Today, for the first time in American history, a former president of the United States will appear at a federal courthouse to be arraigned on criminal charges. The indictment against Trump alleges that he took hundreds of classified documents from the White House to his social club in Florida, where he stored them in cardboard boxes along with newspaper clippings and other miscellanea. The boxes containing classified materials ended up in storage closets, ballrooms, and bathrooms without meaningful security measures — all while thousands of people visited the club.
Of course it’s unprecedented. No other president or former president has acted on such a willfully irresponsible and self aggrandizing manner. Whining about precedent is their way of admitting Trump is guilty and they don’t care.
The Wall Street Journal's Editorial Board is instructed to keep the country club republicans from defecting. Plus, those who cite the Clintons and Biden for "doing the same thing" fail to understand that "whataboutism" never works in a courtroom.
In my opinion, the more dangerous precedent would be to let a deranged and criminal president off the hook, while he and his followers tirelessly endeavor to make the whole of this beautiful country tfg's personal fiefdom.
As a "free society" we cannot abide this behavior.
Cannot even watch news anymore without stress because every segment is through political lens and always on trump's behalf, "how will this affect HIS campaign" -what happened to reporting on facts, on implications of his behaviors. I have yet to hear one story on negative impact of trump presidency, damage done to the country still rippling out, then the "hosts" feel compelled to invite GOP members who spin and spin. Thanks Judd for keeping it real. If only someone mailed/emailed every American a copy of the indictment and they read it, would be interesting to see if eyes opened. What's truly dangerous is that Garland has yet to address members of Congress involved in 1/6 and likely will not at all. Also GOP literally IS weaponizing the federal government while accusing DOJ of same, media says "both sides"
Garland has been such a disappointment. Would have made a good Supreme Ct Judge but he’s been overly cautious as head of DOJ. clearly there are members of Congress that should be investigated for their part in sedition. It’s dangerous not to.
I’m hoping that Jordan and his ilk will be subpoenaed during the Jan. 6 investigation that Jack Smith is also working on. Remember that MTG asked for a preemptive pardon...wonder why!
Given the current political climate, Garland's caution may be justified. It seems he only allows charges when the evidence of a case is a slam dunk. TFG has been able to find lawyers throughout his whole life that successfully drag out cases, find miniscule but exploitable weaknesses, and basically get their boss off. Better a slow lead up to the slam dunk than a technical dismissal.
Well said. Although I've been frustrated by Garland's somnolent pace, he's who we've got and he seems to be pursuing cases with little room for criticism and high probability of success.
Consider the huge scope of this investigation and that the GOP has been pushing to downsize the FBI. Where are these investigators supposed to come from? And why do you even think Garland is a disappointment, is it because you think these cases against Trump and many others should take only a few months? Watergate took 3 years.
I would have preferred a speedy trial on the Jan 6 insurrection myself, but it may be that MG decided, wisely IMO, that the Mar A Lago case has a better chance of securing a conviction of, and thereby allowing the US to finally isolate and quarantine, Dolt45. He and his cult are the clear and present danger.
We don't know if those congress persons are being investigated. The Jan. 6 investigation is also run by Jack Smith and he doesn't speak until he is ready to indict.
Stopped watching the "news" a couple of years ago. Couldn't believe the efforts of every outlet to "both sides" the most outrageous behavior. Normalizing the abnormal to the country's detriment.
When Trump took office after the 2016 election "alternate facts" became the standard for his administration and the mainstream media sucked it up like spaghetti noodles in a bowl. That 1% ownership knows how to keep their tax cut. Rupert Murdoch owns the WSJ, a once respected source, that is just blowing out feathers of Fox News spiel in a fancier publication to a higher grade reader, but one just as easily "out Foxed"
Thank you Judd for telling the truth and presenting real facts. Your audience appreciates you.
Spot on Cathy b! When we allowed the nuttiest, wealthiest right wingers to monopolize our news sources, we opened the door to fascism. Spouting their deluded lies through the press has been incredibly helpful to criminals. And it gave permission for the MAGA scum to attack innocent people. There won’t be enough MAGA style leaders to come to trump’s rescue this time. They are being imprisoned. Trump has put the US in a very dangerous position on national security, he has raped women, he has colluded with Russia, he incited an insurrection. The right wing can scream as loud as they want…it’s over for trump.
I was going to write the same thing as Mark H Jones. Nobody met with Russians in secret the way trump did. Hilary Clinton nor Biden raped & paid off victims! Neither of these two are psychopaths, narcissists or sociopaths the way trump is. He is a violent deadly insurrectionist. The fact that Trump has been free this long is what is truly unprecedented!
Prosecute and risk violence. Not prosecute and risk the democracy. What a choice.
In hindsight, it seems a mistake to have not indicted and prosecuted the confederate leadership; Spiro Agnew, and Richard Nixon. Not having done so set a precedent and each eroded democracy at the cost of short-lived ‘peace’.
