Evan Slovak
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evanthios.bsky.social
Evan Slovak
@evanthios.bsky.social
56 followers 330 following 10 posts
Product lawyer working in online safety + regulation, content moderation, and user privacy. Devout Packers fan. Views my own.
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Reposted by Evan Slovak
noupside.bsky.social
Something something censorship industrial complex
annabower.bsky.social Anna Bower @annabower.bsky.social · 27d
Per NY Times’s Michael Grynbaum on X, this is Sharyn Alfonsi’s email to her “60 Minutes” colleagues in full:
News Team, Thank you for the notes and texts. I apologize for not reaching out earlier. I learned on Saturday that Bari Weiss spiked our story, INSIDE CECOT, which was supposed to air tonight. We (Ori and I) asked for a call to discuss her decision. She did not afford us that courtesy/opportunity. Our story was screened five times and cleared by both CBS attorneys and Standards and Practices. It is factually correct. In my view, pulling it now-after every rigorous internal check has been met is not an editorial decision, it is a political one. We requested responses to questions and/or interviews with DHS, the White House, and the State Department. Government silence is a statement, not a VETO. Their refusal to be interviewed is a tactical maneuver designed to kill the story. If the administration's refusal to participate becomes a valid reason to spike a story, we have effectively handed them a "kill switch" for any reporting they find inconvenient. If the standard for airing a story becomes "the government must agree to be interviewed," then the government effectively gains control over the 60 Minutes broadcast. We go from an investigative powerhouse to a stenographer for the state. These men risked their lives to speak with us. We have a moral and professional obligation to the sources who entrusted us with their stories. Abandoning them now is a betrayal of the most basic tenet of journalism: giving voice to the voiceless. CBS spiked the Jeffrey Wigand interview due to legal concerns, nearly destroying the credibility of this broadcast. It took years to recover from that "low point." By pulling this story to shield an administration, we are repeating that history, but for political optics rather than legal ones. We have been promoting this story on social media for days. Our viewers are expecting it. When it fails to air without a credible explanation, the public will correctly identify this as corporate censorship. We are trading 50 years of "Gold Standard" reputation for a single week of political quiet. I care too much about this broadcast to watch it be dismantled without a fight. Sharyn
December 22, 2025 at 5:46 AM
Reposted by Evan Slovak
annabower.bsky.social
You’ve gotta be kidding me.

This WaPo editorial presents a misleading revisionist history of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s criminal cases against Trump.

Then it has the gall to compare that to Trump’s overt targeting of his perceived enemies.

Really embarrassing stuff.
But the mere fact that a legal tool might be available does not mean it should be used. The current rage over Grassley's revelation shows why. Smith showed little restraint in his pursuit of a former president. He charged Trump for official acts he took as president. He sought a gag order to limit Trump's ability to criticize the prosecution. He tried to accelerate the case to try a leading presidential candidate before the 2024 election.
October 9, 2025 at 2:05 AM
evanthios.bsky.social
Documenting individual interactions is critical. Law enforcement officers acting lawfully should not fear transparency
October 8, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Reposted by Evan Slovak
annabower.bsky.social
I wrote this story because the case of the Guatemalan children hasn’t received nearly as much media attention as it deserves.

I wanted to highlight the full extent of the government’s depraved conduct.

I hope you’ll read and share. Don’t look away.

www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-...
But on the morning of Aug. 31, as the bus made its way to the airport, A.R.M.D. worried that he would be returned to Guatemala without the opportunity to make his case in court. Sharing his anxiety were other Guatemalan children who, like A.R.M.D., had been roused from bed in the middle of the night at their respective foster homes or care facilities. At a children's shelter in McAllen, Texas, one young.girl "was so scared that she vomited and asked to speak with a clinician." Another teenager, who said that her sister was murdered in Guatemala last year, worried that she, too, would be killed if she returned. Other potential deportees cited personal histories involving family violence, sexual abuse, or human trafficking as reasons why they were afraid to return to their home country. In theory, the law is supposed to protect unaccompanied children from being summarily whisked out of the country by the government.
September 10, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Reposted by Evan Slovak
grahamsteele.bsky.social
According to this Supreme Court, President Biden's Department of Education was exceeding its power by trying to forgive peoples' student loans.

President Trump, on the other hand, has the power to just completely dismantle the entire Education Department.
mjsdc.bsky.social Mark Joseph Stern @mjsdc.bsky.social · Jul 14
BREAKING: The Supreme Court allows the Trump administration to move forward with the abolition of the Department of Education. It gives no explanation for its order. All three liberals dissent. www.documentcloud.org/documents/25...

