Dan Friedman
@dfriedman.bsky.social
Mother Jones reporter. Covering corruption, foreign influence. Derrick White enthusiast. Signal: danfriedman.67
Pinned
Dan Friedman
@dfriedman.bsky.social
· Dec 11
I asked the Pentagon about Pete Hegseth's mentor. Then the threats started.
Journalism in the second Trump administration gets personal.
www.motherjones.com
“Asian wife sharing,” Pentagon press policy, and me: Journalism in the second Trump administration gets personal. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Dan Friedman
Here's an absolutely wild deep-dive from @dfriedman.bsky.social and @noturtlesoup17.bsky.social into Trump's all-out assault on America history and the bizarre political struggles among the alphabet soup of official 250th-anniversary organizations
Trump's war on history
As America's 250th anniversary approaches, the president wants to control the country's future by bulldozing its past.
www.motherjones.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:48 PM
Here's an absolutely wild deep-dive from @dfriedman.bsky.social and @noturtlesoup17.bsky.social into Trump's all-out assault on America history and the bizarre political struggles among the alphabet soup of official 250th-anniversary organizations
Reposted by Dan Friedman
Judge Reyes starts with a comparison: George Washington versus Kristi Noem.
![[start quotation] MEMORANDUM OPINION
On December 2, 1783, then-Commander-in-Chief George Washington penned: “America is open to receive not only the Opulent & respected Stranger, but the oppressed & persecuted of
all Nations & Religions.”1
More than two centuries later, Congress reaffirmed President
Washington’s vision by establishing the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. See 8
U.S.C. § 1254a (TPS statute). It provides humanitarian relief to foreign nationals in the United
States who come from disaster-stricken countries. It also brings in substantial revenue, with TPS
holders generating $5.2 billion in taxes annually. See Part VI.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has a different take."[end quotation]
Underneath is a screenshot of a tweet, which reads: " Secretary Kristi Noem
@Sec_Noem
I just met with the President.
I am recommending a full travel ban on every damn country that's been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies.
Our forefathers built this nation on blood, sweat, and the unyielding love of freedom-not for foreign invaders to slaughter our heroes, suck dry our hard-earned tax dollars, or snatch the benefits owed to AMERICANS.
WE DON'T WANT THEM. NOT ONE.
6:52 PM
Dec 1, 2025
13.2M Views](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2vtbmhmrwzbqcfv4we4uxzzt/bafkreibseafaz2alyw7z2wcopu7uht4x26giiuqqov5cznw34rhdgqub7u@jpeg)
February 3, 2026 at 12:49 AM
Judge Reyes starts with a comparison: George Washington versus Kristi Noem.
Ed Martin's ouster doesn't mean DOJ is going to stop trying to prosecute Trump's enemies/fed officials. It means Trump wants DOJ's politicized prosecutions run more competently. (See from CNN prior to Martin news. www.cnn.com/2026/02/02/p...)
February 2, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Ed Martin's ouster doesn't mean DOJ is going to stop trying to prosecute Trump's enemies/fed officials. It means Trump wants DOJ's politicized prosecutions run more competently. (See from CNN prior to Martin news. www.cnn.com/2026/02/02/p...)
Reposted by Dan Friedman
BREAKING: Judge Jia Cobb issues a TRO blocking DHS Sec Noem's Jan 8 memo purporting to require 7-day notices by members of Congress to perform oversight visits to immigration detention facilities.
The effect is that congressional oversight visits are allowed on request, as is required by Sec. 527.
The effect is that congressional oversight visits are allowed on request, as is required by Sec. 527.
February 2, 2026 at 4:50 PM
BREAKING: Judge Jia Cobb issues a TRO blocking DHS Sec Noem's Jan 8 memo purporting to require 7-day notices by members of Congress to perform oversight visits to immigration detention facilities.
The effect is that congressional oversight visits are allowed on request, as is required by Sec. 527.
The effect is that congressional oversight visits are allowed on request, as is required by Sec. 527.
"The president addressed the agents on speakerphone, asking them questions as well as praising and thanking them for their work on the inquiry, according to three people with knowledge of the discussion." www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/u...
Trump Had Unusual Call With F.B.I. Agents After Election Center Search
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 4:59 PM
"The president addressed the agents on speakerphone, asking them questions as well as praising and thanking them for their work on the inquiry, according to three people with knowledge of the discussion." www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/u...
Not the main point here, I'm not sure "a cloak and dagger mystery reminiscent of John le Carre" that "is swirling around the complaint" helps clarify what's up here. www.wsj.com/politics/nat...?
February 2, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Not the main point here, I'm not sure "a cloak and dagger mystery reminiscent of John le Carre" that "is swirling around the complaint" helps clarify what's up here. www.wsj.com/politics/nat...?
Reposted by Dan Friedman
BREAKING: The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez.
Two CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting
The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raym...
www.propublica.org
February 1, 2026 at 9:10 PM
BREAKING: The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez.
