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Scott R. Anderson @sranderson.bsky.social · 8d

As predicted, here is Judge Lamberth’s order suspending the RIF at USAGM and VOA. He pulls no punches; worth a read:

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

storage.courtlistener.com

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Scott R. Anderson @sranderson.bsky.social · 9d

We don't know the exact scope of what Judge Lamberth will issue. But he did ask plaintiffs for a proposed order, and was asking questions about whether the applicable standard changes if he enjoins the RIF directly versus enforcing his prior injunction. So, odds of RIF being enjoined seem good.

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Scott R. Anderson @sranderson.bsky.social · 9d

The stayed prong 1 of the injunction re: RIFs is also on appeal to the D.C. Circuit, which hear oral argument in the matter last week.

But prong 3 presents separate issues not yet before the appellate court (though it no doubt will be soon).

www.courtlistener.com/docket/69940...

Patsy Widakuswara v. Kari Lake, 25-5144 - CourtListener.com

Docket for Patsy Widakuswara v. Kari Lake, 25-5144 — Brought to you by Free Law Project, a non-profit dedicated to creating high quality open legal information.

www.courtlistener.com

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Scott R. Anderson @sranderson.bsky.social · 9d

This overlooked case is the absolute tip of the spear in terms of how district courts are going to have to manage the Trump administration's legally questionable dismantling of agencies.

We've been following in our weekly Lawfare Live discussions here:

www.lawfaremedia.org/article/lawf...

Lawfare Live: Trials of the Trump Administration, Sept. 26

Join the Lawfare team at 4 pm ET for a discussion of the litigation targeting actions from President Trump.

www.lawfaremedia.org

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Scott R. Anderson @sranderson.bsky.social · 9d

While it stayed another part of the injunction that previously enjoined RIFs, the en banc D.C. Circuit previously suggested prong 3 (which was never challenged by the gov't) could be a basis for enjoining RIFs.

I wrote about it here:

www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-...

The D.C. Circuit Has Quietly Set the Rules for Dismantling Government

Recent statements show how the court will review the Trump administration’s actions—at least until the Supreme Court says otherwise.

www.lawfaremedia.org

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Scott R. Anderson @sranderson.bsky.social · 9d

This would enforce prong 3 of the original injunction, which mandates VoA to resume its statutory minimum functions. The gov't maintains it's in compliance, but Lamberth has made clear he doesn't agree, allowing for, inter alia, the deposition of Kari Lake and other VoA officials.

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Scott R. Anderson @sranderson.bsky.social · 9d

In today's hearing in Widakuswara v. Lake re: the dismantling of Voice of America, Judge Lamberth just indicated he intends to issue an order later today enforcing his prior preliminary injunction, which—if as requested by plaintiffs—would pause RIFs there.

www.courtlistener.com/docket/69846...

WIDAKUSWARA v. LAKE, 1:25-cv-01015 - CourtListener.com

Docket for WIDAKUSWARA v. LAKE, 1:25-cv-01015 — Brought to you by Free Law Project, a non-profit dedicated to creating high quality open legal information.

www.courtlistener.com

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Scott R. Anderson @sranderson.bsky.social · 26d

This was a follow-up to this piece I wrote for @lawfaremedia.org last week, just after the strike:

www.lawfaremedia.org/article/did-...

Did the President’s Strike on Tren de Aragua Violate the Law?

By applying the tools of war to civilians, the Trump administration is entering unprecedented—and deeply problematic—legal territory.

www.lawfaremedia.org

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Scott R. Anderson @sranderson.bsky.social · 26d

Joined @gregsargent.bsky.social of @newrepublic.com on his "The Daily Blast" podcast to talk through the big legal questions raised by President Trump's recent lethal strike on Tren de Aragua. Listen here:

Greg Sargent @gregsargent.bsky.social · 26d

Awful: Sen Tim Kaine reached out to numerous GOP Senators to ask them to join his letter laying out basic questions for Trump about drug boat bombing, Senate staffer tells me. Zero Rs agreed.

On the pod we discuss this & deeper legal issues w/ @sranderson.bsky.social
newrepublic.com/article/2003...

Trump Drug Boat Bombing Takes Darker Turn as Damning New Info Emerges

As Trump’s decision to kill 11 drug smugglers in the Caribbean Sea suddenly starts looking even worse, a legal expert explains how brazenly Trump is stretching the law—and why it’s so unnerving.

newrepublic.com

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Reposted by Scott R. Anderson

Lawfare @lawfaremedia.org · Sep 5

Did the president's Venezuelan "boat strike" violate the law?

By applying the tools of war to civilians, writes @sranderson.bsky.social, the Trump administration is entering unprecedented—and deeply problematic—legal territory.

Read the piece here: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/did-...

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Reposted by Scott R. Anderson

Rebecca Ingber @becingber.bsky.social · Sep 4

I joined the @lawfaremedia.org gang today to discuss the legal implications of the U.S. “drug boat” strike. Thanks to @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org and @sranderson.bsky.social for having me on —

Lawfare @lawfaremedia.org · Sep 4

TODAY at 2:30 pm ET, join @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org, @sranderson.bsky.social, and @becingber.bsky.social for a live discussion of the U.S. strike on an alleged “drug boat” in Venezuela, the gathering of U.S. troops and warships in the Caribbean, and more.
youtube.com/live/N5LVn-8...

