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Anna Bower
@annabower.bsky.social
260K followers 3.1K following 5.1K posts
Just asking questions.

Senior Editor, Lawfaremedia.org.

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annabower.bsky.social
NEWS: Dan Richman — key figure in now-dismissed Comey case — wins motion for return of materials seized from his devices.

Judge finds his rights were violated, orders that DOJ can only access data pursuant to lawful warrant.

Order could complicate efforts to re-indict Comey.
Richman's [l] Motion for Return of Property and ORDER the Government to return to 4 of 46 ichman the image of his computer that was made in 2017; any files obtained from his vomo University email accounts) or his Apple iCloud accounts) in 2019 or 2020 that are in the Government's possession; any copies of the image or files obtained from Petitioner Richman's email or iCloud accounts that are in the Government's possession; and any materials directly obtained or extracted from those files that are in the Government's possession (collectively, the "covered materials"). In order to "protect access to" the files at issue and preserve their availability for lawful "use in later proceedings," see Fed. R. Crim. P. 41(g), and as an exercise of the Court's equitable discretion to fashion a remedy that is appropriate under all the circumstances, the Court shall further ORDER that, before returning the covered materials to Petitioner Richman, the 3 Case 1:25-mc-00170-CKK Document 21 | Filed 12/12/25 Page 4 of 46 Government may create one complete electronic copy of those materials and deposit that copy, under seal, with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, which shall have supervisory authority over access to this material, for future access pursuant to a lawful search warrant and judicial order. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia may then exercise its discretion to decide whether to allow Petitioner Richman an opportunity to move to quash any such warrant before it is executed. The Court shall further ORDER the Attorney General of the United States or her designee to certify, no later than 4:00 p.m. ET on Monday, December 15, 2025, that the Government has (1) returned the covered materials to Petitioner Richman; (2) not retained any additional copy or copies of the covered materials; (3) not provided any copy or copies of the covered materials to any other person, except for one copy that may be filed, under seal, in the U.S.…
December 13, 2025 at 3:41 AM
annabower.bsky.social
Interesting. I was told I would be completely discredited when the evidence comes out.

www.lawfaremedia.org/article/anna...
Text from Lindsey Halligan re: Letitia James case: "Continue to do what you have been and you'll be completely discredited when the evidence comes out."
December 11, 2025 at 10:30 PM
annabower.bsky.social
Judge Paula Xinis on the government’s conduct in the Abrego Garcia litigation:

