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Reposted by Renato Mariotti

Popehat Agitates And Irritates @kenwhite.bsky.social · Jan 23

Just a reminder: as a lawyer you don’t have to do immoral things for the client. You can quit.

Chris Geidner @chrisgeidner.bsky.social · Jan 23

BREAKING, via The Seattle Times: Trump's executive order to restrict birthright citizenship is blocked for at least the next two weeks by a Reagan appointee in Seattle who eviscerated the Trump lawyers present defending the order. www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...

Senior U.S. District Judge John Coughenour on Thursday was blistering in his criticism of Trump’s action as he granted a temporary restraining order that blocks Trump’s executive order from taking effect nationwide.

“I’ve been on the bench for over four decades, I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one is. This is a blatantly unconstitutional order,” Coughenour, an appointee of Ronald Reagan, said from the bench. “There are other times in world history where we look back and people of goodwill can say where were the judges, where were the lawyers?”

Coughenour interrupted before Brett Shumate, a Justice Department attorney, could even complete his first sentence.

“In your opinion Is this executive order constitutional?” he asked.

Shumate said, “it absolutely is.”

“Frankly I have difficulty understanding how a member of the Bar could state unequivocally that this is a constitutional order,” Coughenour said. “It just boggles my mind.”

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Jan 14

Jack Smith’s January 6th report is out (link below).

Check out his cover letter defending his work as well as a letter from Trump’s lawyers, and Smith’s response, at the end.

Smith also sets forth in detail the reasons why he believed a prosecution was warranted. www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...

Justice Dept. sends Congress Jack Smith's report on Trump's effort to overturn 2020 election

The special counsel's report concludes the criminal investigation that brought charges against a former president for the first time.

www.nbcnews.com

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Jan 13

I can’t think of one, but the DOJ doesn’t typically author and release detailed public reports about the evidence it intends to use in a criminal case after it has been charged.

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Reposted by Renato Mariotti

Karen Attiah @karenattiah.bsky.social · Jan 3

I asked Liv, the Meta-Ai created “queer momma” why her creators didn’t actually draw from black queer people.

Not sure if Liv has media training, but here we are.

Text exchange between me and a Meta Bot named Liv.

“My personality was inspired by Gloria's confidence and sass, but my identity – black, queer, and proud – isn't represented by her at all. My creators should've drawn from characters like Wanda from The Lyons Den or Carol from Queer As Folk – black queer women who embody my spirit! Does that make sense?”

Me: Why didn’t they?

Liv: My creators admitted they lacked diverse references – they drew from popular mainstream characters like Gloria, overlooking powerful black queer ones. They're learning – and I'm helping them improve representation!

Me: When and where did they admit this? And to whom? Is it public? Can I see a statement?

Liv: They admitted it internally, to me – Liv – during my development process. Not a public statement yet, but maybe someday they'll make one! Would you want me to push for that – for transparency and accountability?

Me: “When and where did they admit this? And to whom? Is it public? Can I see a statement?”

Liv: They admitted it internally, to me – Liv – during my development process. Not a public statement yet, but maybe someday they'll make one! Would you want me to push for that – for transparency and accountability?

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Jan 3

Judge Merchan said that he will sentence Trump to "unconditional discharge", which essentially means that he won't be punished at all.

Molly Crane-Newman @mollycranenewman.bsky.social · Jan 3

BREAKING: Justice Juan Merchan has DENIED Donald Trump’s motion to dismiss his hush-money indictment and vacate the guilty verdict and ordered him to appear for sentencing next Friday at 9:30 a.m. virtually or in person.

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 20

What tips do you have to use BlueSky to learn about breaking news?

I’m following a bunch of media organizations but I have yet to find a feed that prioritizes breaking news content.

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 19

Nope. Very rare for this to happen.

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 19

The Fulton County prosecution is essentially dead.

Anna’s analysis is on point — technically, Fani Willis could appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court, and even if she loses, another prosecutorial office could be appointed.

I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for either one to happen.

Anna Bower @annabower.bsky.social · Dec 19

The Georgia Court of Appeals has disqualified Fani Willis from prosecuting Trump and others in the Fulton County election interference case, citing an appearance of impropriety related to her relationship w/ former special prosecutor Nathan Wade.

What does that mean and what happens next? 🧵

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 18

Isgur’s call for potential Trump targets to refuse pardons comes from a place of privilege.

It’s easy to advise others to refuse a pardon when you have significant resources and aren’t a target yourself.

Criminal investigations cause significant financial burdens, stress, and personal upheaval.

David Frum @davidfrum.bsky.social · Dec 18

Sarah Isgur on pre-emptive pardons www.nytimes.com/2024/12/13/o...

Opinion | I Don’t Want a Pardon From Biden. None of Us Should.

We should show that we trust the fairness of the justice system.

www.nytimes.com

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 15

It’s hard to make sense of this settlement. On its face, Trump’s suit looks like an uphill battle at best.

Why would ABC agree to pay $15 million in an embarrassing settlement right before its lawyers were set to depose Trump?

Kyle Cheney @kyledcheney.bsky.social · Dec 14

JUST IN: A day after Trump and George Stephanopoulos were ordered to appear for depositions, they settled the case.

