John Walson
@walsonbot.bsky.social
Neither a lawyer nor a political scientist. Even my sarcasm is sincere.
AtlUtd, Everton, Georgetown (it’s been a rough few years)
AtlUtd, Everton, Georgetown (it’s been a rough few years)
Reposted by John Walson
Nice to see a Democratic Senator speak directly about Trump administration criminality without couching it in careful consultant-speak or trying to force it into an economic frame.
But Hegseth won’t be fired for war crimes. He was appointed *because* he advocates war crimes.
It’s up to Congress.
But Hegseth won’t be fired for war crimes. He was appointed *because* he advocates war crimes.
It’s up to Congress.
Pete Hegseth is a war criminal and should be fired immediately.
November 30, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Nice to see a Democratic Senator speak directly about Trump administration criminality without couching it in careful consultant-speak or trying to force it into an economic frame.
But Hegseth won’t be fired for war crimes. He was appointed *because* he advocates war crimes.
It’s up to Congress.
But Hegseth won’t be fired for war crimes. He was appointed *because* he advocates war crimes.
It’s up to Congress.
Reposted by John Walson
Not one but *two* GOP senators flirted with opposing Hegseth, chickened out for fear of drawing a 2026 primary challenger, and then decided not to run anyway.
Remember, too, that Hegseth would have been rejected if a single additional Republican senator — or, JD Vance — had joined Sen. Collins, McConnell, and Murkowski in voting no with the Democrats. See: www.senate.gov/legislative/...
November 29, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Not one but *two* GOP senators flirted with opposing Hegseth, chickened out for fear of drawing a 2026 primary challenger, and then decided not to run anyway.
Reposted by John Walson
Demolishing the East Wing of the White House before finalizing plans for what will be built above its ruins is a near-perfect metaphor for Trump's approach to economic policy. The only difference is the wrecking crew doesn’t claim the rubble is evidence of unprecedented growth.
November 29, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Demolishing the East Wing of the White House before finalizing plans for what will be built above its ruins is a near-perfect metaphor for Trump's approach to economic policy. The only difference is the wrecking crew doesn’t claim the rubble is evidence of unprecedented growth.
Reposted by John Walson
Thread about an actual drug smuggler who’s about to be pardoned by Trump
Juan Orlando Hernandez was convicted by a jury of conspiring to traffic 400 tons of cocaine into the United States.
November 28, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Thread about an actual drug smuggler who’s about to be pardoned by Trump
Reposted by John Walson
If I were Real Madrid I would pick a different player at one of my rivals every week to make a public announcement that I have no intention of signing him, he’s shit actually
November 28, 2025 at 12:05 PM
If I were Real Madrid I would pick a different player at one of my rivals every week to make a public announcement that I have no intention of signing him, he’s shit actually
Reposted by John Walson
DeSantis is about to extend his “state of emergency” over immigration for the 19th time.
This started in 2023.
It enables him to suspend all kinds of laws and regulations he doesn’t like—many of them on issues (like porta-pottys ) unrelated to immigration. ⤵️
www.miamiherald.com/news/politic...
This started in 2023.
It enables him to suspend all kinds of laws and regulations he doesn’t like—many of them on issues (like porta-pottys ) unrelated to immigration. ⤵️
www.miamiherald.com/news/politic...
November 28, 2025 at 12:49 PM
DeSantis is about to extend his “state of emergency” over immigration for the 19th time.
This started in 2023.
It enables him to suspend all kinds of laws and regulations he doesn’t like—many of them on issues (like porta-pottys ) unrelated to immigration. ⤵️
www.miamiherald.com/news/politic...
This started in 2023.
It enables him to suspend all kinds of laws and regulations he doesn’t like—many of them on issues (like porta-pottys ) unrelated to immigration. ⤵️
www.miamiherald.com/news/politic...
Reposted by John Walson
All of you know Trump is the US president who surrendered in Afghanistan, right? Made a deal in 2020 cutting out the Afghan govt, let thousands of Taliban fighters out of jail in exchange for nothing.
I know the "everything in 2020 was Biden's fault, not Trump's" rule, I just don't agree with it.
I know the "everything in 2020 was Biden's fault, not Trump's" rule, I just don't agree with it.
November 27, 2025 at 5:32 PM
All of you know Trump is the US president who surrendered in Afghanistan, right? Made a deal in 2020 cutting out the Afghan govt, let thousands of Taliban fighters out of jail in exchange for nothing.
I know the "everything in 2020 was Biden's fault, not Trump's" rule, I just don't agree with it.
I know the "everything in 2020 was Biden's fault, not Trump's" rule, I just don't agree with it.
Reposted by John Walson
I don’t know who needs to read this but the Farragut Metro station is not the White House.
November 27, 2025 at 12:52 AM
I don’t know who needs to read this but the Farragut Metro station is not the White House.
