on the autism spectrum, Melania suggests that the damage was already done. She reveals for the first time that Barron faced bullying both online and in real life following the incident, describing it as "irreparable damage."
Despite her frustration with the autism rumors, Melania's memoir offers a rare glimpse into Barron's life. She describes her son, now 18, as a "remarkable young man" with "a rare combination of intelligence, charm, and diligence." The book mentions Barron's circle of friends, his thirst for knowledge, and his various hobbies.
While the memoir doesn't provide current details about Barron, it's known that he is now a freshman at New York University's Stern School of Business. Reports suggest that he continues to live in Trump Tower rather than in college dormitories.
The book isn't solely focused on family matters. Melania uses the memoir to express her political views, including her stance on abortion rights, which appears to diverge from her husband's party line. She writes in support of a woman's right to choose, stating, "Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body?"
In conclusion, Melania Trump's memoir offers a rare look into the private life of the Trump family, addressing long-standing rumors about her son Barron's health. The book combines personal revelations with political commentary, providing insight into Melania's experiences as First Lady and her views on controversial issues. While supporting her husband overall, she also demonstrates independence on certain topics, particularly women's rights.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has made a bold call for leadership change in FEMA.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Greene has demanded the resignation of FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell amid mounting criticism regarding the disaster response and allegations about misuse of disaster relief funds, as Newsweek reports.
Hurricane Helene delivered a powerful blow to the southeastern United States, particularly impacting Florida where it made landfall on Sept. 26 as a Category 4 storm. The hurricane, with its path of destruction, has resulted in at least 200 fatalities spread across six states. Criticism has been directed at FEMA for what many, including Greene, see as an insufficient disaster response to such a catastrophic event.
Further complicating the situation are assertions statements that disaster relief funds have been rerouted to accommodate migrant needs. These claims have been vocally amplified by former President Donald Trump and his circle, though denials from FEMA continue. The agency maintains that its Disaster Relief Fund is strictly for disaster-related activities, denying accusations of misuse.
Criswell, the head of FEMA, has found herself at the center of this controversy as she prepares to appear before the Oversight Committee. Greene has voiced her dissatisfaction, claiming that FEMA's actions are detrimental not just to those affected by Hurricane Helene but also to the agency's overall credibility.
Greene's public statements have intensified the criticism, with her accusing Criswell of failing the storm's victims. She claims that the administrator has permitted the allocation of disaster funds to non-related purposes, further worsening the situation for those in western North Carolina and other impacted areas.
Parallel to the aforementioned administrative challenges, FEMA is grappling with financial constraints that could impair its long-term disaster response capabilities. The agency received a financial boost in the form of a $20 billion contribution from a stopgap spending bill, aimed at replenishing FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund. However, no additional funds for supplemental disaster recovery were included.
Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of Homeland Security, has acknowledged the agency's ability to address immediate needs, though he warns of insufficient resources to cover an entire hurricane season. President Joe Biden has echoed these concerns in communications with congressional leaders, emphasizing the urgent need for additional funding.
These financial pressures have been further aggravated by the implementation of spending restrictions imposed prior to Hurricane Helene, which could leave FEMA unable to cover expenses before year's end if further assistance isn't secured.
The political tenor around FEMA's response to Hurricane Helene became more pronounced following Biden's visit to the affected areas. During his tour, he urged Congress to approve more funds for ongoing recovery operations, arguing against the backdrop of a looming budget shortfall.
Biden's plea for cooperation was stark, warning of a financial deficit that FEMA could face if Congress fails to act decisively. The lack of additional funding in the recent bill accentuates the agency's precarious fiscal situation.
Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre implored Republicans to collaborate on additional funding measures. She framed this cooperation as crucial to truly assisting communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, challenging opposition claims.
In summary, the situation with FEMA, Hurricane Helene, and the resulting political fallout remains fluid and contentious. Greene's call for Criswell's resignation highlights the intense scrutiny FEMA faces, fueled by accusations of resource diversion and subsequent denials.
Elon Musk, owner of X and billionaire entrepreneur, plans to attend a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday to support Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, and the event will be held at the same location where a failed assassination attempt on Trump took place in July.
Musk endorsed Trump following the assassination attempt in July, and his upcoming attendance at the Butler rally signifies his ongoing support for the GOP candidate, as Just the News reports.
