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Tom Clark

@tomsclark.bsky.social

1.1K followers 150 following 570 posts

Political scientist at Stanford University studying law, courts, policing, public safety. www.tomclarkphd.com Go birds.

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Tom Clark @tomsclark.bsky.social · May 8

Well, look what just showed up! Advance copies are in, and you can pre-order yours now. It ships June 3. press.princeton.edu/books/hardco...

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Tom Clark @tomsclark.bsky.social · 10h

I mean, I think that in most authoritarian regimes, protest is in fact rebellion, right?

Don Moynihan @donmoyn.bsky.social · 13h

America, 2025: Government lawyers tell judges that the President can declare any protest he dislikes to be a rebellion, and the courts must agree.

Heather Cherone @heathercherone.bsky.social · 19h

Perry: DOJ's definition of rebellion would mean that
"literally all nonviolent protest” could be considered evidence of rebellion. Is that your argument?
Hamilton: The president has determined there is a danger of a rebellion, and you must defer to that finding

Reposted by Nathan P. Kalmoe

Tom Clark @tomsclark.bsky.social · 12h

It's really bad for the rule of law and liberal democracy when a judge says of a government agency, "“DHS’s narrative of events is simply unreliable.”

apnews.com/article/nati...

Judge blocks National Guard deployment in Illinois for 2 weeks

A judge has blocked the deployment of National Guard troops in the Chicago area for two weeks, finding no substantial evidence that a “danger of rebellion” is brewing in Illinois.

apnews.com

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Reposted by Tom Clark, Jacob Montgomery, David R. Miller

Don Moynihan @donmoyn.bsky.social · 13h

America, 2025: Government lawyers tell judges that the President can declare any protest he dislikes to be a rebellion, and the courts must agree.

Heather Cherone @heathercherone.bsky.social · 19h

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Tom Clark @tomsclark.bsky.social · 16h

What Kavanaugh calls a "brief investigative stop" to determine someone's immigration status. #KavanaughStops

CollinCountyDems @collincountydems.bsky.social · 17h

This is terrifying!

ICE breaks into this woman’s car in the pick-up line at West Loop Elementary school in Chicago and detains her before she can pick her kids up from school. (They were eventually let go after showing their documents)

This is Trump’s America.

Reposted by Anna O. Law, Lisa W. Fazio, Tom Clark , and 7 more Anna O. Law, Lisa W. Fazio, Tom Clark, Juan Cole, Daniel W. Drezner, Michael H. Whitworth, David Rosnick, Henry Jones, Magda Teter, Dunlap

CollinCountyDems @collincountydems.bsky.social · 17h

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Reposted by Tom Clark, David R. Miller, Kathleen Kennedy , and 1 more Tom Clark, David R. Miller, Kathleen Kennedy, David Darmofal

Chris Geidner @chrisgeidner.bsky.social · 19h

BREAKING: Federal judge issues a TRO in the Northern District of Illinois (including Chicago and the Broadview ICE facility), providing protections for protesters and journalists covering the protests.

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

Some of the key elements:

1. It is hereby ORDERED that Defendants,' their officers, agents, assigns, and all
persons acting in concert with them (hereafter referred to as "Federal Agents"), are temporarily ENJOINED in this judicial district from:
Dispersing, arresting, threatening to arrest, threatening or using physical
force against any person whom they know or reasonably should know is a Journalist, unless
Defendants have probable cause to believe that the individual has committed a crime.
Defendants may order a Journalist to change location to avoid disrupting law enforcement,
' President Trump, one of the named Defendants, is not included in this Order.
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Case: 1:25-cv-12173 Document #: 42 Filed: 10/09/25 Page 2 of 6 PagelD #:836
as long as the Journalist has an objectively reasonable time to comply and an objectively
reasonable opportunity to report and observe;

b. Issuing a crowd dispersal order requiring any person to leave a public place
that they lawfully have a right to be, unless dispersal is justified by exigent circumstances as defined by Department of Homeland Security Use of Force Policy (updated Feb. 6,
2023), Sections III.F and XII.E;
С.
For purposes of this Order, a crowd dispersal order is a lawful command
given by a Federal Agent for all persons to leave a designated area when three or more persons are committing acts of disorderly conduct that are likely to cause substantial harm in the immediate vicinity;
d. Using riot control weapons including kinetic impact projectiles (KIPs), Compressed Air Launchers (e.g., PIS and FN303), Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray, CS gas, CN gas, or other chemical irritants, 40 mm Munitions Launchers, less-lethal shotguns,
Less-Lethal Specialty Impact-Chemical Munitions (LLSI-CM), Controlled Noise and Light Distraction Devices (CNLDDs), Electronic Control Weapons (ECWs) - on members of the press, protesters, or religious practitioners who are not posing an immediate threat to the safety of a law enforcement officer or others;

