Lawyers Defending American Democracy
@ldadorg.bsky.social
Lawyers Defending American Democracy is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization devoted to protecting democracy and the rule of law and standing up for the constitutional norms and principles that are foundational to our freedoms. Learn more: ldad.org
A valuable read about the core of a republic. "Cruelty, even when legal, corrodes civic trust. It teaches citizens that power is something to fear rather than something they collectively own. It signals that consent is no longer the foundation of governance."
thefulcrum.us/ethics-leade...
thefulcrum.us/ethics-leade...
John Adams and the Line a Republic Must Not Cross
Virtue and the Use of Power.
thefulcrum.us
January 21, 2026 at 4:51 PM
A valuable read about the core of a republic. "Cruelty, even when legal, corrodes civic trust. It teaches citizens that power is something to fear rather than something they collectively own. It signals that consent is no longer the foundation of governance."
thefulcrum.us/ethics-leade...
thefulcrum.us/ethics-leade...
“I find it breathtaking that I have been compelled on the evidence to find the conduct of such high-level officers of our government — cabinet secretaries — conspired to infringe the First Amendment rights of people ...
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
‘Unconstitutional conspiracy’: Judge slams Trump administration over targeted deportations
A Reagan appointee pointedly rebuked decisions by Trump, Rubio and Noem.
www.politico.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:27 PM
“I find it breathtaking that I have been compelled on the evidence to find the conduct of such high-level officers of our government — cabinet secretaries — conspired to infringe the First Amendment rights of people ...
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
Reposted by Lawyers Defending American Democracy
President Trump is once again threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act, this time in Minneapolis. That would be a flagrant and particularly dangerous abuse of the Act—one that would threaten the rule of law and public safety alike. 1/13
January 16, 2026 at 12:18 AM
President Trump is once again threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act, this time in Minneapolis. That would be a flagrant and particularly dangerous abuse of the Act—one that would threaten the rule of law and public safety alike. 1/13
There is a palpable grief in this country due to a recognition that the U.S. government is unbounded by the rule of law. Every day, we watch in horror as masked ICE agents operate in military-style tactical gear, creating chaos in American cities. 1/3
prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/T...
prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/T...
There is a palpable collective grief in this country arising from a recognition that the government of the United States is operating unbounded by the rule of law.
prod.cdn.everyaction.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:12 PM
There is a palpable grief in this country due to a recognition that the U.S. government is unbounded by the rule of law. Every day, we watch in horror as masked ICE agents operate in military-style tactical gear, creating chaos in American cities. 1/3
prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/T...
prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/T...
👏 We commend Jerome Powell for his service to the Constitution and to the American people. In a democracy, the law should treat each citizen equally. DOJ should not look for reasons to bring cases against people because a president is frustrated with them.
Video message from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KckG...
www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/s...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KckG...
www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/s...
Statement by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell
YouTube video by Federal Reserve
www.youtube.com
January 13, 2026 at 4:20 PM
👏 We commend Jerome Powell for his service to the Constitution and to the American people. In a democracy, the law should treat each citizen equally. DOJ should not look for reasons to bring cases against people because a president is frustrated with them.
While we are all rightly focused on Minneapolis, Jerome Power, Venezuela, and other issues, this administration is quietly trying to change how we vote. In this article @michaelcohen212.bsky.social talks about these efforts and the court's response.
open.substack.com/pub/meidasto...
open.substack.com/pub/meidasto...
Trump's Fear Of The Vote
Trump understands what the midterms mean for him, which is why he’s targeting election rules now; before voters decide and consequences finally catch up.
open.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:27 PM
While we are all rightly focused on Minneapolis, Jerome Power, Venezuela, and other issues, this administration is quietly trying to change how we vote. In this article @michaelcohen212.bsky.social talks about these efforts and the court's response.
open.substack.com/pub/meidasto...
open.substack.com/pub/meidasto...
We keep asking the same question as @billkristolbulwark.bsky.social: Which is it to be? A stand for liberty in the spirit of Thomas Paine, or acquiescence to the depredations of our own mad King George? The rule of law or the rule of Trump?
We choose the law.
www.thebulwark.com/p/we-have-ki...
We choose the law.
www.thebulwark.com/p/we-have-ki...
We Have the King That Thomas Paine Feared
The rule of law was central to the American experiment. Is it still?
www.thebulwark.com
January 10, 2026 at 9:27 PM
We keep asking the same question as @billkristolbulwark.bsky.social: Which is it to be? A stand for liberty in the spirit of Thomas Paine, or acquiescence to the depredations of our own mad King George? The rule of law or the rule of Trump?
We choose the law.
www.thebulwark.com/p/we-have-ki...
