Randall Eliason
@rdeliason.bsky.social
White collar crime prof, former federal prosecutor, columnist and blogger, a cappella singer, husband, dad and grandpa.
Pinned
Randall Eliason
@rdeliason.bsky.social
· Feb 16
The Great Courses
www.thegreatcourses.com
There's never been a better time to become better informed about white collar crime topics such as fraud, public corruption, and obstruction of justice.
You can purchase my course, "White Collar Criminal Law Explained," at the Great Courses website.
www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/whit...
You can purchase my course, "White Collar Criminal Law Explained," at the Great Courses website.
www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/whit...
Reposted by Randall Eliason
"Lindsey Halligan, tapped by President Trump to prosecute his enemies, has left the U.S. attorney’s office in the Eastern District of Virginia, Attorney General Pam Bondi said late Tuesday after a judge called Ms. Halligan’s bid to remain in office a “charade.”"
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/20/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/20/u...
Halligan Leaves as U.S. Attorney After Mounting Pressure From Judges
www.nytimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:04 AM
"Lindsey Halligan, tapped by President Trump to prosecute his enemies, has left the U.S. attorney’s office in the Eastern District of Virginia, Attorney General Pam Bondi said late Tuesday after a judge called Ms. Halligan’s bid to remain in office a “charade.”"
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/20/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/20/u...
You’ve heard of fighting fire with fire?
Well, this is Minnesota in January, so …
Well, this is Minnesota in January, so …
Tricia McLaughlin: "They are pouring cold water on the ground so that our ICE law enforcement vehicles will slide, crash, and potentially kill them"
January 18, 2026 at 1:37 AM
You’ve heard of fighting fire with fire?
Well, this is Minnesota in January, so …
Well, this is Minnesota in January, so …
What they're not telling you is the "internal bleeding" was caused by other agents chest-bumping him and slapping him on the back to celebrate the shooting.
January 15, 2026 at 9:06 PM
What they're not telling you is the "internal bleeding" was caused by other agents chest-bumping him and slapping him on the back to celebrate the shooting.
My latest on Sidebars: a Washington Post editorial parroted Trump's failed legal arguments and political talking points regarding his DC prosecution.
These days, "Democracy Dies in Darkness" sounds less like a warning and more like a plan of action.
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/the-washin...
These days, "Democracy Dies in Darkness" sounds less like a warning and more like a plan of action.
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/the-washin...
The Washington Post's Misguided First Amendment Defense of Trump's Attempted Coup
"Democracy Dies in Darkness"
www.sidebarsblog.com
January 15, 2026 at 8:11 PM
My latest on Sidebars: a Washington Post editorial parroted Trump's failed legal arguments and political talking points regarding his DC prosecution.
These days, "Democracy Dies in Darkness" sounds less like a warning and more like a plan of action.
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/the-washin...
These days, "Democracy Dies in Darkness" sounds less like a warning and more like a plan of action.
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/the-washin...
My latest on Sidebars: a Washington Post editorial argued Jack Smith’s D.C. prosecution violated Trump’s free speech rights.
It's wrong on the law, misrepresents the nature of the case, and parrots Trump talking points.
Democracy dies in darkness, indeed.
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/the-washin...
It's wrong on the law, misrepresents the nature of the case, and parrots Trump talking points.
Democracy dies in darkness, indeed.
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/the-washin...
The Washington Post's Misguided First Amendment Defense of Trump's Attempted Coup
"Democracy Dies in Darkness"
www.sidebarsblog.com
January 15, 2026 at 1:56 PM
My latest on Sidebars: a Washington Post editorial argued Jack Smith’s D.C. prosecution violated Trump’s free speech rights.
It's wrong on the law, misrepresents the nature of the case, and parrots Trump talking points.
Democracy dies in darkness, indeed.
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/the-washin...
It's wrong on the law, misrepresents the nature of the case, and parrots Trump talking points.
Democracy dies in darkness, indeed.
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/the-washin...
The Washington Post has published my letter to the editor in response to their bonkers editorial claiming that Jack Smith violated Trump's First Amendment rights.
I'll have a blog post tomorrow that goes into the arguments in much greater detail.
wapo.st/49E0F3a
I'll have a blog post tomorrow that goes into the arguments in much greater detail.
wapo.st/49E0F3a
Opinion | Jack Smith is no anti-speech villain. And Trump is no victim.
Free speech, Jonathan Ross and cowboy hats, through readers’ eyes.
wapo.st
January 14, 2026 at 6:53 PM
The Washington Post has published my letter to the editor in response to their bonkers editorial claiming that Jack Smith violated Trump's First Amendment rights.
I'll have a blog post tomorrow that goes into the arguments in much greater detail.
wapo.st/49E0F3a
I'll have a blog post tomorrow that goes into the arguments in much greater detail.
wapo.st/49E0F3a
That ought to separate the locals from the invaders.
We've lead charmed weather lives so far in January.
Temperatures are +5F to +10F across MN so far this month. 🌡️
We're about to be reminded what persistent cold and occasional snow feels like. ❄️
MSP could bottom out -10 to -20 next Tue.