“Respondents did not just stonewall. They affirmatively misled the tribunal.”
Respondents instead found a fourth African country, Liberia. This time, when the Court sought information about Liberia and Costa Rica so to fairly assess the validity of Abrego Garcia's claims, Respondents did not just stonewall. They affirmatively misled the tribunal! They announced that Liberia is the only viable removal option because Costa Rica "does not wish to receive him," ECF No. 85 at 9, and that Costa Rica will no longer "accept the transfer" of him, ECF No. 75-6 1 5; ECF No. 85 at 14. But Costa Rica had never wavered in its commitment to receive Abrego Garcia, just as Abrego Garcia never wavered in his commitment to resettle there. See ECF No. 108 at 1; Maria Sacchetti, Costa Rica says it would accept Kilmar Abrego Garcia, contradicting U.S., WASH. POST (Nov. 21, 2025), https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/11/21/kilmar- trumpdeport-costarica/. See also Laura Romero, Costa Rican official says country willing to accept Abrego Garcia, contradicting Trump administration officials, ABC NEWS (Nov. 21, 2025), https://abcnews.go.com/International/costa-rican-official-country-accept-abrego-garcia- contradicting/story?id=127775855. This evidently remained an inconvenient truth for Respondents. But more to the point, Respondents' persistent refusal to acknowledge Costa Rica as a viable removal option, their threats to send Abrego Garcia to African countries that never agreed to take him, and their misrepresentation to the Court that Liberia is now the only country available to Abrego Garcia, all reflect that whatever purpose was behind his detention, it was not
December 11, 2025 at 3:59 PM
annabower.bsky.social
Judge Xinis: “Respondents SHALL release Abrego Garcia from ICE custody immediately”
December 11, 2025 at 3:28 PM
annabower.bsky.social
New notice of appearance says Lindsey Halligan on docket entry, but actual doc is McBride.
December 11, 2025 at 2:40 PM
annabower.bsky.social
Via MS NOW: Emil Bove is in attendance at Trump’s speech in Pennsylvania tonight.
Vaughn Hillyard @VaughnHillyard X.com Judge Emil Bove is at President Trump's Pennsylvania event tonight—an unusual move for a federal judge. When asked by MS NOW off camera why he is here, he responded: "Just here as a citizen coming to watch the president speak."
December 9, 2025 at 10:59 PM
annabower.bsky.social
NEWS: Judge Boasberg orders Erez Reuveni and Drew Ensign to testify in court next week as part of his ongoing contempt inquiry over Alien Enemies Act flights.
Case 1:25-cv-00766-JEB Document 200 Filed 12/08/25 Page 1 of 2 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA J.G.G., et al., Plaintiffs, V. DONALD J. TRUMP, et al., Defendants. Civil Action No. 25-766 (JEB) ORDER In response to the Court's Order of November 28, 2025, the Government has submitted cursory declarations from Secretary Kristi Noem and attorneys then at the Department of Justice who advised her. Noem avers that she made "the decision to continue the transfer of custody of the Alien Enemies Act detainees who had been removed from the United States before this Court issued its temporary restraining order in the evening of March 15, 2025." ECF No. 198-1 (Declaration of Secretary Noem). As this declaration does not provide enough information for the Court to determine whether her decision was a willful violation of the Court's Order, the Court cannot at this juncture find probable cause that her actions constituted criminal contempt. See United States v. Young, 107 F.3d 903, 907 (D.C. Cir. 1997) (contempt requires finding that (1) court order was "clear and reasonably specific; (2) "the defendant violated the order"; and (3) "the violation was willful") (internal quotation marks omitted). A referral for prosecution, consequently, would be premature. The Court thus believes that it is necessary to hear witness testimony to better understand the bases of the decision to transfer the deportees out of United States custody in the context of the hearing on March 15, 2025. The events surrounding this decision should shed light on this question. The Court accordingly ORDERS that: 1. Plaintiffs shall attempt to secure the presence of Erez Reuveni for testimony on December 15, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.; 2. The Government shall produce Drew Ensign for testimony on December 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.; and 3. Both sides shall appear in person at such hearings and will have the opportunity to question witnesses. /s/ James E. Boasberg JAMES E. BOASBERG Chief
December 8, 2025 at 8:47 PM
annabower.bsky.social
Habba out
STATEMENT FROM ALINA HABBA, ACTING U.S. ATTORNEY AND SPECIAL ATTORNEY TO THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL For the past five years, I've fought for justice on behalf of the American people, and in my tenure under our great Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, we made New Jersey safer. Camden had its first murder-free summer in 50 years. We drove down crime, took violent offenders off the streets, caught terrorists, and put away child predators. While I was focused on delivering real results, judges in my state took advantage of a flawed blue slip tradition and became weapons for the politicized left. For months, these judges stopped conducting trials and entering sentences, leaving violent criminals on the streets. They joined New Jersey senators, who care more about fighting President Trump than the well being of residents which they serve. For four years, I fought against lawfare aimed at President Trump and against politics infecting our justice system. What these obstructionists misunderstood is that my loyalty is not to politics, a title, or a ZIP code. It is to this great country. As a result of the Third Circuit's ruling, and to protect the stability and integrity of the office which I love, I have decided to step down in my role as the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. But do not mistake compliance for surrender. This decision will not weaken the Justice Department and it will not weaken me. My fight will now stretch across the country. As we wait for further review of the courts ruling, I will continue to serve the Department of Justice as the Senior Advisor to the Attorney General for U.S. Attorneys. Make no mistake, you can take the girl out of New Jersey, but you cannot take New Jersey out of the girl. -DECEMBER 8, 2025-
December 8, 2025 at 6:52 PM
annabower.bsky.social
NEW: Emil Bove — former DOJ official turned Third Circuit judge — files declaration in ongoing contempt inquiry by Judge Boasberg re: Alien Enemies Act planes.