We choose the law.
www.thebulwark.com/p/we-have-ki...
In Chief Justice Robert's Year-End Report, he yet again shifts reality. Amherst's Austin Sarat and our Executive Director Lauren Stiller Rikleen explain how the Chief Justice's musings miss the mark and ignore what his Court is doing to undermine democracy.
verdict.justia.com/2026/01/08/c...
verdict.justia.com/2026/01/08/c...
Chief Justice Roberts’s End of the Year Report Is an Embarrassing Fairy Tale
Amherst professor Austin Sarat and attorney Lauren Stiller Rikleen critique Chief Justice John Roberts’s 2025 Year End Report on the Federal Judiciary, arguing that it fails to address the recent cons...
verdict.justia.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:22 PM
In Chief Justice Robert's Year-End Report, he yet again shifts reality. Amherst's Austin Sarat and our Executive Director Lauren Stiller Rikleen explain how the Chief Justice's musings miss the mark and ignore what his Court is doing to undermine democracy.
verdict.justia.com/2026/01/08/c...
verdict.justia.com/2026/01/08/c...
As 2026 begins, we know many of you are asking what you can do to protect our democracy. This recent substack by @rbreich.bsky.social has some excellent suggestions. We would add an 11th one -- join our Meeting the Moment efforts.
robertreich.substack.com/p/what-you-c...
robertreich.substack.com/p/what-you-c...
10 Crucial Things You Can Do in 2026
Your activism will be even more important this year
robertreich.substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 8:15 PM
As 2026 begins, we know many of you are asking what you can do to protect our democracy. This recent substack by @rbreich.bsky.social has some excellent suggestions. We would add an 11th one -- join our Meeting the Moment efforts.
robertreich.substack.com/p/what-you-c...
robertreich.substack.com/p/what-you-c...
In the wake of January 6, 2021 -- 5 years ago today -- we put out a challenge to all lawyers that we repeat today.
We need lawyers to stand up for our democracy. This is even more true today than it was 5 years ago. Why? ⬇️ 1/2
ldad.org/letters-brie...
We need lawyers to stand up for our democracy. This is even more true today than it was 5 years ago. Why? ⬇️ 1/2
ldad.org/letters-brie...
January 6, 2026 at 4:30 PM
In the wake of January 6, 2021 -- 5 years ago today -- we put out a challenge to all lawyers that we repeat today.
We need lawyers to stand up for our democracy. This is even more true today than it was 5 years ago. Why? ⬇️ 1/2
ldad.org/letters-brie...
We need lawyers to stand up for our democracy. This is even more true today than it was 5 years ago. Why? ⬇️ 1/2
ldad.org/letters-brie...
Tomorrow is the 5th anniversary of the January 6th attack on the Capitol. It is a good time to read this excellent editorial from @nytimes.com which explains the dangers of not holding leaders accountable when they break the law... and explains where we are today.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/o...
Opinion | Trump Is the Jan. 6 President
www.nytimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:36 PM
Tomorrow is the 5th anniversary of the January 6th attack on the Capitol. It is a good time to read this excellent editorial from @nytimes.com which explains the dangers of not holding leaders accountable when they break the law... and explains where we are today.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/o...
Since its inception, LDAD has pioneered the preparation and filing of ethics complaints with state bar disciplinary authorities that seek to hold accountable attorneys who have violated the Rules of Professional Conduct in service of efforts to undermine core principles of democracy. 1/3
December 22, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Since its inception, LDAD has pioneered the preparation and filing of ethics complaints with state bar disciplinary authorities that seek to hold accountable attorneys who have violated the Rules of Professional Conduct in service of efforts to undermine core principles of democracy. 1/3
Our founders were clear about their views of kings -- they felt they often easily slipped into autocracy and tyranny. One of the reasons Washington is most celebrated as our 1st president is that he eschewed the trappings of kings.
So now our president is imperial? 1/2
tinyurl.com/3eh3cp7b
So now our president is imperial? 1/2
tinyurl.com/3eh3cp7b
Trump Takes America’s ‘Imperial Presidency’ to a New Level
www.nytimes.com
December 21, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Our founders were clear about their views of kings -- they felt they often easily slipped into autocracy and tyranny. One of the reasons Washington is most celebrated as our 1st president is that he eschewed the trappings of kings.
So now our president is imperial? 1/2
tinyurl.com/3eh3cp7b
So now our president is imperial? 1/2
tinyurl.com/3eh3cp7b
Lawyers Defending American Democracy has just released its 2025 Annual Report. We urge you all to read it and to consider joining us in our important work.
If you take one thing away from this it is... 1/5
ldad.org/letters-brie...
If you take one thing away from this it is... 1/5
ldad.org/letters-brie...