Some things are good
OK - pie discourse - best pie story:
In 2016, we were living in Andover, in the UK. My wife was assigned as an exchange officer at the Army Air Corps base at Middle Wallop (yes, really).*
The US Army has a tradition: senior leaders, in dress uniform, serve junior troops Thanksgiving dinner.
/1
In 2016, we were living in Andover, in the UK. My wife was assigned as an exchange officer at the Army Air Corps base at Middle Wallop (yes, really).*
The US Army has a tradition: senior leaders, in dress uniform, serve junior troops Thanksgiving dinner.
/1
November 27, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Some things are good
Reposted by John Walson
Commentary: As Trump threatens Colorado's Rep. Crow with death, recall the Army captain who refused orders in 1864 and today is remembered with reverence for his defiance.
From Big Pivots
From Big Pivots
An Army captain who refused orders in 1864 today is remembered with reverence for his defiance | Colorado Newsline
The Sand Creek Massacre comes to mind in reading about U.S. Rep. Jason Crow's call for members of the U.S. military to refuse illegal orders.
coloradonewsline.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Commentary: As Trump threatens Colorado's Rep. Crow with death, recall the Army captain who refused orders in 1864 and today is remembered with reverence for his defiance.
From Big Pivots
From Big Pivots
Reposted by John Walson
This is called “chain refoulment” and it’s illegal under both U.S. and international law. And the State Department and ICE know very well what Ghana is doing and simply don’t care.
ICE deported a woman who owned a home in the US for 30 years. A judge banned ICE from deporting her to Sierra Leone where she had been tortured, so it deported her to Ghana, which kidnapped her and sent her back Sierra Leone anyway. ICE is part of this illegal conspiracy.
November 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM
This is called “chain refoulment” and it’s illegal under both U.S. and international law. And the State Department and ICE know very well what Ghana is doing and simply don’t care.
Reposted by John Walson
In fairness, accusing the current pope of being the antichrist is one of Peter Thiel’s most traditionalist and conservative behaviors
In leaked audio recordings, Peter Thiel reveals he told JD Vance to ignore Pope Leo XIV on moral issues, including the development of ethical AI. He also suggested the American pope was a tool of the Antichrist.
NEW: JD Vance’s Top Donor Suggests Pope Leo XIV is Antichrist
In a leaked lecture, Peter Thiel says he’s urged Vance to ignore the pope on moral questions — and simply pray for him.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:58 PM
In fairness, accusing the current pope of being the antichrist is one of Peter Thiel’s most traditionalist and conservative behaviors
Reposted by John Walson
Democracy dies in dampness
At this point, the Washpost edit page is just trolling its readers.
This is today's actual house editorial.
This is today's actual house editorial.
November 25, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Democracy dies in dampness
Reposted by John Walson
Bernie Sanders had centered economics as much as anyone — did that free him from being attacked in culturally coded terms? Uh, no.
You don’t get credit for the distancing, you just demobilize your own people while your opponents define you anyway.
8/
You don’t get credit for the distancing, you just demobilize your own people while your opponents define you anyway.
8/
November 24, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Bernie Sanders had centered economics as much as anyone — did that free him from being attacked in culturally coded terms? Uh, no.
You don’t get credit for the distancing, you just demobilize your own people while your opponents define you anyway.
8/
You don’t get credit for the distancing, you just demobilize your own people while your opponents define you anyway.
8/
Reposted by John Walson
The thing I wish people like Carville et al would realize is that you cannot have ‘pure populist economic rage’ if you leave out the ‘woke’ bits. It doesn’t work like that.
It’s weird to me they don’t see this, so let’s see if we can walk it out.
1/
It’s weird to me they don’t see this, so let’s see if we can walk it out.
1/
November 24, 2025 at 9:16 PM
The thing I wish people like Carville et al would realize is that you cannot have ‘pure populist economic rage’ if you leave out the ‘woke’ bits. It doesn’t work like that.
It’s weird to me they don’t see this, so let’s see if we can walk it out.
1/
It’s weird to me they don’t see this, so let’s see if we can walk it out.
1/
Reposted by John Walson
That’s not true, and even if it were, it would be partial equilibrium thinking. The kind of member we get is at least partially endogenous to the compensation structure we create.
November 24, 2025 at 10:47 PM
That’s not true, and even if it were, it would be partial equilibrium thinking. The kind of member we get is at least partially endogenous to the compensation structure we create.
Reposted by John Walson
"If the person is a U.S. citizen or otherwise lawfully in the United States, that individual will be free to go after the brief encounter."
--Brett Kavanaugh, Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo
newrepublic.com/post/203600/...
--Brett Kavanaugh, Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo
newrepublic.com/post/203600/...
“I Don’t Care”: ICE Detains High Schooler After He Says He’s a Citizen
ICE agents violently arrested a high school student on his lunch break—even though he was American.
newrepublic.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:23 PM
"If the person is a U.S. citizen or otherwise lawfully in the United States, that individual will be free to go after the brief encounter."