The tech billionaire's decision to attend the event in Butler has attracted attention, particularly because of its location. In July, gunman Thomas Crooks opened fire during an outdoor Trump rally held in the town. The incident resulted in one fatality and left two others injured, including Trump, who narrowly escaped with a graze to his ear.
The attempted assassination on July 13 shocked Trump supporters and made headlines nationwide. The attack occurred as Trump was delivering a speech in Butler, a key battleground region for the upcoming 2024 election. Musk, who initially praised Trump's handling of the incident, has since become an outspoken supporter of the former president.
In a post on X, Musk responded to Trump’s announcement about the rally by writing, "I will be there to support!" The statement has been widely circulated, fueling speculation about Musk’s growing involvement in Trump’s campaign efforts. Following the July shooting, Musk’s endorsement of Trump solidified, marking a significant shift in his political stance. The entrepreneur’s public backing of Trump in the wake of such a violent attempt on his life has drawn both praise and criticism from various corners of the political spectrum.
The decision to hold the upcoming rally at the same location as the July incident is raising eyebrows. Despite the violent events that unfolded there, Trump’s team has chosen to return to Butler, a symbolic gesture that emphasizes the candidate’s resilience and determination to continue his campaign.
During the July 13 attack, Crooks, the gunman, fired multiple shots at Trump, who was on stage at the time. While Trump’s right ear was grazed by a bullet, he was otherwise unharmed. One attendee, however, lost their life, and two others were wounded before the situation was brought under control by security personnel.
Trump has since resumed his campaign with little interruption, downplaying the attack in subsequent appearances. His decision to return to Butler has been framed by his team as a show of strength in the face of adversity.
As Musk prepares to attend the rally, questions are being raised about security measures at the event. The July attack highlighted vulnerabilities in the security apparatus at Trump’s rallies, and some are concerned that Musk’s high-profile appearance could potentially make the event a target once again.
Security officials have assured the public that enhanced precautions will be in place this time around. With Musk’s participation now confirmed, additional measures are expected to ensure the safety of all attendees, including the GOP candidate himself.
Butler, Pennsylvania, has become a focal point in Trump’s campaign due to its significance in the 2024 election cycle. It remains unclear whether Musk’s appearance will influence voter turnout or change the dynamics of the race, but the rally is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events of the season.
Both Musk and Trump have maintained a close relationship in recent months, with Musk frequently using X to communicate his support for the former president. While Musk’s political leanings have shifted over the years, his current alliance with Trump is seen as a crucial endorsement as the election draws near.
As of now, Musk’s role at the rally remains unclear. Whether he will address the crowd or simply attend in a show of solidarity has yet to be announced, but his presence is certain to draw attention from both supporters and critics alike.
A legal whirlwind engulfs the Biden administration's latest attempt to provide student loan forgiveness, with rapid-fire court decisions impacting millions of borrowers.
According to The Washington Post report, the administration's new student debt relief plan experienced a dramatic 24-hour period of judicial back-and-forth.
The plan, aimed at forgiving debt for over 25 million Americans, first gained approval to proceed before being halted again by a federal judge.
The case initially faced a temporary restraining order in a Georgia federal court. However, U.S. District Judge J. Randal Hall allowed the order to expire and transferred the case to the Eastern District of Missouri on Wednesday night.
This transfer was based on the court's assessment that Georgia lacked standing in the case. Judge Hall determined that Missouri would be a more appropriate venue, given the states' reliance on potential harm to the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (Mohela) as a primary argument.
The Education Department's victory was short-lived, as U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp in Missouri granted an injunction on Thursday at the request of the state attorneys general involved in the lawsuit.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, representing the Republican-led states, argues that Mohela would lose revenue from servicing direct federal loans if they are reduced or eliminated through the forgiveness program.
Bailey celebrated the injunction, stating:
This is yet another win for the American people. The court rightfully recognized Joe Biden and Kamala Harris cannot saddle working Americans with Ivy League debt. We will never stop fighting for the rule of law and fairness for all.
The Education Department has not yet responded to requests for comment on this latest ruling.
The Biden administration's new plan aims to assist borrowers who have been excluded from existing loan forgiveness programs or are struggling with unmanageable debt. It was developed through the federal negotiated-rulemaking process and is scheduled to be finalized this fall.
Key features of the plan include partial or full debt relief for borrowers in specific circumstances, such as those who owe significantly more than their original loan due to interest accumulation, long-term payers, and those who attended career-training programs resulting in high debt and low earnings.