To facilitate the Defendants' identification of Journalists protected under
this Order, the following are examples of indicia of being a Journalist: visual identification as a member of the press, such as by carrying a professional press pass, badge or credentials; wearing distinctive clothing or patches that identify the wearer as a member of the press; or carrying professional gear such as professional photographic or videography
equipment. Other indicia of being a Journalist under this Order include that the person is standing off to the side of a protest, not engaging in chanting, sign holding, shouting slogans, or otherwise protesting, and documenting protest activities, although these are not
requirements. These indicia are illustrative, and a person need not exhibit every indicium
to be considered a Journalist under this Order. Defendants shall not be liable for unintentional violations of this Order in the case of an individual who does not wear a press pass, badge, or other official press credential, professional gear, or distinctive clothing that identifies the person as a member of the press.

It is further ORDERED that all Federal Agents, excepting those who do not wear a
uniform or other distinguishing clothing or equipment in the regular performance of their official
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Case: 1:25-cv-12173 Document #: 42 Filed: 10/09/25 Page 5 of 6 PagelD #:839
duties or are engaged in undercover operations in the regular performance of their official duties, must have visible identification (for which a unique recognizable alphanumeric identifier sequence
will suffice) affixed to their uniforms or helmets and prominently displayed, including when
wearing riot gear.

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Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 19h

RFK Jr on Tylenol and autism: "It is not proof. We're doing the studies to make the proof."

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Reposted by Tom Clark

NY Times Pitchbot @nytpitchbot.bsky.social · 22h

Republican Tom Homan says he didn't take a $50,000 cash bribe (he did). But Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse says Homan took the cash in a paper bag (it was specifically a Cava bag). Will either party tell the full truth?

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Tom Clark @tomsclark.bsky.social · 1d

Nixon’s VP (Agnew) was forced out for the exact same reason. We are officially in a worse-than-Nixon situation. L

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Tom Clark @tomsclark.bsky.social · 1d

What world do we live in where a senator asks a testifying AG if the FBI recovered $50,000 from a sting operation catching a now-White House official accepting bribes, and the AG says, “I’m not telling you”??

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Tom Clark @tomsclark.bsky.social · 1d

People laughed when Trump recently told the UN that Christianity is the most persecuted religion in the world. Just like when he took a sharpie out to redirect a hurricane, he'll show us all he was right, even if he has to do the persecution himself.

Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 2d

The same people who insisted devout Catholic Joe Biden was leading a “war on Christianity” are now cheering Trump on as his armed goons assault clergymen.

The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 2d

WATCH: Trump’s lawless Ice goons shoot an unarmed priest in the head with a pepper ball. Completely out of control.

Reposted by Will Jennings, Tom Clark

Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 2d

The same people who insisted devout Catholic Joe Biden was leading a “war on Christianity” are now cheering Trump on as his armed goons assault clergymen.

The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 2d

WATCH: Trump’s lawless Ice goons shoot an unarmed priest in the head with a pepper ball. Completely out of control.

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Keith W. Dickinson @keithwdickinson.bsky.social · 2d

Today is a day when arts degrees are worthless, but the product of those degrees is so valuable it would kill an entire industry if they were made to pay for it.

The Verge @theverge.com · May 26

Nick Clegg says asking artists for use permission would ‘kill’ the AI industry

Paul McCartne, Elton John and others signed an open letter.

buff.ly

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John Pfaff @johnpfaff.bsky.social · 2d

Um, ICE just coldly shot an unarmed PRIEST in the head w a pepper ball when he (and everyone around him) clearly posed no threat.

For the crime of … complaining about government policy.

Core 1A speech.

With cameras rolling, they’re sniping priests for sport.

Kurt @flglchicago.bsky.social · 2d

Here’s video of the incident

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Reposted by Tom Clark, Alan Richardson, David R. Miller

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 2d

Trump posts that Sen. Blumenthal “should be allowed to speak no longer”

Sanctimonious Richard “Da Nang Dick” Blumenthal, perhaps the biggest “joke” in the United States Senate, is at it again! “Dick” lied until the midpoint of his political career, convincing everyone, in particular the Fake News Media, that he was a great “War Hero” who lived on the precipice of death in the jungles of Vietnam. He would talk about his life in the military in almost every speech, in particular the death defying dangers he faced in his many years “fight for freedom” while in Vietnam. He stated that “the battles were violent and long, but there was no going back” - And then it happened, Blumenthal was found out to be a FRAUD. The soldiers in his so-called “platoon” came forward and said that they had no idea who this guy was. He was revealed, broke down and admitted, tears flowing from his eyes, that he LIED, a Whopper, one that lasted 20 year. This guy shouldn’t even be in the U.S. Senate. It should be investigated, and Justice should be sought. Right now there is a Congressman sitting in prison for lying about his past during a campaign. Well, those lies were nothing compared to those of Richard “Da Nang Dick” Blumenthal, perhaps the greatest phony in the history of the United States Senate. He should be allowed to speak no longer!