Lawfare Live: U.S. Military Conducts Lethal Strike on Venezuelan ‘Drug Boat’

YouTube video by Lawfare

youtube.com

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Reposted by Scott R. Anderson

Lawfare @lawfaremedia.org · Aug 29

In 1 hour, join @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org, @sranderson.bsky.social, @annabower.bsky.social, James Pearce, Loren Voss, and @qjurecic.bsky.social will discuss the legality of the White House canceling $4.9B in foreign aid, this morning's hearing over Fed gov. Lisa Cook's firing, and more.

Lawfare Live: Trials of the Trump Administration, Aug. 29

YouTube video by Lawfare

youtube.com

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Reposted by Scott R. Anderson

Lawfare @lawfaremedia.org · Aug 17

RSVP today to join Lawfare on Sept. 19 to celebrate our 15 year anniversary—a decade and a half of rigorous analysis, trusted insight, and independent journalism at the intersection of national security, law, and policy!

givebutter.com/lawfare15

Lawfare's 15-Year Anniversary Celebration

A milestone moment for Lawfare—and the impact you have made possible

givebutter.com

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Reposted by Scott R. Anderson

Lawfare @lawfaremedia.org · Aug 15

In 1 hour, watch @benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org, @annabower.bsky.social, @rparloff.bsky.social , @sranderson.bsky.social, and @chrismirasola.bsky.social discuss today's hearing in D.C.'s suit challenging the Trump admin's take over of the police department, the hearing in Newsom v. Trump & more.

Lawfare Live: Trials of the Trump Administration, Aug. 15

YouTube video by Lawfare

youtube.com

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Reposted by Scott R. Anderson

RobertNDouglass🇺🇳🇵🇸🇺🇦🇷🇺🇰🇷🇯🇵 @realantipartisan.bsky.social · Aug 15

Washington Journal
#CSPAN #CSPANWJ
Skeet at @c-span.bsky.social and cspanwj.bsky.social

Brookings Institution's Scott Anderson
@sranderson.bsky.social on Constitutional authority Presidents have to deploy National Guard, role of Armed Forces in domestic situations.

LIVE: tinyurl.com/ye924826

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Scott R. Anderson @sranderson.bsky.social · Aug 14

They are absolutely unreal, and I feel like a fool for having ever doubted @smittenkitchen.bsky.social.

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Scott R. Anderson @sranderson.bsky.social · Aug 13

I'm sure it varies a bit place to place, but highlighting a demonstrated capacity for rigorous analytical thinking, work ethic, and/or a commitment to broader justice issues (however construed) is usually useful!

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Reposted by Scott R. Anderson

Lawfare @lawfaremedia.org · Aug 11

Come work for Lawfare!

We are hiring a new associate editor.

Associate editors work with authors to edit articles, host podcasts, have opportunities to write articles, and more! The deadline to apply is Sep. 2, 2025. www.lawfaremedia.org/article/come...

Come Work With Us—As Our New Associate Editor!

The Lawfare Institute—publisher of information and insight at the intersection of national security, law and policy—seeks a motivated full-time associate editor based in Washington, DC.

www.lawfaremedia.org

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Reposted by Scott R. Anderson

Lawfare @lawfaremedia.org · Jul 23

Today's Lawfare Daily is 2 conversations @sranderson.bsky.social had at the Aspen Security Forum. First he spoke with @shashj.bsky.social discuss the new dynamics surrounding European security. Then he sat down with Iris Ferguson (@csis.org) to discuss the strategic significance of the Arctic.

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Reposted by Scott R. Anderson

Lawfare @lawfaremedia.org · Jul 21

It's the "Live from Aspen edition!

@sranderson.bsky.social sat down with @shaneharris.bsky.social, @markleongoldberg.bsky.social, and @alexward.bsky.social live from the Aspen Security Forum to discuss what foreign ministers were talking about, the hottest topic at the form, AI, and more.

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Reposted by Scott R. Anderson

Eric Columbus @ericcolumbus.bsky.social · Jul 15

I'm in @lawfaremedia.org on DOJ's new citizenship-stripping initiative. Will they try to denaturalize Mamdani, Musk, Rosie O'Donnell? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ But there's a long history here, and (for now) real legal limits.

BONUS: I link to a relevant Mamdani rap track.

www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...

What to Make of the Justice Department’s Denaturalization Initiative

The policy will terrify some naturalized citizens without cause and may dissuade others from naturalizing or coming to the United States in the first place.

www.lawfaremedia.org

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Scott R. Anderson @sranderson.bsky.social · Jul 11

My friends and former colleagues at the State Department are some of the most committed public servants I know. They've committed careers to our country and in many cases put their lives on the line for it.

They deserve so much better than this arbitrary and capricious nonsense.

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Reposted by Scott R. Anderson

Nahal Toosi @nahaltoosi.bsky.social · Jul 11

1/I’ve obtained a farewell note a person in the human rights bureau sent out to his colleagues after being fired from the State Department today. A few tidbits from it:

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Scott R. Anderson @sranderson.bsky.social · Jul 11

Don't even get me started on artificial strength, dexterity, constitution, and charisma.

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Scott R. Anderson @sranderson.bsky.social · Jul 9

Regardless, I don't think this is a major green light as some are saying.

Instead, it just means agencies will be able to develop RIF and downsizing plans to implement the EO and OMB directive—and once they do, those plans can be challenged and enjoined.

Indeed, that's what I expect to happen.

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