I researched your assertion and according to accounts at the time. He plead nolo contendere, was sentenced to 3 yrs probation, and walked out of the courtroom.
United States v. Agnew, 428 F. Supp. 1293 (D. Md. 1977)
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland - 428 F. Supp. 1293 (D. Md. 1977)
March 22, 1977
428 F. Supp. 1293 (1977)
UNITED STATES of America
v.
Spiro T. AGNEW.
Crim. No. 73-0535.
United States District Court, D. Maryland.
March 22, 1977.
*1294 Paul R. Kramer, Deputy U. S. Atty., Maryland, Baltimore, Md., for the government.
W. Lee Harrison, Towson, Md., for defendant.
THOMSEN, Senior District Judge.
On October 10, 1973, Spiro T. Agnew, the defendant herein, entered a plea of nolo contendere to a one count criminal information charging him with evasion of federal income taxes in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7201. On the same day Judge Walter E. Hoffman, of the Eastern District of Virginia, sitting by designation, accepted that plea and imposed a sentence of a $10,000 fine and three years unsupervised probation. The plea was entered immediately after Agnew had resigned as Vice President of the United States. As part of an agreement leading to that resignation, the Attorney General recommended to Judge Hoffman in open court that no prison sentence be imposed.
May true justice be served. But I am very concerned about the potential violence today and in the future. Because of DeFascist, the streets will be filled with open carried guns today. Because of DeFascist someone can kill a LEO today because of the stand your ground law. Because of DeFascist a white supremacist can run over and kill counter protesters with their car today. It’s quite terrifying
Katie, Defascist will fail brilliantly in a national race. Anti-abortion, anti-people of color, anti- LGBTQIA, anti science, pro christian religion takeover, pro-school children murderers, pro-fascism. His campaign will wither & die.
Complaints about the Trump indictments are coming from (who else) The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Editorial Board, led by the detestable Kimberly Strassel. The WSJ is a Rupert Murdoch-owned company. The same Rupert Murdoch who owns Fox News Corp. you know, the “news” corporation that just settled a defamation lawsuit with Dominion for almost 800 million dollars and fired Tucker Carlson because of his lies and innuendo in connection with that case. And, gee, they are now sending Carlson, one of the creatures they enabled, a “cease and desist” letter because he has broken the terms of his contract and continued to spew lies on Twitter through a “newly-created” show. In my opinion, Strassel, and a few others at the WSJ need to go the same route as Carlson. They are part of what has turned a once-good paper into a rag.
Does anyone know what happened to the "Smartmatic" case against FOX for even more money? I wonder if they will include complaints against WSJ coverage that was biased?
Thank you for examining the arguments that others crossed the lines that Trump crossed--e.g., Hillary, Joe, and Bill's sock drawer. As we all know, UNPRECEDENTED describes the outrageousness of our experience with DJT. Has anyone remembered how Trump's presidential intel briefers said that it was hard to hold his attention during these briefings so they attempted to make charts and use pictures to hold his interest? I would guess that he requested that those be put aside so that he could learn more about them afterwards from his close advisors, such as when Steve Bannon had access to the White House, or maybe Jared or Stephen Miller. The sheer number of boxes would cover many months of information and process--our history!
Trump continuously used his insecure personal cell phone to communicate with everyone from Fox News hosts to members of his administration and family members. "Lock him up!"
Lost in the ether was the reality of Hillary's server. 1) She set it up on advice of Colin Powell who had done the same thing. 2) It was never hacked. It was, in fact, more secure than the State Department's servers. This gets lost when supposedly responsible news outlets like the New York Times run incessant stories that scream disinformation based on lies leaked to them by Rudy Giuliani and his BFFs in the NY FBI office.
Your last paragraph is perfect. As with Nixon being pardoned, it sets a precedent. This indictment, whether Trump is found guilty or not, also vindicates millions of Americans. People who looked at this all clear-headed in 2016 and knew that DJT was unfit to serve.
It should be a smack in the face to the millions who voted, again in 2020, for this person who cares not one whit about our country, peace, or people. This indictment is also, for me personally, an “up yours” to the 73 million people who voted for him in 2020. I’m afraid to say it feels good, though the overall situation deeply saddens me.
After this, there should be clear lines. To support Trump now is to be against the country. I cannot see it any other way. The arguments on whether this man is capable of the office are over.
Not unlike Dominion’s case against Fox, the evidence Jack Smith has amassed is indisputable. What else can MAGA-world and WSJ do but distract from obvious guilt with false equivalency?
Of course it’s unprecedented. No other president or former president has acted on such a willfully irresponsible and self aggrandizing manner. Whining about precedent is their way of admitting Trump is guilty and they don’t care.
The Wall Street Journal's Editorial Board is instructed to keep the country club republicans from defecting. Plus, those who cite the Clintons and Biden for "doing the same thing" fail to understand that "whataboutism" never works in a courtroom.