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Reposted by Cas Mudde, Jan W. Mueller, Norbert Schwarz , and 28 more Cas Mudde, Jan W. Mueller, Norbert Schwarz, Brendan Nyhan, Tom Clark, Scott L. Greer, Robert W. Wallace, Rosemary A. Joyce, Marina Jirotka, David Rothschild, Eric Goldman, Christian E. Weller, Daniel W. Drezner, Melanie C. Green, David R. Miller, Lesley Bartlett, Paolo Beria, Stacy D. VanDeveer, Michael D. McDonald, Jason Lyall, Aurélien Mondon, Ann Bartow, Colm O’Cinneíde, Blair Fix, Tim Fish, Claire Sécail, Daxton R. Stewart, Olivier Mannoni, Nancy M. Wingfield, Christopher Blair, James M. Thomas

Kurt @flglchicago.bsky.social · 2d

Here’s video of the incident

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Reposted by Tom Clark

David Ryan Miller @davidryanmiller.com · 2d

The Founders could not fathom that a future president would seize the Article I taxing and spending powers for himself and Congress would just shrug.

Could

Not

Fathom

bsky.app/profile/davi...

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Reposted by Tom Clark, Joseph Schafer

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse @whitehouse.senate.gov · 2d

AG Bondi, here’s that correction you requested.

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Tom Clark @tomsclark.bsky.social · 2d

FWIW, it would be a felony for anyone to spend single dollar on WIC that wasn't appropriated by Congress. I know that Trump believes he is the government personified, and the other branches may agree, but you'd be going out on a limb to carry this out if you were a bureaucrat.

George Pearkes @peark.es · 2d

Well that's not how appropriations work at all

*WHITE HOUSE TO TRANSFER TARIFF REVENUE TO FUND WIC: LEAVITT

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Reposted by Brendan Nyhan, Tom Clark, David Rothschild , and 9 more Brendan Nyhan, Tom Clark, David Rothschild, Jon Green, Robert Black, Daniel W. Drezner, James Grimmelmann, David R. Miller, Jacob T. Levy, Greg Linden, Aviel Roshwald, Brian Jm Quinn

George Pearkes @peark.es · 2d

Well that's not how appropriations work at all

*WHITE HOUSE TO TRANSFER TARIFF REVENUE TO FUND WIC: LEAVITT

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Tom Clark @tomsclark.bsky.social · 2d

Surprise!

The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 2d

Exclusive: The Trump administration said immigration enforcement will “remain unchanged” through the government shutdown.

But at least one team at ICE isn’t going into work: the office that ensures detention centers meet federal safety standards.

ICE kept most offices open in shutdown — but not the one inspecting detention centers

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s entire Office of Detention Oversight has been placed on furlough, despite surging numbers of detainees.

wapo.st

Reposted by Tom Clark

The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 2d

ICE kept most offices open in shutdown — but not the one inspecting detention centers

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s entire Office of Detention Oversight has been placed on furlough, despite surging numbers of detainees.

wapo.st

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Tom Clark @tomsclark.bsky.social · 3d

Seems like a normal, healthy democratic practice for a political party to fabricate propaganda to help justify de facto martial law. Oh,wait, no, it’s not.

Robert Mackey @robertmackey.bsky.social · 3d

The Oregon Republican Party tried to help Donald Trump make the case for military intervention in Portland with an image of a fiery protest — but since Portland is calm, they had to fabricate one by merging old photos of police in Ecuador and protesters in Brazil www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

Republicans post fake image of Oregon protest – using photos of South America

A federal judge had blocked Trump’s request to deploy California national guard to Portland

www.theguardian.com

Reposted by Brendan Nyhan, Tom Clark, Rosemary A. Joyce , and 6 more Brendan Nyhan, Tom Clark, Rosemary A. Joyce, Daniel W. Drezner, R. M. Wilson, Dean Eckles, Paul Gronke, Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò, Nathan P. Kalmoe

Robert Mackey @robertmackey.bsky.social · 3d

Republicans post fake image of Oregon protest – using photos of South America

A federal judge had blocked Trump’s request to deploy California national guard to Portland

www.theguardian.com

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Reposted by Lisa W. Fazio, Will Jennings, Tom Clark , and 6 more Lisa W. Fazio, Will Jennings, Tom Clark, Michael A. Clemens, Efrén O. Pérez, Daniel W. Drezner, Robert C. Richards, Mary L. Dudziak, David Darmofal

Brendan Nyhan @brendannyhan.bsky.social · 3d

Not happening somewhere else. Here. In America. Right now.