Bove says he isn’t authorized to disclose privileged information.
Emil Bove, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1746, declare under penalty of perjury as follows: 1. I am submitting this declaration in response to the court's November 28, 2025 order. ECF No. 196. 2. On March 15, 2025, I was serving as DOJ's Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General. I left that role at DOJ in late-August 2025. DOJ has not authorized me to disclose privileged information in this declaration. 3. Beginning during the morning of March 15, 2025, and throughout that weekend, I monitored developments related to this case. 4. On the evening of March 15, 2025, I was aware of statements by the court during proceedings that day, the court's minute entries, and other public filings on the docket sheet. See, e.g., ECF No. 195 1 3. Case 1:25-cv-00766-JEB Document 199 Filed 12/08/25 Page 2 of 2 5. Based on my evaluation of those materials, I contributed to privileged legal advice provided to the Secretary of Homeland Security on March 15, 2025—by communicating with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Acting DHS General Counsel Joseph Mazzara- regarding the transfer of custody of aliens who had been detained pursuant to the Alien Enemies Act and removed from the United States. See ECF No. 195 1 4. I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Dated: December 5, 2025 /s/ Emil Bove Honorable Emil Bove Circuit Judge U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
December 8, 2025 at 5:08 PM
annabower.bsky.social
NEWS: A judge has granted Daniel Richman’s request to temporarily block DOJ’s access to evidence taken from his electronic devices.

Richman was a key figure in the now-dismissed prosecution of former FBI director James Comey.

Order could complicate DOJ’s effort to re-indict Comey.
tailored to preserving the status quo while this Court considers his [1] Motion for Return of Property on an expedited basis. III. Accordingly, Petitioner Richman's (9] Motion for Temporary Restraining Order is GRANTED IN PART and DEFERRED IN PART, as follows: The United States and its agent, the Attorney General of the United States, are ORDERED to identify, segregate, and secure the image of Petitioner Richman's personal computer that was made in 2017, his Columbia University email accounts, and his iCloud account; any copies of those files; and any materials obtained, extracted, or derived from those files (collectively, "the covered materials") that are currently in the possession of the United States. Case 1:25-mc-00170-CKK Document 10 Filed 12/06/25 Page 4 of 4 The United States and its agents, including the Attorney General of the United States, are further ORDERED not to access the covered materials once they are identified, segregated, and secured, or to share, disseminate, or disclose the covered materials to any person, without first seeking and obtaining leave of this Court. The Attorney General of the United States or her designee is further ORDERED to certify that the United States is in compliance with this Order no later than 12:00 p.m. ET on Monday, December 8, 2025. It is further ORDERED that Petitioner Richman's counsel shall promptly serve a copy of this Order on the Attorney General of the United States, accompanied by copies of all papers filed in this action to date. All other requests for relief in Petitioner Richman's (9) Motion for Temporary Restraining Order are DEFERRED pending a response from the Govemment and further consideration by this Court. This Order shall remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, December 12, 2025, or until dissolved by further order of this Court, whichever comes first. Finally, it is ORDERED that, no later than 9:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the Govemment shall file a combined response to Peti…
December 7, 2025 at 2:56 AM
annabower.bsky.social
Some poor, unsuspecting soul at this holiday party is about to unwrap the world’s worst White Elephant gift: Kash Patel’s “The Plot Against the King” trilogy.
Kash Patel’s three children’s books, The Plot Against the King, The Plot Against the King 2,000 Mules, and The Plot Against the King 3: Return of the King
December 6, 2025 at 9:48 PM
annabower.bsky.social
I wasn’t much of a Sabrina Carpenter fan, but I recently went to one of her shows at Madison Square Garden. It was so fun, and her live vocals were seriously impressive. 10/10 recommend
Sabrina carpenter in Barbie Halloween costume at Madison square garden for short n’ sweet tour Sabrina carpenter in Barbie Halloween costume at Madison square garden for short n’ sweet tour
December 6, 2025 at 5:10 AM
annabower.bsky.social
Sabrina Carpenter ratioed the White House after it used her song in an ICE video.