#mnwx
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Temperatures are +5F to +10F across MN so far this month. 🌡️
We're about to be reminded what persistent cold and occasional snow feels like. ❄️
MSP could bottom out -10 to -20 next Tue.
#mnwx
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Arctic cold and snow return to Minnesota
A pattern change brings much colder temperatures with occasional snow Thursday into the upcoming weekend.
www.mprnews.org
January 14, 2026 at 1:21 AM
That ought to separate the locals from the invaders.
More career prosecutors doing the honorable thing and resigning rather than submit to this Justice Department's corrupt commands.
DOJ is being systematically purged of good people who respect the rule of law and believe in keeping politics out of criminal prosecutions.
DOJ is being systematically purged of good people who respect the rule of law and believe in keeping politics out of criminal prosecutions.
These are absolutely monstrous people
"Mr. Thompson’s resignation came after senior DOJ officials pressed for a criminal investigation into the actions of the widow of Renee Nicole Good, the Minneapolis woman killed by an ICE agent"
"Mr. Thompson’s resignation came after senior DOJ officials pressed for a criminal investigation into the actions of the widow of Renee Nicole Good, the Minneapolis woman killed by an ICE agent"
3 Prosecutors Quit After Push to Investigate ICE Shooting Victim’s Widow
www.nytimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:44 PM
More career prosecutors doing the honorable thing and resigning rather than submit to this Justice Department's corrupt commands.
DOJ is being systematically purged of good people who respect the rule of law and believe in keeping politics out of criminal prosecutions.
DOJ is being systematically purged of good people who respect the rule of law and believe in keeping politics out of criminal prosecutions.
This is good - but is Tillis really just figuring out now that the "independence and credibility of the Department of Justice ... are in question?"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Republican senator vows to block all Fed nominations after DoJ investigates Powell
Thom Tillis says he would oppose any nominee, including upcoming chair vacancy, ‘until legal matter is fully resolved’
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:01 PM
This is good - but is Tillis really just figuring out now that the "independence and credibility of the Department of Justice ... are in question?"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Randall Eliason
Prosecutor: *Accurately summarizes the law*
Washington Post Editorial Board: That’s a bold claim by the prosecutor!
Washington Post Editorial Board: That’s a bold claim by the prosecutor!
Who is doing the legal analysis for the Washington Post editorial board and why are they so bad at it?
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
January 11, 2026 at 3:30 AM
Prosecutor: *Accurately summarizes the law*
Washington Post Editorial Board: That’s a bold claim by the prosecutor!
Washington Post Editorial Board: That’s a bold claim by the prosecutor!
Wait, now it's because of sex trafficking and child trafficking? Not crime, or immigration, or fraud?
The rationale keeps shifting - they're just making stuff up.
And "protecting kids" by storming their schools and arresting - or killing - their parents does not seem like a great strategy.
The rationale keeps shifting - they're just making stuff up.
And "protecting kids" by storming their schools and arresting - or killing - their parents does not seem like a great strategy.
Noem: "Every single thing I've said has been factual about what's been going on in Mpls, in Minnesota...we've surged HSI there to focus on sex trafficking & child trafficking. It's so prevalent in MN. It's horrific...we're gonna keep hundreds of HSI officers there to continue to protect those kids."
January 11, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Wait, now it's because of sex trafficking and child trafficking? Not crime, or immigration, or fraud?
The rationale keeps shifting - they're just making stuff up.
And "protecting kids" by storming their schools and arresting - or killing - their parents does not seem like a great strategy.
The rationale keeps shifting - they're just making stuff up.
And "protecting kids" by storming their schools and arresting - or killing - their parents does not seem like a great strategy.
Yes they do. And they should proceed with their own investigation, regardless of whether the FBI cooperates with them.
January 11, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Yes they do. And they should proceed with their own investigation, regardless of whether the FBI cooperates with them.
Yeah, no kidding. When Trump, Vance, and Noem have already declared the officer did nothing wrong, and given how Trump retaliates, what FBI agent is going to conclude the shooting was unjustified and contradict the boss?
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/u...
F.B.I.’s Inquiry Into ICE Shooting Faces Doubts After White House’s Remarks
www.nytimes.com
January 11, 2026 at 2:00 AM
Yeah, no kidding. When Trump, Vance, and Noem have already declared the officer did nothing wrong, and given how Trump retaliates, what FBI agent is going to conclude the shooting was unjustified and contradict the boss?
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/u...
The regime that looks at the videos of the January 6 Capitol riot and tells you they show a peaceful protest by patriots will look at the videos of the Minnesota shooting and tell you they show an officer righteously acting in self-defense.
January 10, 2026 at 3:45 PM
The regime that looks at the videos of the January 6 Capitol riot and tells you they show a peaceful protest by patriots will look at the videos of the Minnesota shooting and tell you they show an officer righteously acting in self-defense.
(State files homicide charges)
Defense: "Where's the gun? Where's the car? Reasonable doubt!"
Prosecution: "The feds would not give us access to them."
I . . . don't think that ends well for the defense. I expect if there are state charges they will get all the evidence, one way or another.
Defense: "Where's the gun? Where's the car? Reasonable doubt!"