From Sotomayor's dissent:
Lifting the District Court’s injunction will unleash untold harm, delaying or denying educational opportunities and leaving students to suffer from discrimination, sexual assault, and other civil rights violations without the federal resources Congress intended. The majority apparently deems it more important to free the Government from paying employees it had no right to fire than to avert these very real harms while the litigation continues. Equity does not support such an inequitable result. * * * The President must take care that the laws are faithfully executed, not set out to dismantle them. That basic rule undergirds our Constitution’s separation of powers. Yet today, the majority rewards clear defiance of that core principle with emergency relief. Because I cannot condone such abuse of our equitable authority, I respectfully dissent.
July 14, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Reposted by Evan Slovak
asterolsen.bsky.social
Honestly was expecting him to have said something a little controversial. The times standard is apparently no mundane criticism of fascist propaganda.
July 4, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Reposted by Evan Slovak
aaronrosspowell.com
We're going to need Nuremberg trials when this is over, yes, and to send a significant number of people currently in the federal government to prison. But we're going to need an unwavering commitment to ostracizing the supporters of it, as well. Never accept them again in polite society.
annabower.bsky.social Anna Bower @annabower.bsky.social · Jul 2
“In Cell 15, Plaintiff Abrego Garcia and 20 other Salvadorans were forced to kneel from approximately 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM, with guards striking anyone who fell from exhaustion. During this time, Plaintiff Abrego Garcia was denied bathroom access and soiled himself…”
120. Upon arrival at CECOT, the detainees were greeted by a prison official who stated, "Welcome to CECOT. Whoever enters here doesn't leave." Plaintiff Abrego Garcia was then forced to strip, issued prison clothing, and subjected to physical abuse including being kicked in the legs with boots and struck on his head and arms to make him change clothes faster. His head was shaved with a zero razor, and he was frog-marched to cell 15, being struck with wooden batons along the way. By the following day, Plaintiff Abrego Garcia had visible bruises and lumps all over his body. 121. In Cell 15, Plaintiff Abrego Garcia and 20 other Salvadorans were forced to kneel from approximately 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM, with guards striking anyone who fell from exhaustion. During this time, Plaintiff Abrego Garcia was denied bathroom access and soiled himself The detainees were confined to metal bunks with no mattresses in an overcrowded cell with no windows, bright lights that remained on 24 hours a day, and minimal access to sanitation. 122. After approximately one week at CECOT, prison director Osiris Luna and other officials separated the 21 Salvadorans who had arrived together. Twelve individuals with visible gang-related tattoos were moved to another cell, while Plaintiff Abrego Garcia remained with eight others who, like him, upon information and belief had no gang affiliations or tattoos. 123. As reflected by his segregation, the Salvadoran authorities recognized that Plaintiff Abrego Garcia was not affiliated with any gang and, at around this time, prison officials explicitly acknowledged that Plaintiff Abrego Garcia's tattoos were not gang-related, telling him "your
July 2, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Reposted by Evan Slovak
dburbach.bsky.social
Our elites are so fucking terrible
June 27, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Reposted by Evan Slovak
jamellebouie.net
this is a segregationist administration and it is wild to me that there is any resistance to this straightforward observation
bgrueskin.bsky.social Bill Grueskin @bgrueskin.bsky.social · Jun 26
It’s like telling a cancer institute to stop spending so much on cancer research.

Here are a few of the many cuts.

Via @jasperjsmith.bsky.social
EQ THE CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION NIH has canceled $1.2 million in funding for a project to increase the number of Black students in the marine-science field at Hampton University; $2.9 million in funding for a center at Morehouse College's School of Medicine focused on health outcomes among Black pregnant women, who have the highest maternal mortality rate in the country; and a 33-year-old $16-million grant at Florida A&M University's pharmacy school that supports faculty hiring and biomedical research.
June 27, 2025 at 12:35 AM
Reposted by Evan Slovak
glandsbergis.bsky.social
Read the full article and subscribe to my newsletter here:
landsbergis.com/nato-agrees-...
NATO agrees 10-year plan to prepare for invasion that could happen sooner
Was this the worst NATO Summit ever? “Well, at least it wasn’t a disaster,” a friend said when we discussed the matter.
landsbergis.com
June 25, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Reposted by Evan Slovak
kenwhite.bsky.social
Look if anyone is an expert on getting obliterated it’s Pete Hegseth
meidastouch.com MeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · Jun 25
Incredibly embarrassing
June 25, 2025 at 7:27 PM
evanthios.bsky.social
Searing words from Justice Jackson
April 7, 2025 at 11:23 PM
evanthios.bsky.social
The depravity of this Court has been on display for years. CJ Roberts has always wanted a sterling reputation for himself and his "era" of SCOTUS. He will not have it.
annmlipton.bsky.social Ann M. Lipton @annmlipton.bsky.social · Apr 7
which means in the district of confinement- validating the tactic of kidnapping people and rushing them to louisiana/texas in order to secure a more admin-friendly venue
stevevladeck.bsky.social Steve Vladeck @stevevladeck.bsky.social · Apr 7
#BREAKING: 5-4 Court, with Barrett joining the three Dem. appointees in dissent *vacates* Chief Judge Boasberg’s temporary restraining orders in the Alien Enemy Act cases. Judicial review must be available, Court holds, but has to come through habeas petitions:

www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
April 7, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Reposted by Evan Slovak
annabower.bsky.social
None of the top 10 Big Law firms have committed to signing an amicus brief in support of Perkins Coie.

As Ben Wittes writes in his column for Lawfare today:

“[A] very happy Liberation Day to all the law firms that have liberated themselves from their dignity.”

www.nytimes.com/2025/04/02/b...
In Trump’s Fight With Perkins Coie, the Richest Law Firms Are Staying Quiet
None of the nation’s top-10 firms by revenue have signed a legal brief demonstrating support for the law firm that is resisting an executive order.
www.nytimes.com
April 2, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Reposted by Evan Slovak
jamellebouie.net
i want nothing more than for jd vance to become a pariah whose name is a burden on him for the rest of his life.
atrupar.com Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · Apr 3
JD Vance claims the Maryland father the Trump administration mistakenly deported to a slave prison in El Salvador wasn't "father of the year" bc he had "traffic violations," and says "we do not ask permission from far left Democrats before we deport illegal immigrants."

(He's talking about judges)
April 3, 2025 at 1:41 PM
evanthios.bsky.social
marcelias.bsky.social Marc Elias @marcelias.bsky.social · Mar 28
Paul Weiss: We are pathetic.

Skadden: Hold our beer.
March 29, 2025 at 12:21 AM
evanthios.bsky.social
Bought a B&W Brother printer in my first semester of law school in 2014 and it’s still going strong across 11 years, and 3 moves, later
March 25, 2025 at 3:51 AM
evanthios.bsky.social
Utterly pathetic.
annabower.bsky.social Anna Bower @annabower.bsky.social · Mar 20
Trump rescinds his Executive Order targeting Paul, Weiss because the firm entered into an “agreement” with Trump.