Reposted by Dan Friedman
Me and @kieraevebutler.bsky.social have even MORE good news and it concerns exotic varieties of pseudoscience you may not have even known exist www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
RFK’s overhauled autism committee is even worse than it looks
Kennedy has stacked another HHS panel with his fellow travelers in the anti-vaccine and pseudoscience world.
www.motherjones.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Me and @kieraevebutler.bsky.social have even MORE good news and it concerns exotic varieties of pseudoscience you may not have even known exist www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Traditionally, “you see the evidence first and then decide what to charge; you don’t charge and then see the evidence.”
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Trump's minions are pressuring prosecutors to charge ICE protesters based on scant evidence
Don Lemon is just the tip of the iceberg.
www.motherjones.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Traditionally, “you see the evidence first and then decide what to charge; you don’t charge and then see the evidence.”
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Dan Friedman
Terrific work here from @dfriedman.bsky.social and @schwellenbach.bsky.social on the contracts.
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
How a new firm with DHS ties won a $915 million contract to help immigrants "self-deport"
The “rushed” deal was handed to a firm with “no track record” as a federal contractor, a rival's lawsuit alleges.
www.motherjones.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Terrific work here from @dfriedman.bsky.social and @schwellenbach.bsky.social on the contracts.
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Dan Friedman
This is one of the jets Daedalus Aviation bought for DHS. Turned over the “keys” to CBP a few weeks ago. Avelo 737s they bought are getting new paint jobs rn. Then maybe new N-numbers, bc Daedalus already reserved 472US-479US.
47. Yup.
If you know how this jet is being crewed, msg me on Signal!🙏
47. Yup.
If you know how this jet is being crewed, msg me on Signal!🙏
🤨 GOING HOME, KRISTI?
A VIP-configured CBP jet stops in Watertown, South Dakota 👀
A VIP-configured CBP jet stops in Watertown, South Dakota 👀
January 29, 2026 at 9:38 PM
This is one of the jets Daedalus Aviation bought for DHS. Turned over the “keys” to CBP a few weeks ago. Avelo 737s they bought are getting new paint jobs rn. Then maybe new N-numbers, bc Daedalus already reserved 472US-479US.
47. Yup.
If you know how this jet is being crewed, msg me on Signal!🙏
47. Yup.
If you know how this jet is being crewed, msg me on Signal!🙏
Reposted by Dan Friedman
CONFIRMED: AG Pam Bondi, DHS Sec. Kristi Noem, and DNI Tulsi Gabbard will all speak at the National Association of Secretary of States conference tomorrow.
Bummer: DHS Election Integrity Dept. Assistant Secretary Heather Honey is a no-show. But rumor is that Pam Bondi, Kristi Noem, and Tulsi Gabbard will be at the conference tomorrow.
January 29, 2026 at 4:32 PM
CONFIRMED: AG Pam Bondi, DHS Sec. Kristi Noem, and DNI Tulsi Gabbard will all speak at the National Association of Secretary of States conference tomorrow.
Reposted by Dan Friedman
Chaya Raichik, who runs the social media account Libs of TikTok, has spent the days following Alex Pretti’s killing doxxing ordinary working people — teachers, nurses, school board members — for speaking out against federal immigration officials or expressing sympathy for Pretti.
Libs of TikTok is doxxing teachers and nurses who support Alex Pretti or oppose ICE, trying to get them fired
www.mediamatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Chaya Raichik, who runs the social media account Libs of TikTok, has spent the days following Alex Pretti’s killing doxxing ordinary working people — teachers, nurses, school board members — for speaking out against federal immigration officials or expressing sympathy for Pretti.
Reposted by Dan Friedman
Tommy Tuberville says he placed his assets in a blind trust. There’s no record that he did www.al.com/politics/202...
Tommy Tuberville says he placed his assets in a blind trust. There’s no record that he did
Tuberville hasn't filed the paperwork with the Senate Ethics Committee, and a blind trust isn't listed in his Alabama Ethics Commission filing.
www.al.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:07 AM
Tommy Tuberville says he placed his assets in a blind trust. There’s no record that he did www.al.com/politics/202...
I have a story coming out with Amanda in Mother Jones magazine, which is not a social media platform. I can also confirm it is not similar in style to right-wing youtube content.
I license my footage, in which I don't speak at all, to places like CNN, CBS, and KARE 11. I'm working with Mother Jones. I am primarily a writer, who has broken real, investigative stories. I'm not an activist or a fucking content creator, nor am I working in the style of one, thanks. Fuck off.
January 28, 2026 at 9:33 PM
I have a story coming out with Amanda in Mother Jones magazine, which is not a social media platform. I can also confirm it is not similar in style to right-wing youtube content.
Reposted by Dan Friedman
The 3d Circuit has denied rehearing en banc of the panel decision finding that Alina Habba had been unlawfully appointed as US Attorney. However, 3 of the 11 en banc judges would have granted rehearing, and one will later publish a dissent.
January 26, 2026 at 7:02 PM
The 3d Circuit has denied rehearing en banc of the panel decision finding that Alina Habba had been unlawfully appointed as US Attorney. However, 3 of the 11 en banc judges would have granted rehearing, and one will later publish a dissent.