--Brett Kavanaugh, Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo
newrepublic.com/post/203600/...
--Brett Kavanaugh, Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo
newrepublic.com/post/203600/...
Reposted by John Walson
Everton had a man sent off for slapping his teammate in the face and are currently (correctly) being described on the postgame show as magnificent.
God I love this sport.
God I love this sport.
November 24, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Everton had a man sent off for slapping his teammate in the face and are currently (correctly) being described on the postgame show as magnificent.
God I love this sport.
God I love this sport.
I don’t think this is correct. This line pertains to Bondi’s October 31 “ratification” of the indictment — and at that time the case had not been dismissed.
Now that it has, the statutory extension could apply. I don’t know if it would, but the opinion offers no insight into the question.
Now that it has, the statutory extension could apply. I don’t know if it would, but the opinion offers no insight into the question.
MORE: Judge Currie basically slams the door on re-indicting Comey here. She notes that "there is no legitimate peg" to extend the expired Sept. 30 statute of limitations. The window for James is a little wider. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
November 24, 2025 at 8:36 PM
I don’t think this is correct. This line pertains to Bondi’s October 31 “ratification” of the indictment — and at that time the case had not been dismissed.
Now that it has, the statutory extension could apply. I don’t know if it would, but the opinion offers no insight into the question.
Now that it has, the statutory extension could apply. I don’t know if it would, but the opinion offers no insight into the question.
Reposted by John Walson
if i ever said something this insane on national television i definitely would not do so in front of a backdrop with my full name written all over it
"I agree with what the president did" -- Lisa McClain supports Trump saying Democrats committed crimes punishable by death
November 24, 2025 at 3:58 PM
if i ever said something this insane on national television i definitely would not do so in front of a backdrop with my full name written all over it
Reposted by John Walson
As we all wait for Callais to come down, our piece showing that Shelby County increased the racial turnout gap in most of the covered parts of the country has cleared the replication check and is incoming at JOP.
Gutting the VRA was bad, actually.
Gutting the VRA was bad, actually.
November 24, 2025 at 12:47 AM
As we all wait for Callais to come down, our piece showing that Shelby County increased the racial turnout gap in most of the covered parts of the country has cleared the replication check and is incoming at JOP.
Gutting the VRA was bad, actually.
Gutting the VRA was bad, actually.
Reposted by John Walson
The US stance has gone:
1) US plan to end the war that Ukraine better accept or else
2) Not a US plan, a list of Russian asks (which the US presented for, uh, reasons)
3) US plan with Russian and Ukrainian input
Not a US plan and input from Ukraine likely both lies. Where will the lying go next?
1) US plan to end the war that Ukraine better accept or else
2) Not a US plan, a list of Russian asks (which the US presented for, uh, reasons)
3) US plan with Russian and Ukrainian input
Not a US plan and input from Ukraine likely both lies. Where will the lying go next?
State Dept. Spokesperson now refuting GOP and Dem senators’ account of their joint briefing from Rubio - and claiming the 28 point plan IS authored by the US.
Hard to believe several senators would have fundamentally misunderstood what Rubio told them.
Breathtakingly dysfunctional government.
Hard to believe several senators would have fundamentally misunderstood what Rubio told them.
Breathtakingly dysfunctional government.
November 23, 2025 at 3:02 AM
The US stance has gone:
1) US plan to end the war that Ukraine better accept or else
2) Not a US plan, a list of Russian asks (which the US presented for, uh, reasons)
3) US plan with Russian and Ukrainian input
Not a US plan and input from Ukraine likely both lies. Where will the lying go next?
1) US plan to end the war that Ukraine better accept or else
2) Not a US plan, a list of Russian asks (which the US presented for, uh, reasons)
3) US plan with Russian and Ukrainian input
Not a US plan and input from Ukraine likely both lies. Where will the lying go next?
Reposted by John Walson
people are reading "catch-and-kill" in the journalistic sense but she was probably just finding raccoons for him to eat
November 22, 2025 at 3:04 PM
people are reading "catch-and-kill" in the journalistic sense but she was probably just finding raccoons for him to eat
Reposted by John Walson
They are literally firing all the judges they think might grant relief. They just fired a friend of mine a couple hours ago. They have no shame. The bastards want an assembly line for deportations and nothing more; rubber-stamping bootlickers who’ll yes’sir at every new diktat to deny.
Instead of hiring more immigration judges, the Department of Justice just posted an ad for "deportation judges." join.justice.gov
November 21, 2025 at 11:17 PM
They are literally firing all the judges they think might grant relief. They just fired a friend of mine a couple hours ago. They have no shame. The bastards want an assembly line for deportations and nothing more; rubber-stamping bootlickers who’ll yes’sir at every new diktat to deny.