Prosecution: "The feds would not give us access to them."
I . . . don't think that ends well for the defense. I expect if there are state charges they will get all the evidence, one way or another.
Jurors in the Chauvin case have not said that the video was the sole basis of their vote to convict.
I have experience practicing criminal defense. The absence of whole swaths of evidence creates holes in the prosecution's case that one could drive a truck through.
That's reasonable doubt.
I have experience practicing criminal defense. The absence of whole swaths of evidence creates holes in the prosecution's case that one could drive a truck through.
That's reasonable doubt.
January 9, 2026 at 6:01 PM
(State files homicide charges)
Defense: "Where's the gun? Where's the car? Reasonable doubt!"
Prosecution: "The feds would not give us access to them."
I . . . don't think that ends well for the defense. I expect if there are state charges they will get all the evidence, one way or another.
Defense: "Where's the gun? Where's the car? Reasonable doubt!"
Prosecution: "The feds would not give us access to them."
I . . . don't think that ends well for the defense. I expect if there are state charges they will get all the evidence, one way or another.
Even if the FBI refuses to work together, the MN state authorities should be able to conduct their own criminal investigation. They can interview witnesses, gather video, and subpoena records such as an autopsy report. They can’t be “shut out” completely.
January 9, 2026 at 1:33 PM
Even if the FBI refuses to work together, the MN state authorities should be able to conduct their own criminal investigation. They can interview witnesses, gather video, and subpoena records such as an autopsy report. They can’t be “shut out” completely.
All they do is lie.
January 7, 2026 at 8:43 PM
All they do is lie.
Reposted by Randall Eliason
January 6, 2026 at 11:50 PM
My latest on Sidebars: Smith's testimony highlighted the strength of his criminal cases against Trump. It also highlighted how the administration is dismantling a DOJ culture built up over decades by demanding loyalty to Trump over loyalty to the Constitution.
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/jack-smith...
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/jack-smith...
Jack Smith Reminds Us How DOJ Is Supposed to Work
Takeaways from his Congressional testimony
www.sidebarsblog.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:28 PM
My latest on Sidebars: Smith's testimony highlighted the strength of his criminal cases against Trump. It also highlighted how the administration is dismantling a DOJ culture built up over decades by demanding loyalty to Trump over loyalty to the Constitution.
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/jack-smith...
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/jack-smith...
Reposted by Randall Eliason
In a breathtaking reversal of reality, Trump uses a taxpayer funded website to whitewash the history of Jan. 6, blaming Capitol Police, Democrats and Pence -- everyone but himself and the mob that stormed the Capitol. @lukebroadwater.bsky.social @alanfeuer.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/u...
White House Posts False Jan. 6 Narrative on Riot’s 5th Anniversary
www.nytimes.com
January 6, 2026 at 11:38 PM
In a breathtaking reversal of reality, Trump uses a taxpayer funded website to whitewash the history of Jan. 6, blaming Capitol Police, Democrats and Pence -- everyone but himself and the mob that stormed the Capitol. @lukebroadwater.bsky.social @alanfeuer.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/u...
I thought I had almost lost my ability to be shocked by this administration. But the new official White House website about January 6, filled with nothing but proven lies and Trump propaganda, is just unbelievable.
January 7, 2026 at 1:55 PM
I thought I had almost lost my ability to be shocked by this administration. But the new official White House website about January 6, filled with nothing but proven lies and Trump propaganda, is just unbelievable.
My latest on Sidebars: Jack Smith's testimony to Congress underscored the strength of his criminal cases against Trump.
It was also a reminder of the Justice Department based on the rule of law that we have lost -- and must reclaim once Trump leaves the stage.
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/jack-smith...
It was also a reminder of the Justice Department based on the rule of law that we have lost -- and must reclaim once Trump leaves the stage.
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/jack-smith...
Jack Smith Reminds Us How DOJ Is Supposed to Work
Takeaways from his Congressional testimony
www.sidebarsblog.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:09 PM
My latest on Sidebars: Jack Smith's testimony to Congress underscored the strength of his criminal cases against Trump.
It was also a reminder of the Justice Department based on the rule of law that we have lost -- and must reclaim once Trump leaves the stage.
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/jack-smith...
It was also a reminder of the Justice Department based on the rule of law that we have lost -- and must reclaim once Trump leaves the stage.
www.sidebarsblog.com/p/jack-smith...
Reposted by Randall Eliason
JUST IN: AG Pam Bondi deletes a post touting a chart as proof of the Trump administration's success in reducing drug overdoses—after being informed the data actually reflected the *Biden* administration’s record.
December 31, 2025 at 12:11 AM
JUST IN: AG Pam Bondi deletes a post touting a chart as proof of the Trump administration's success in reducing drug overdoses—after being informed the data actually reflected the *Biden* administration’s record.
Reposted by Randall Eliason
Adding 2024 to 2020 in the list of years for which some Trumpsters seem to have forgotten who was president
Over on Xitter the Attorney General is pointing to a study that only goes through last year to claim she's fixed the fentanyl crisis.
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
December 30, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Adding 2024 to 2020 in the list of years for which some Trumpsters seem to have forgotten who was president