According to the White House, Trump agreed to rescind after a meeting w/ Paul Weiss chairman Brad Karp, in which Karp “acknowledged the wrongdoing” of former partner Mark Pomerantz.
Today, President Donald J. Trump agreed to withdraw his March 14, 2025 Executive Order regarding the Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP law firm (“Paul, Weiss”), which has entered into the following agreement with the President:   1. Paul, Weiss agrees that the bedrock principle of American Justice is that it must be fair and nonpartisan for all. Our Justice System is betrayed when it is misused to achieve political ends. Lawyers and law firms play a vital role in ensuring that we live up to that standard as a Nation. Law firms should not favor any political party when it comes to choosing their clients. Firms also should not make decisions on whom to hire based on a person’s political affiliation. To do otherwise is to deny some Americans an equal opportunity for our services while favoring others.   Lawyers abandon the profession’s highest ideals when they engage in partisan decision-making, and betray the ethical obligation to represent those who are unpopular or disfavored in a particular environment.   2. Paul, Weiss affirms its unwavering commitment to these core ideals and principles, and will not deny representation to clients, including in pro bono matters and in support of non-profits, because of the personal political views of individual lawyers.   3. Paul, Weiss will take on a wide range of pro bono matters that represent the full spectrum of political viewpoints of our society, whether “conservative” or “liberal.” 4. Paul, Weiss affirms its commitment to merit-based hiring, promotion, and retention, and will not adopt, use, or pursue any DEI policies. As part of its commitment, it will engage experts, to be mutually agreed upon within 14 days, to conduct a comprehensive audit of all of its employment practices. 5. Paul, Weiss will dedicate the equivalent of $40 million in pro bono legal services over the course of President Trump’s term to support the Administration’s initiatives, including: assisting our Nation’s veterans, fairness in the Justice System, the President’s Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, and other mutually agreed projects. Statement from the White House: “The President is agreeing to this action in light of a meeting with Paul, Weiss Chairman, Brad Karp, during which Mr. Karp acknowledged the wrongdoing of former Paul, Weiss partner, Mark Pomerantz, the grave dangers of Weaponization, and the vital need to restore our System of Justice.” In response to the President’s announcement, Paul, Weiss’s Chairman Brad Karp said: “We are gratified that the President has agreed to withdraw the Executive Order concerning Paul, Weiss. We look forward to an engaged and constructive relationship with the President and his Administration.” 2. Paul, Weiss affirms its unwavering commitment to these core ideals and principles, and will not deny representation to clients, including in pro bono matters and in support of non-profits, because of the personal political views of individual lawyers.   3. Paul, Weiss will take on a wide range of pro bono matters that represent the full spectrum of political viewpoints of our society, whether “conservative” or “liberal.” 4. Paul, Weiss affirms its commitment to merit-based hiring, promotion, and retention, and will not adopt, use, or pursue any DEI policies. As part of its commitment, it will engage experts, to be mutually agreed upon within 14 days, to conduct a comprehensive audit of all of its employment practices. 5. Paul, Weiss will dedicate the equivalent of $40 million in pro bono legal services over the course of President Trump’s term to support the Administration’s initiatives, including: assisting our Nation’s veterans, fairness in the Justice System, the President’s Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, and other mutually agreed projects. Statement from the White House: “The President is agreeing to this action in light of a meeting with Paul, Weiss Chairman, Brad Karp, during which Mr. Karp acknowledged the wrongdoing of former Paul, Weiss partner, Mark Pomerantz, the grave dangers of Weaponization, and the vital need to restore our System of Justice.” In response to the President’s announcement, Paul, Weiss’s Chairman Brad Karp said: “We are gratified that the President has agreed to withdraw the Executive Order concerning Paul, Weiss. We look forward to an engaged and constructive relationship with the President and his Administration.”
March 20, 2025 at 11:24 PM
evanthios.bsky.social
Pomona College is also included on this list. Talk about an institution with a hefty endowment-to-student-population ratio that should be put to good use and push back on this nonsense
adamhsays.com Adam Harris @adamhsays.com · Mar 10
The Ed. Department's Office for Civil Rights sent letters to 60 additional institutions "warning them of potential enforcement actions" for "violations relating to antisemitic harassment and discrimination" including Harvard, Brown, Stanford, Princeton, UNC, and several UC's
U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights Sends Letters to 60 Universities Under Investigation for Antisemitic Discrimination and Harassment WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) sent letters to 60 institutions of higher education warning them of potential enforcement actions if they do not fulfill their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to protect Jewish students on campus, including uninterrupted access to campus facilities and educational opportunities. The letters are addressed to all U.S. universities that are presently under investigation for Title VI violations relating to antisemitic harassment and discrimination. “The Department is deeply disappointed that Jewish students studying on elite U.S. campuses continue to fear for their safety amid the relentless antisemitic eruptions that have severely disrupted campus life for more than a year. University leaders must do better,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “U.S. colleges and universities benefit from enormous public investments funded by U.S. taxpayers. That support is a privilege and it is contingent on scrupulous adherence to federal antidiscrimination laws.” The schools that received letters from the Office for Civil Rights include: American University Arizona State University Boston University Brown University California State University, Sacramento Chapman University Columbia University Cornell University Drexel University Eastern Washington University Emerson College George Mason University Harvard University Illinois Wesleyan University Indiana University, Bloomington Johns Hopkins University Lafayette College Lehigh University Middlebury College Muhlenberg College Northwestern University Ohio State University Pacific Lutheran University Pomona College Portland State University Princeton University Rutgers University Rutgers University-Newark Santa Monica College Sarah Lawrence College Stanford University State University of New York Binghamton State University of New York Rockland State University of New York, Purchase Swarthmore College Temple University The New School Tufts University Tulane University Union College University of California Davis University of California San Diego University of California Santa Barbara University of California, Berkeley University of Cincinnati University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Michigan University of Minnesota, Twin Cities University of North Carolina University of South Florida University of Southern California University of Tampa University of Tennessee University of Virginia University of Washington-Seattle University of Wisconsin, Madison Wellesley College Whitman College Yale University
March 10, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Reposted by Evan Slovak
scottjshapiro.bsky.social
Elon Musk and the DOGE engineers are the best argument for the Humanities
February 8, 2025 at 1:06 AM