December 19, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Lawyers Defending American Democracy has just released its 2025 Annual Report. We urge you all to read it and to consider joining us in our important work.
If you take one thing away from this it is... 1/5
ldad.org/letters-brie...
If you take one thing away from this it is... 1/5
ldad.org/letters-brie...
The Boston Bar Association's recent letter speaks to what all lawyers should commit to for 2026.
"The oath we swore demands independent judgment, unwavering integrity, and the courage to push back..." 1/3
bostonbar.org/news/enterin...
"The oath we swore demands independent judgment, unwavering integrity, and the courage to push back..." 1/3
bostonbar.org/news/enterin...
Entering 2026 with Purpose: The Attorney’s Oath, Legal Ethics, and the Future of Our Profession - Boston Bar Association
As we reach the end of this tumultuous year, I find myself returning to the words spoken by every new attorney in the Commonwealth. Words I heard echoed
bostonbar.org
December 19, 2025 at 4:31 PM
The Boston Bar Association's recent letter speaks to what all lawyers should commit to for 2026.
"The oath we swore demands independent judgment, unwavering integrity, and the courage to push back..." 1/3
bostonbar.org/news/enterin...
"The oath we swore demands independent judgment, unwavering integrity, and the courage to push back..." 1/3
bostonbar.org/news/enterin...
The key question Michael Popok asks in this episode of @legalafmtn.bsky.social is "Where are the lawyers?" This is the question LDAD is here to answer. LDAD chair Scott Harbarger and ED Laureen Stiller Rikleen explain how LDAD is working to address this. Please share this vital conversation.
Lawyers as a profession are missing in action to protect our democracy. But leaders of the bar are banding together to convince lawyers to take a stand and protect the rule of law. Popok is joined by Lawyers Defending Democracy’s Scott Harbarger and Lauren Rikleen to brief our audience.
Trump gets RUDE AWAKENING as Bar LEADERS STRIKE BACK
YouTube video by Legal AF
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:01 PM
The key question Michael Popok asks in this episode of @legalafmtn.bsky.social is "Where are the lawyers?" This is the question LDAD is here to answer. LDAD chair Scott Harbarger and ED Laureen Stiller Rikleen explain how LDAD is working to address this. Please share this vital conversation.
That the WH is not hiding the fact that they are using DoJ to "settle scores" is appalling. One of the things that we rely on in a democracy is the Rule of Law. Critical to maintaining the rule of law is that we are ALL treated equally by the law. Period.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/u...
Trump’s Top Aide Acknowledges ‘Score Settling’ Behind Prosecutions
www.nytimes.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:46 PM
That the WH is not hiding the fact that they are using DoJ to "settle scores" is appalling. One of the things that we rely on in a democracy is the Rule of Law. Critical to maintaining the rule of law is that we are ALL treated equally by the law. Period.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/u...
We should all read this article and the Bondi Memo. As Brzozowski points out, "the Bondi memo functions as an operational order. It instructs agents, analysts, and grant makers what to do next and with whom, and those orders will hit real people and organizations almost immediately."
"They show something more serious: a government that publicly vows not to police ideology and not to use “deradicalization” or “protecting democracy” as pretexts, while privately building a domestic terrorism program that does exactly that under the Antifa banner," writes Thomas E. Brzozowski.
The Bondi Memo’s Quiet Rewriting of Domestic Terrorism Rules
A leaked directive recasts counterterrorism around “Antifa,” hollowing out post-Church Committee safeguards while the administration claims restraint.
lawfaremedia.org
December 12, 2025 at 8:37 PM
We should all read this article and the Bondi Memo. As Brzozowski points out, "the Bondi memo functions as an operational order. It instructs agents, analysts, and grant makers what to do next and with whom, and those orders will hit real people and organizations almost immediately."
Yesterday's news that yet another grand jury failed to indict NG AG Letitia James on mortgage fraud is proof of two things: 1) This case was more about retaliation than the law. 2) That our grand jury system continues to work for all of us.
abcnews.go.com/US/2nd-time-...
abcnews.go.com/US/2nd-time-...
2nd grand jury refuses to indict New York AG Letitia James: Sources
For a second time in a week, a federal grand jury in Virginia has refused to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James for alleged mortgage fraud, sources say.
abcnews.go.com
December 12, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Yesterday's news that yet another grand jury failed to indict NG AG Letitia James on mortgage fraud is proof of two things: 1) This case was more about retaliation than the law. 2) That our grand jury system continues to work for all of us.
abcnews.go.com/US/2nd-time-...
abcnews.go.com/US/2nd-time-...
What was the case about independent agencies about?
