Key Takeaways
- DOJ filings are questioning the legality of an interim federal prosecutor's appointments and actions.
- A recent DOJ filing reportedly implicates Donald Trump in potential criminal conspiracy related to threats against former President Barack Obama.
- The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is actively re-evaluating cases related to Trump's presidential authority.
Deep Dive
- Lindsey Halligan's interim appointment as federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia is under legal scrutiny, potentially being unlawful as Trump may have already used his single interim appointment.
- Halligan is the sole prosecutor on indictments against James and Comey, contrasting with the Bill Asale case where other prosecutors enabled cases to proceed despite a ruling of unlawful interim appointment.
- The court has ordered Halligan to submit grand jury testimony and communications, with speculation she faces potential disbarment and criminal charges.
- The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, sitting en banc, vacated a three-judge panel's ruling that had allowed Trump to deploy National Guard troops in Portland, Oregon.
- The full Ninth Circuit will now hear the case, indicating a re-evaluation of the former president's authority in such deployments.
- The court also issued a ruling that blocked Trump's attempt to terminate federal workers during a government shutdown.
- A DOJ lawyer, Michael Velchik, argued Trump's "eloquence in communicating to employees, you're fired" was a reason for his selection, a statement met with skepticism.
- A Department of Justice filing suggests Donald Trump may be a co-conspirator, detailing how his social media post of former President Obama's address on June 29, 2023, preceded threatening actions.
- Taylor Franklin Toronto, prosecuted for his role in the January 6th insurrection and subsequent 2023 crimes, reposted Trump's information and live-streamed himself near Obama's residence.
- Toronto was intercepted by the Secret Service near Obama's home, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition and multiple firearms were found in his van.
- The DOJ, through prosecutor Janine Pirro, is requesting a 27-month prison sentence, 36 months of supervised release, and 200 hours of community service for Toronto.