The WH deleted the post…but now it’s back with a new ICE video, this time using an altered clip from Carpenter’s SNL monologue.
December 6, 2025 at 3:13 AM
annabower.bsky.social
Docket entry in EDVA shows that a Norfolk grand jury returned a "no true bill" yesterday, Dec. 4. In other words: The grand jury declined to indict someone on felony charges after federal prosecutors presented the case.

This is likely the Letitia James case.

(H/t to docket watcher Ethan Lee)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA Norfolk Division In re: GRAND JURY PROCEEDINGS DECEMBER 4, 2025 Misc. No. 2:25 ms 17 Grand Jury No. 25-2 ORDER On December 4, 2025, the grand jury was presented with an indictment proposing federal felony charges. After review, the grand jury failed to concur in issuing the proposed indictment and returned a no true bill. To maintain a record of these proceedings, the Clerk is DIRECTED to assign a miscellaneous number to this matter and IMPOUND the proposed indictment. The Clerk is further DIRECTED to maintain the proposed indictment under this miscellaneous number and the record of the grand jurors concurring in the proposed indictment UNDER SEAL as a grand jury matter, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
December 5, 2025 at 9:25 PM
annabower.bsky.social
The courtroom for today’s hearing at the Albany federal courthouse was genuinely beautiful.

While my doodles are obviously hyper-realistic masterpieces, this is one I wish people could see IRL!
Doodle from court, showing Judge Lorna Schofield, DOJ, and NYAG stick figures. There’s also a crude sketch of a skylight, red curtains, “UFO light fixtures,” a jury box, and a wood-panel crest behind the bench
December 5, 2025 at 2:30 AM
annabower.bsky.social
SOUTHCOM announces another boat strike.

Notable that the Pentagon carried out this strike on the same day that Adm. Bradley appeared before members of Congress to defend the Sep. 2 strike.
U.S. Southern Command @Southcom X.com On Dec. 4, at the direction of @SecWar Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in international waters operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was carrying illicit narcotics and transiting along a known narco-trafficking route in the Eastern Pacific. Four male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed. #OpSouthernSpear
December 5, 2025 at 12:42 AM
annabower.bsky.social
JUST IN: Statement from Abbe Lowell, defense counsel for Letitia James, on Virginia grand jury’s refusal to re-indict the NY Attorney General on mortgage fraud charges:
"The grand jury's refusal to re-indict Attorney General James is a decisive rejection of a case that should never have existed in the first place. A federal court threw this case out after President Trump illegally installed a U.S. Attorney to file baseless charges against Attorney General James that career prosecutors refused to bring. This should be the end of this case. If they continue, undeterred by a court ruling and a grand jury's rejection of the charges, it will be a shocking assault on the rule of law and a devastating blow to the integrity of our justice system.
December 4, 2025 at 11:59 PM
annabower.bsky.social
“[T]he Justice Department is determined to try again.”
Ken Dilanian & @KDilanianMSNOW X.com New from @CarolLeonnig and me: A grand jury in Norfolk today declined to indict New York Attorney General Tish James on mortgage fraud charges, but the Justice Department is determined to try again.
December 4, 2025 at 11:25 PM
annabower.bsky.social
PSA: Amtrak’s NYC ➡️ Albany route is gorgeous.
Scene from Amtrak NYC-Albany route. Blue skies with snow on the ground as the train passes over a marsh (??) Homes on the Hudson River valley with snow on the ground and the Hudson River in the background View from the train, sun peeking from between the clouds Hudson River landscape on Amtrak train route, with the engine (first car) of a train on the parallel track in view. The front of the other train is blue and white. There’s also a whimsical looking tree covered in greenery in the background
December 4, 2025 at 9:09 PM
annabower.bsky.social
In a post on X tonight, the State Department says it “renamed the former Institute of Peace to reflect the greatest dealmaker in our nation's history.”