“You’re asking us to destroy the structure of government and to take away from Congress its ability to protect its idea that the government is better structured with some agencies that are independent,” Sotomayor said." ⬇️
“You’re asking us to destroy the structure of government and to take away from Congress its ability to protect its idea that the government is better structured with some agencies that are independent,” Sotomayor said." ⬇️
A liberal justice suggested the Trump administration was asking the Supreme Court to upend the U.S. government in a remarkable exchange.
Liberal Justice Stops SCOTUS With Shock Challenge to Trump
The three liberal justices raised alarms over a case to expand presidential power.
trib.al
December 9, 2025 at 9:50 PM
What was the case about independent agencies about?
“You’re asking us to destroy the structure of government and to take away from Congress its ability to protect its idea that the government is better structured with some agencies that are independent,” Sotomayor said." ⬇️
“You’re asking us to destroy the structure of government and to take away from Congress its ability to protect its idea that the government is better structured with some agencies that are independent,” Sotomayor said." ⬇️
Yesterday, in a ruling that lacked any pretense of careful deliberation, SCOTUS used its emergency docket to green light a gerrymandered redistricting map in Texas – one created at the behest of the administration. This reverses a decision from the District Court. 1/7
December 5, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Yesterday, in a ruling that lacked any pretense of careful deliberation, SCOTUS used its emergency docket to green light a gerrymandered redistricting map in Texas – one created at the behest of the administration. This reverses a decision from the District Court. 1/7
What have we been doing? We recently filed an amicus brief in Trump v. Slaughter urging SCOTUS not to treat all multimember independent regulatory commissions created by Congress as executive agencies wholly controlled by the President.
ldad.org/letters-brie...
ldad.org/letters-brie...
December 4, 2025 at 5:20 PM
What have we been doing? We recently filed an amicus brief in Trump v. Slaughter urging SCOTUS not to treat all multimember independent regulatory commissions created by Congress as executive agencies wholly controlled by the President.
ldad.org/letters-brie...
ldad.org/letters-brie...
LDAD volunteer James Kobak has written this wonderful article.
"[Our] system is being challenged & is at a dangerous tipping point. One branch, Congress, has been dormant, basically ignoring its primary responsibility to enact laws that will govern us ..."
Read more ⬇️
"[Our] system is being challenged & is at a dangerous tipping point. One branch, Congress, has been dormant, basically ignoring its primary responsibility to enact laws that will govern us ..."
Read more ⬇️
Ken Burns’ The American Revolution highlights why America’s founders built checks and balances—an urgent reminder as Congress, the courts, and citizens confront growing threats to democratic governance.
Read more: https://loom.ly/VJMtB_s
#thefulcrum #citizenconnect
Read more: https://loom.ly/VJMtB_s
#thefulcrum #citizenconnect
December 3, 2025 at 10:10 PM
LDAD volunteer James Kobak has written this wonderful article.
"[Our] system is being challenged & is at a dangerous tipping point. One branch, Congress, has been dormant, basically ignoring its primary responsibility to enact laws that will govern us ..."
Read more ⬇️
"[Our] system is being challenged & is at a dangerous tipping point. One branch, Congress, has been dormant, basically ignoring its primary responsibility to enact laws that will govern us ..."
Read more ⬇️
For the past 24 hours, we have heard a lot about what is within the law and what is outside concerning the actions of our military. This article in @justsecurity.org offers an excellent explanation of what is lawful and what is outside the law.
www.justsecurity.org/125948/illeg...
www.justsecurity.org/125948/illeg...
Unlawful Orders and Killing Shipwrecked Boat Strike Survivors: An Expert Backgrounder
An expert backgrounder on the reported Hegseth "no quarter" order to kill everyone aboard a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean on Sept. 2.
www.justsecurity.org
December 2, 2025 at 3:42 PM
For the past 24 hours, we have heard a lot about what is within the law and what is outside concerning the actions of our military. This article in @justsecurity.org offers an excellent explanation of what is lawful and what is outside the law.
www.justsecurity.org/125948/illeg...
www.justsecurity.org/125948/illeg...
This article from @reuters.com is a must read. As they point out, "the scale and systematic nature of Trump’s effort to punish perceived enemies marks a sharp break from long-standing norms in U.S. governance." 🧵
www.reuters.com/investigates...
www.reuters.com/investigates...
Trump’s campaign of retribution: At least 470 targets and counting
A Reuters investigation documents at least 470 acts of retribution under Trump’s leadership.
www.reuters.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:33 PM
This article from @reuters.com is a must read. As they point out, "the scale and systematic nature of Trump’s effort to punish perceived enemies marks a sharp break from long-standing norms in U.S. governance." 🧵
www.reuters.com/investigates...
www.reuters.com/investigates...