Reposted by Dan Friedman
Wrote about the observers. The people standing by and filming and the risk they are taking to let the world see what is happening. It's crucial and its the only way to combat the lies and blatant propaganda. www.theatlantic.com/technology/2...
Believe Your Eyes
People are risking their lives to document agents in Minneapolis.
www.theatlantic.com
January 25, 2026 at 6:52 PM
Wrote about the observers. The people standing by and filming and the risk they are taking to let the world see what is happening. It's crucial and its the only way to combat the lies and blatant propaganda. www.theatlantic.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Dan Friedman
“.. He cared about people deeply ..,” said Michael Pretti, Alex’s father. “He thought it was terrible, you know, kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street. He cared about those people, and he knew it was wrong ..”
@washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/national/202...
@washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/national/202...
January 24, 2026 at 10:22 PM
“.. He cared about people deeply ..,” said Michael Pretti, Alex’s father. “He thought it was terrible, you know, kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street. He cared about those people, and he knew it was wrong ..”
@washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/national/202...
@washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/national/202...
Reposted by Dan Friedman
Watch the video below with your own eyes.⤵️
Note: DHS had earlier come out claiming, "an individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun."
Does DHS mean?
"approached" = came toward with a camera?
"with" = on his person while filming?
Note: DHS had earlier come out claiming, "an individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun."
Does DHS mean?
"approached" = came toward with a camera?
"with" = on his person while filming?
Video before it happens is showing this guy they shot in the head in Minneapolis was just standing there videoing them before and they got out to push him back and then murder him.
January 24, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Watch the video below with your own eyes.⤵️
Note: DHS had earlier come out claiming, "an individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun."
Does DHS mean?
"approached" = came toward with a camera?
"with" = on his person while filming?
Note: DHS had earlier come out claiming, "an individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun."
Does DHS mean?
"approached" = came toward with a camera?
"with" = on his person while filming?
There's now a clear pattern where immigration agents shoot and kill people and DHS immediately lies about it. But their speculation today that this guy repeatedly shot while lying on the ground wanted "to massacre" agents seems like a new level of dishonestly. There is zero evidence of that.
January 24, 2026 at 6:23 PM
There's now a clear pattern where immigration agents shoot and kill people and DHS immediately lies about it. But their speculation today that this guy repeatedly shot while lying on the ground wanted "to massacre" agents seems like a new level of dishonestly. There is zero evidence of that.
“Cindy MacLeod, former superintendent at the park, praised the work that had gone into the exhibit, calling the removal ‘vandalism.’” www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
Park Service removes slavery exhibit at Independence Park in Philadelphia
Park staff dismantled an exhibit about George Washington’s slave ownership amid a wider push to remove information on racism, sexism and climate change.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 23, 2026 at 5:12 AM
“Cindy MacLeod, former superintendent at the park, praised the work that had gone into the exhibit, calling the removal ‘vandalism.’” www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
Bovino clearly spends time each day picking his little outfits. He's choosing a fancy fascist look for his job peforming authoritarianism on TV. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/22/s.... "Accessorized with black leather shoes and gold-trimmed patches, it is a look...“intended to intimidate and also provoke.”
When a Coat Becomes a Symbol of Conflict
www.nytimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Bovino clearly spends time each day picking his little outfits. He's choosing a fancy fascist look for his job peforming authoritarianism on TV. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/22/s.... "Accessorized with black leather shoes and gold-trimmed patches, it is a look...“intended to intimidate and also provoke.”
Reposted by Dan Friedman
How do you pause an injunction barring cops from using retaliatory violence against **peaceful** protesters?
That's . . . already illegal.
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
That's . . . already illegal.
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
Live: Appeals court sides with ICE over its tactics against protesters
A federal judge previously issued an injunction meant to prevent immigration agents from detaining and pepper-spraying ‘peaceful’ observers.
www.startribune.com
January 21, 2026 at 10:16 PM
How do you pause an injunction barring cops from using retaliatory violence against **peaceful** protesters?
That's . . . already illegal.
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
That's . . . already illegal.
www.startribune.com/ice-raids-mi...
Reposted by Dan Friedman
Attn news commentators: Trump saying he could use force to obtain Greenland but won’t is not Trump saying he won’t use force to obtain Greenland. It is Trump using force as a threat to obtain Greenland. That is why he mentions it.
January 21, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Attn news commentators: Trump saying he could use force to obtain Greenland but won’t is not Trump saying he won’t use force to obtain Greenland. It is Trump using force as a threat to obtain Greenland. That is why he mentions it.
“The powerful have their power. But we have something too — the capacity to stop pretending, to name reality, to build our strength at home, and to act together.”
paulwells.substack.com/p/the-carney...
In this case, he stopped just short of naming.
paulwells.substack.com/p/the-carney...
In this case, he stopped just short of naming.
The Carney doctrine
Open comment thread on the PM's Davos speech
paulwells.substack.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:14 AM
“The powerful have their power. But we have something too — the capacity to stop pretending, to name reality, to build our strength at home, and to act together.”
paulwells.substack.com/p/the-carney...
In this case, he stopped just short of naming.
paulwells.substack.com/p/the-carney...
In this case, he stopped just short of naming.