“Welcome to the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace.”
Department of State V @StateDept X.com This morning, the State Department renamed the former Institute of Peace to reflect the greatest dealmaker in our nation's history. Welcome to the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. The best is yet to come. UNITED DONA AD A TRUMPE
December 4, 2025 at 3:47 AM
annabower.bsky.social
color me shocked
Spotify wrapped: Your top song What Was That by Lorde You listened 267 times.
December 3, 2025 at 10:22 PM
annabower.bsky.social
It’s Giving Tuesday! There are so many worthy causes to give to today.

But if you’re considering giving to a media organization, I hope you’ll keep Lawfare in mind.

I’m really proud of the journalism (yes, journalism!) produced by our small but scrappy non-profit.

givebutter.com/journalism/a...
Text thread w/ Lindsey Halligan Lindsey Halligan: By the way - everything I ever sent you is off record. You're not a journalist so it's weird saying that but just letting you know. Anna: I'm sorry, but that's not how this works. You don't get to say that in retrospect. Halligan: Yes I do. Off record.
December 2, 2025 at 7:26 PM
annabower.bsky.social
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter slams the White House for using “Juno” in an ICE arrest video:

“This video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.”
Sabrina Carpenter replies to WH video: This video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.
December 2, 2025 at 4:42 PM
annabower.bsky.social
Per court docs, Richman’s case has been initially assigned to Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, a Clinton appointee.
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT DANIEL RICHMAN, Petitioner. v. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Respondent. Case: 1:25-mc-00170 Assigned To : Kollar-Kotelly, Colleen Assign. Date : 11/26/2025 Description: Misc. MOTION FOR RETURN OF PROPERTY PURSUANT TO FEDERAL RULE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 41(g) RECEIVED NOV 2 6 2025 MOTION FOR RETURN OF PROPERTY PURSUANT TO Clerk, U.S. District & Bankruptcy FEDERAL RULE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 41(g) Courts for the District of Columbi Pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 41(g), Daniel Richman ("Professor Richman") hereby moves this Court, by and through undersigned counsel, for an order (1) directing the government to immediately return or delete certain materials illegally seized and/or retained by the government, as well as any copies thereof (the "Materials"); and (2) to temporarily enjoin the government from accessing, searching, relying on, or reviewing the Materials during the pendency of this Motion; and (3) to permanently enjoin the government from making any further use of the improperly seized and retained Materials. In support of this Motion for Return of Property Pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 41(g), Professor Richman relies upon the attached Memorandum of Law.
December 2, 2025 at 3:43 AM
annabower.bsky.social
Last week: In response to WaPo’s story on the Sept. 2 boat strikes, the Pentagon says “This entire narrative is completely false.”

Today: The White House confirms that a 2nd strike happened and that “Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes”
This report is based on interviews with and accounts from seven people with knowledge of the Sept. 2 strike and the overall operation. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell declined to address questions about Hegseth's order and other details of the opera jon, including Special Operations involvement. "This entire narrative is completely false," he said in a statement. "Ongoing operations to dismantle narcoterrorism and to protect the Homeland from deadly drugs have been a resounding success."
December 1, 2025 at 8:25 PM