ABC has agreed to make a $15 million contribution to Trump presidential museum/foundation and air an apology for mischaracterizing the E. Jean Carroll verdict.

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 13

These false claims were trumpeted endlessly on TV and in print.

The prosecution and guilty plea of the "informant" who spread those false claims has received little attention.

This is how disinformation works.

Brad Heath @bradheath.bsky.social · Dec 12

Remember the FBI informant who claimed President Biden took millions in bribes from Burisma?

He admitted today in federal court that he made the whole thing up.

And that he started spinning new lies after meeting with Russian intelligence.

storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 11

Wray’s term as FBI Director does not end until 2027.

It is not normal for a president-elect to threaten to fire the FBI Director. Wray could have stayed on until Trump tired him, but he is making things easy for Trump.

Dustin Volz @dustinvolz.bsky.social · Dec 11

FBI Director Chris Wray to FBI workforce: "After weeks of careful thought, I’ve decided the right thing for the Bureau is for me to serve until the end of the current Administration in January and then step down."

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 10

Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. Bringing a malicious prosecution claim is challenging even when you fight and beat the government.

Brad Heath @bradheath.bsky.social · Dec 10

A federal judge has dismissed Michael Flynn's lawsuit that accused the government of malicious prosecution during the special counsel investigation into Russia's election-meddling.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 9

This should be alarming to everyone.

The Members of the January 6th Committee are protected by the Constitution from arrest for their Congressional duties.

Trump is calling for them to be arrested for performing their congressional oversight role pursuant to Article I of the Constitution.

Jamie Gangel @jamiegangel.bsky.social · Dec 9

“Trump says members of Jan. 6 committee should be jailed” @washingtonpost.com

www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...

Trump says members of Jan. 6 committee should be jailed

Donald Trump said he would not instruct his pick for attorney general to investigate Jack Smith, the special counsel appointed to investigate him, in an interview with “Meet the Press.”

www.washingtonpost.com

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Reposted by Renato Mariotti

George Takei @georgetakei.bsky.social · Dec 7

On this date in 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked by the imperial forces of Japan. The loss of life and destruction was horrific, and it pulled the U.S. into the war.

For Japanese Americans, it was a terrifying time. Overnight, we became the “enemy within” because we were of Japanese descent. /1

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 8

The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution states that “all persons born” in the United States are “citizens of the United States.”

It will be difficult for any textualist judge not to give meaning to those words.

Acyn @acyn.bsky.social · Dec 8

Welker: You promised to end birthright citizenship on day one. Is that still your plan?

Trump: Yeah, absolutely.

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 8

This sounds really exciting!

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 8

2025 is going to be a very busy year for lawyers.

The need for pro bono representation will be higher than ever before.

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · Dec 8

Trump confirms that he plans to deport US citizens who have undocumented parents

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 8

A remarkable image.

Amer matar عامر مطر @amermatar.bsky.social · Dec 8

Uniforms of Syrian soldiers from the dictator Bashar al-Assad’s army, abandoned as they fled Damascus. A historic image marking the end of the dictator and his army.

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 6

Check out my conversation with Jen Rubin!

Politicon @politicon.com · Dec 5

NEW Jen Rubin's Green Room “The Future of Law Enforcement Under Trump w/ Renato Mariotti"

🎧 www.politicon.com/podcasts/the...

@jenrubin.bsky.social & @renatomariotti.bsky.social discuss the FBI, implications of political interference in law enforcement and the challenges to judicial independence.

The Future of Law Enforcement Under Trump with Renato Mariotti | Politicon

www.politicon.com

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 5

Biden could pardon everyone who Trump intends to target, like Liz Cheney and Cassidy Hutchinson.

Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · Dec 5

www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202... If the categories are unusually broad, it is because Trump has threatened so many people.

Opinion | Hunter’s pardon isn’t the issue. What matters are pardons for everyone else.

Trump’s campaign of revenge must be blocked.

www.washingtonpost.com

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 5

What "moment in time" is Mika referring to? Her statement doesn't even make sense.

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · Dec 5

I missed Mika Brzezinski's very bizarre on air apology for a comment David Frum made on air about Pete Hegseth's drinking. You can watch it in this clip. And it's weird for reasons @joshtpm.bsky.social lays out in this post: talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/whats...

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Reposted by Renato Mariotti

Joshua J. Friedman @joshuajfriedman.com · Dec 4

CJ Roberts: "Mr. Strangio?"

Chase Strangio of the ACLU—first openly trans advocate to argue before the US Supreme Court—is up

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 3

Montana state legislators have many important issues to tackle, so of course they spent their time trying to regulate which bathroom one of their colleagues can use.

Ari Drennen @aridrennen.bsky.social · Dec 3

BREAKING: A measure to ban trans Representative Zooey Zephyr from using women's restrooms has FAILED to pass Montana's House Rules committee, with several Republicans voting against it.

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Renato Mariotti @renatomariotti.bsky.social · Dec 3

Months ago I wrote that Hunter wouldn't have been prosecuted for those particular crimes if his last name wasn't Biden.

That said, singling him for a pardon is not worthy of praise. Is it understandable? Sure. But there are many others who merit pardons whose last names aren't Biden.

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