Molly Jong-Fast @mollyjongfast.bsky.social · 3d

CHICAGO (AP) — Storming an apartment complex by helicopter as families slept. Deploying chemical agents near a public school. Handcuffing a Chicago City Council member at a hospital.

apnews.com/article/chic...

Using helicopters and chemical agents, immigration agents become increasingly aggressive in Chicago

Activists, residents and elected leaders say increasingly combative tactics used by federal immigration agents are sparking violence and fueling neighborhood tensions in the nation’s third-largest cit...

apnews.com

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Tom Clark @tomsclark.bsky.social · 3d

Wait, ICE may have lied about the circumstances that led up to them shooting a person they had already compiled a dossier on?

Chicago Sun-Times @chicago.suntimes.com · 3d

Body-camera video appears to contradict the government’s claim that Marimar Martinez, 30, drove toward officers before one of them opened fire at her late Saturday morning in Brighton Park, her attorney claimed.
trib.al/9Sxu9IN

Attorney for woman shot by Border Patrol claims officer said 'Do something b-----' before shooting

Body-camera video appears to contradict the government's claim that Marimar Martinez, 30, drove toward officers before one of them opened fire at her late Saturday morning in Brighton Park, her attorney claimed. A judge ordered Martinez and a co-defendant released pending trial.

trib.al

Reposted by Jonathan Portes, James Q. Wilson, Nandita Sharma , and 10 more Jonathan Portes, James Q. Wilson, Nandita Sharma, John F. McCarthy, Tom Clark, Daniel W. Drezner, Stacy D. VanDeveer, Michael Jones‐Correa, Mark Rice, Blair Fix, Daxton R. Stewart, Magda Teter, Annalee Newitz

Gillian Brockell @gbrockell.bsky.social · 3d

Claim: 10 cars rammed ICE
Truth: No cars rammed ICE

Claim: She boxed ICE in
Truth: ICE boxed her in

Claim: She shot a rifle at ICE
Truth: She did not have a rifle

Claim: ICE returned fire
Truth: Only ICE fired

Claim: She drove herself to the hospital
Truth: Paramedics found her

Chicago Sun-Times @chicago.suntimes.com · 3d

Attorney for woman shot by Border Patrol claims officer said 'Do something b-----' before shooting

trib.al

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Reposted by Anne Applebaum, Anna O. Law, James Q. Wilson , and 33 more Anne Applebaum, Anna O. Law, James Q. Wilson, Nandita Sharma, John F. McCarthy, Brendan Nyhan, Tom Clark, Steve Peers, Robert W. Wallace, Joseph Schafer, Paul Goldstein, Daniel W. Drezner, Robert C. Richards, Melanie C. Green, Rebecca Tushnet, Alan Richardson, Aaron Sojourner, Gerald Friedman, Stacy D. VanDeveer, Robert B. Reich, Michael D. McDonald, David Rosnick, Michael Jones‐Correa, Mark Rice, Greg Linden, Blair Fix, Daxton R. Stewart, Rebecca Zorach, Nicole Guenther Discenza, Magda Teter, Kate Jackson, Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò, Nathan P. Kalmoe, Annalee Newitz, Dunlap, Peter Jacobs

Chicago Sun-Times @chicago.suntimes.com · 3d

Attorney for woman shot by Border Patrol claims officer said 'Do something b-----' before shooting

trib.al

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Reposted by Tom Clark, David R. Miller, James Goodwin , and 1 more Tom Clark, David R. Miller, James Goodwin, Nathan P. Kalmoe

southpaw @nycsouthpaw.bsky.social · 4d

Ten years and five months apart

Greg Abbott & @GregAbbott_TX
Follow
I've ordered the Texas State Guard to monitor Jade Helm 15 to safeguard Texans' constitutional rights, private property & civil liberties
2:21 PM • 4/28/15

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Reposted by Tom Clark, Eric J. Segall, Dan Immergluck

Anna Bower @annabower.bsky.social · 4d

Immergut: I'm handling this on expedited basis, but defendants haven't provided new info.

SHE RULES FROM THE BENCH: I grant the plaintiffs motion for a second TRO based on reasons stated in previous order...

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