A central component of the proposal is the elimination of up to $20,000 in accrued interest for eligible borrowers, regardless of income. This aspect alone could benefit over 25 million people, according to White House estimates.
The ongoing legal challenges highlight the contentious nature of student debt relief policies. The Biden administration's efforts to provide loan forgiveness face significant opposition from Republican-led states, resulting in a complex legal battle. The fate of the new debt relief plan, which could impact millions of borrowers, remains uncertain as it continues to navigate through the court system.
A Delaware judge has rejected a defamation lawsuit filed by a computer repairman against Hunter Biden and media outlets over the controversial laptop story.
The Associated Press reported that John Paul Mac Isaac, the owner of a Wilmington computer shop, lost his case alleging defamation by Hunter Biden, news organizations, and Joe Biden's presidential campaign.
The case stemmed from the October 2020 New York Post report on emails found on Hunter Biden's laptop, which raised questions about his business dealings in Ukraine. In response to the story, 51 former intelligence officials signed a statement suggesting the laptop story bore hallmarks of a Russian information operation, a claim that was later disproven.
Superior Court Judge Robert Robinson Jr. ruled that Hunter Biden's comments in a 2021 television interview, where he suggested the laptop could have been stolen, hacked, or involved Russian intelligence, did not constitute defamation. The judge agreed with Biden's attorneys that these statements were opinions and did not specifically name Mac Isaac.
Mac Isaac had argued that he was defamed by suggestions portraying him as a thief, hacker, or participant in a Russian plot. However, the court found these claims to be unfounded.
The judge also dismissed Mac Isaac's defamation claims against CNN and Politico for their reporting on the laptop, as well as allegations against Joe Biden's campaign committee for stating the laptop contents were Russian disinformation.
Ronald Poliquin, Mac Isaac's attorney, expressed disappointment with the ruling and announced plans to appeal the decision.
Poliquin stated:
Hunter Biden went on national TV and gaslighted the American public by indicating John Paul Mac Isaac was part of a Russian hoax when he knew it to be false. As the FBI has confirmed, Biden dropped off his laptop at the Mac Shop. Hunter Biden lied and needs to be held accountable.
The judge's decision also addressed Hunter Biden's counterclaims against Mac Isaac for invasion of privacy. These claims were dismissed on the grounds that Biden had waited too long to file them.
The laptop story emerged during a sensitive time in the 2020 presidential campaign, drawing attention to Hunter Biden's international business dealings. The controversy surrounding the laptop's authenticity and the nature of its contents sparked intense debate and media scrutiny.
The dismissal of this defamation case marks a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding Hunter Biden's laptop. It underscores the legal complexities involved in defamation claims, especially those involving public figures and matters of political significance.
While the court's decision provides some legal clarity, the broader implications of the laptop controversy continue to reverberate in political and media circles. The case highlights the challenges of navigating truth and misinformation in an era of heightened political polarization and rapid information dissemination.
In conclusion, the Delaware judge's dismissal of the defamation lawsuit brings a legal resolution to one aspect of the Hunter Biden laptop controversy. The case underscores the difficulty of proving defamation in high-profile political situations.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is facing scrutiny after employees improperly accessed the medical files of vice presidential hopefuls.
The Hill reported that VA employees unlawfully viewed the medical records of Senator JD Vance and Governor Tim Walz, prompting a Justice Department investigation.
The unauthorized access occurred during the summer months, with at least a dozen VA employees reportedly involved in the incident. Vance, a Republican from Ohio, and Walz, a Democrat from Minnesota, have military backgrounds, making them eligible for VA healthcare services.
VA press secretary Terrence Hayes confirmed the breach in a statement, emphasizing the department's commitment to protecting veterans' privacy. The VA has strict policies in place to safeguard medical records, and any unauthorized access is considered a serious violation.
Hayes stated:
We take the privacy of the Veterans we serve very seriously and have strict policies in place to protect their records. Any attempt to improperly access Veteran records by VA personnel is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
The department has reported the allegations to law enforcement, indicating the severity of the breach. However, specific details about when the breach was discovered or when the campaigns were notified remain undisclosed.
The timing of the breach coincides with the heightened public interest in the vice presidential candidates during the election season.
Vance, who served in the Marine Corps and completed a tour in Iraq, is former President Trump's running mate. Walz, with a 24-year career in the Army National Guard, is being considered as a potential running mate for Vice President Harris.
Most of the unauthorized access occurred from government offices using VA computers, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures. The breach was discovered during a routine security sweep of high-profile health accounts within the VA system.
In response to the incident, VA Secretary Denis McDonough issued a stern reminder to all department employees about the importance of protecting veterans' privacy. In an August 30 message, he emphasized that accessing veteran information should only be done when necessary for official duties.
McDonough warned:
Viewing a Veteran's records out of curiosity or concern — or for any purpose that is not directly related to officially authorized and assigned duties — is strictly prohibited.
The Secretary also highlighted the potential consequences for violating these rules, including disciplinary action, removal from position, and possible referral to law enforcement for civil penalties or criminal prosecution.
In conclusion, the breach of privacy involving vice presidential candidates' medical records has exposed vulnerabilities in the VA's data protection systems. The incident underscores the critical need for stringent security measures to safeguard veterans' sensitive information. As the Justice Department investigates, the VA faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and ensuring the integrity of its record-keeping practices.
The Hill reported that Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton raised the alarm about a possible October surprise that would target Vice President Kamala Harris.
During an interview on "Firing Line" with Margaret Hoover, Clinton warned of concentrated efforts to distort and misrepresent Vice President Harris's character and accomplishments.
Clinton specifically referenced the "pizzagate" conspiracy theory that emerged towards the end of her presidential run against Donald Trump. This baseless claim alleged that Clinton was involved in a child trafficking operation run from the basement of a Washington, D.C. pizzeria.
Clinton recounted the incident to the audience, emphasizing its seriousness despite the initial laughter it elicited. She highlighted how the false narrative led to a North Carolina man driving to Washington, D.C., with an assault rifle, intent on "liberating" nonexistent children from the pizzeria.
The former Secretary of State used this example to illustrate how seemingly absurd online conspiracies can have dangerous real-world consequences. She stressed the importance of recognizing and combating such misinformation campaigns.
Clinton expressed concerns about the spread of false information through digital channels in the lead-up to the upcoming election. She explained how misinformation often originates on the dark web before migrating to pro-Trump media outlets and eventually receiving widespread coverage. According to Clinton, this process can lead to widespread belief in false narratives.
The former presidential candidate also warned about the potential involvement of foreign actors such as Russia, Iran, and China in fueling disinformation on social media platforms. She emphasized the need for vigilance against these attempts to influence the election outcome.
Clinton argued for the need for a "consistent narrative" in the media about the dangers posed by Trump to the country. This approach, Clinton suggested, could help combat the spread of misinformation and its potential impact on the election.
Clinton's comments highlight the critical role of responsible journalism in maintaining the integrity of the democratic process. She emphasized the importance of fact-checking and exposing false narratives before they gain traction.
Clinton specifically warned about a potential smear campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris.
While acknowledging uncertainty about the exact nature of the anticipated "October surprise," Clinton expressed confidence that some form of attack on Harris would emerge. She urged vigilance and preparedness to counter any false narratives that might surface.
Clinton stated:
So, I don't know what it's going to be, but it will be something, and we'll have to work very, very hard to make sure that it is exposed as the lie that it is.
Hillary Clinton's warning about a potential October surprise targeting Vice President Kamala Harris highlights the ongoing threat of misinformation in political campaigns. She drew parallels to the "pizzagate" conspiracy from her own 2016 campaign to illustrate the real-world dangers of online misinformation. Clinton emphasized the need for vigilance against foreign interference and called for a united media front to combat false narratives in the upcoming election.
In a groundbreaking move, the Minneapolis Police Department has sworn in its first non-U.S. citizen as a police officer, marking a significant shift in the city's law enforcement recruitment policies.
Breitbart News reported that Lesly Vera, a Somali native who moved to Minneapolis at the age of four, took her oath of office on Thursday.
Vera, wearing a hijab during the ceremony, became the department's first non-citizen officer while maintaining her status as a legal resident alien authorized to work in the United States.
The decision to allow non-citizens to serve as police officers stems from new rules adopted last year by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). These updated regulations permit state law enforcement agencies to elevate non-citizens to the role of police officer, provided they are legal residents and cleared to work in the U.S.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara defended the decision to appoint a non-citizen officer, drawing parallels to the military service of immigrants. He told KSTP-TV:
There may be people who question it, but that's completely ridiculous. There's, like I mentioned, there is a history in this country of people immediately on arrival to the country, enlisting in the military and serving. Somebody like [Officer Vera], who has been here essentially her entire life, absolutely is entitled to protect her community in the same way that anyone else here has, and we're honored to have her.
Mayor Jacob Frey also expressed his support for the new appointment, emphasizing the importance of a diverse police force. He shared his thoughts on Facebook, highlighting the significance of this milestone for the city's law enforcement.
The mayor further elaborated on the emotional impact of this development in an interview with KTSP, stating that it gives him hope for the future of the police department and its relationship with the community it serves.
Minneapolis is home to the largest Somali migrant community in the United States, with a significant influx beginning in the 1990s. The city has been a popular destination for Somali immigrants due to its generous welfare programs and the opportunity to live among fellow expatriates.
However, the community has faced challenges, including a recent fraud case involving millions in stolen Medicaid funding through a fake charity run by prominent local Somali residents. This incident has raised concerns about integration and oversight within the community.
The appointment of Officer Vera has garnered mixed reactions. While city officials praise the move as a step towards better representation, some critics, including Elon Musk, have expressed concern over non-citizens being given the authority to detain, arrest, and jail citizens.
Minneapolis is not alone in its efforts to diversify its police force by including non-citizens. Other states, including California, Colorado, and Illinois, are also considering or implementing similar measures to allow non-citizens to become police officers.
However, the move also raises questions about the traditional requirements for positions of authority within the government, particularly in law enforcement. Critics argue that citizenship has long been a fundamental requirement for such roles and that changing this standard could have unforeseen consequences.
In conclusion, Minneapolis has made history by swearing in its first non-citizen police officer, Lesly Vera, a Somali native and legal resident. This decision, supported by recent changes in state regulations, has been met with praise and criticism. The move reflects a growing trend in some states to diversify law enforcement by allowing non-citizens to serve as police officers, sparking a debate about representation, authority, and the evolving nature of American policing.
The ongoing legal battle between New York Attorney General Letitia James and former President Donald Trump has grown increasingly complex.
The issues plaguing the civil fraud case brought by James stem largely from growing judicial skepticism at the appeals court level, as Newsweek reports.
James filed a lawsuit in September 2022, accusing Donald Trump and The Trump Organization of financial misconduct. February saw an initial ruling by New York Judge Arthur Engoron, which found Trump and others guilty of misleading lenders and insurance companies for favorable terms. Trump's lawyers quickly condemned the ruling, launching an appeal and labeling it a case of "election interference."
The lawsuit's penalties, nearly half a billion dollars, have been a point of contention. Trump’s legal team argued the sanctions were excessive and claimed some accusations fell outside the statute of limitations. On Thursday, a five-judge appellate panel heard these arguments, with several judges showing openness to Trump's points.
Jonathan Turley, a legal analyst and professor, expressed doubts about James's progress in an opinion column for The Hill. Turley suggested that James might be "losing the war" against Trump, highlighting the skepticism displayed by judges.
Justice David Friedman questioned the legal basis of James's lawsuit, noting that the relevant law is meant to protect the market and consumers, a connection he struggled to see. Justice Peter Moulton added that the massive penalty imposed by Engoron was "troubling" since the involved parties had not claimed harm.
Deputy New York Solicitor General Judith Vale defended the size of the fine, arguing it was proportionate due to substantial fraud and illegality. Justice Moulton countered, emphasizing the need for limitations on the attorney general's power to intervene in private transactions without claims of harm.
The appellate court's decision, expected within a month, could significantly influence the run-up to Election Day on Nov. 5.
James's lawsuit is one of many legal challenges Trump faces. The former president was convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsified business documents, with sentencing in that matter still pending.
Turley highlighted in his column what he views as a disconnect between judicial standards and political motives in this case. He remarked that James's audience appears to be political, rather than judicial, focusing on the political ramifications rather than judicial validity.
More critically, Turley criticized the imposed fines, noting that the core issue seems political rather than market-driven. He commented that Engoron's penalty was dictated by political, not legal metrics.
He further opined that some judges have grown weary of this political undertone, especially given the satisfaction of banks involved in the fraudulent transactions. "The fact that the banks were 'happy' is immaterial. Happiness in New York is a political, not legal calculus," Turley stated.
Questions from the appellate bench further fuel this narrative. Justice Friedman and Moulton's concerns about the application and extent of James's legal approach underline broader questions regarding overreach and political motivation versus legal integrity.