I noticed that the shrill shrieking cited by Judd is from Faux, NY Post and WSJ. All are Murdoch properties. Coincidence? Rags are gonna rag.
They also seem to fail to understand that “unprecedented” does not mean “illegal” or “impossible.”
Morning Judd,
In my opinion, the more dangerous precedent would be to let a deranged and criminal president off the hook, while he and his followers tirelessly endeavor to make the whole of this beautiful country tfg's personal fiefdom.
As a "free society" we cannot abide this behavior.
Let the chips fall where they may.
Cannot even watch news anymore without stress because every segment is through political lens and always on trump's behalf, "how will this affect HIS campaign" -what happened to reporting on facts, on implications of his behaviors. I have yet to hear one story on negative impact of trump presidency, damage done to the country still rippling out, then the "hosts" feel compelled to invite GOP members who spin and spin. Thanks Judd for keeping it real. If only someone mailed/emailed every American a copy of the indictment and they read it, would be interesting to see if eyes opened. What's truly dangerous is that Garland has yet to address members of Congress involved in 1/6 and likely will not at all. Also GOP literally IS weaponizing the federal government while accusing DOJ of same, media says "both sides"
Garland has been such a disappointment. Would have made a good Supreme Ct Judge but he’s been overly cautious as head of DOJ. clearly there are members of Congress that should be investigated for their part in sedition. It’s dangerous not to.
I’m hoping that Jordan and his ilk will be subpoenaed during the Jan. 6 investigation that Jack Smith is also working on. Remember that MTG asked for a preemptive pardon...wonder why!
She is said to have given tours of the Capitol days before the attack.
Given the current political climate, Garland's caution may be justified. It seems he only allows charges when the evidence of a case is a slam dunk. TFG has been able to find lawyers throughout his whole life that successfully drag out cases, find miniscule but exploitable weaknesses, and basically get their boss off. Better a slow lead up to the slam dunk than a technical dismissal.
Well said. Although I've been frustrated by Garland's somnolent pace, he's who we've got and he seems to be pursuing cases with little room for criticism and high probability of success.
Consider the huge scope of this investigation and that the GOP has been pushing to downsize the FBI. Where are these investigators supposed to come from? And why do you even think Garland is a disappointment, is it because you think these cases against Trump and many others should take only a few months? Watergate took 3 years.
I would have preferred a speedy trial on the Jan 6 insurrection myself, but it may be that MG decided, wisely IMO, that the Mar A Lago case has a better chance of securing a conviction of, and thereby allowing the US to finally isolate and quarantine, Dolt45. He and his cult are the clear and present danger.
We don't know if those congress persons are being investigated. The Jan. 6 investigation is also run by Jack Smith and he doesn't speak until he is ready to indict.
Stopped watching the "news" a couple of years ago. Couldn't believe the efforts of every outlet to "both sides" the most outrageous behavior. Normalizing the abnormal to the country's detriment.
That both sides ish makes me wanna tear the utterer's hair out!!!
When Trump took office after the 2016 election "alternate facts" became the standard for his administration and the mainstream media sucked it up like spaghetti noodles in a bowl. That 1% ownership knows how to keep their tax cut. Rupert Murdoch owns the WSJ, a once respected source, that is just blowing out feathers of Fox News spiel in a fancier publication to a higher grade reader, but one just as easily "out Foxed"
Thank you Judd for telling the truth and presenting real facts. Your audience appreciates you.
Spot on Cathy b! When we allowed the nuttiest, wealthiest right wingers to monopolize our news sources, we opened the door to fascism. Spouting their deluded lies through the press has been incredibly helpful to criminals. And it gave permission for the MAGA scum to attack innocent people. There won’t be enough MAGA style leaders to come to trump’s rescue this time. They are being imprisoned. Trump has put the US in a very dangerous position on national security, he has raped women, he has colluded with Russia, he incited an insurrection. The right wing can scream as loud as they want…it’s over for trump.
Yep. Murdocohian spin, a la Succession.
I was going to write the same thing as Mark H Jones. Nobody met with Russians in secret the way trump did. Hilary Clinton nor Biden raped & paid off victims! Neither of these two are psychopaths, narcissists or sociopaths the way trump is. He is a violent deadly insurrectionist. The fact that Trump has been free this long is what is truly unprecedented!
Prosecute and risk violence. Not prosecute and risk the democracy. What a choice.
In hindsight, it seems a mistake to have not indicted and prosecuted the confederate leadership; Spiro Agnew, and Richard Nixon. Not having done so set a precedent and each eroded democracy at the cost of short-lived ‘peace’.
I agree. That was a huge mistake
Well, Agnew did go to jail.
I researched your assertion and according to accounts at the time. He plead nolo contendere, was sentenced to 3 yrs probation, and walked out of the courtroom.
United States v. Agnew, 428 F. Supp. 1293 (D. Md. 1977)
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland - 428 F. Supp. 1293 (D. Md. 1977)
March 22, 1977
428 F. Supp. 1293 (1977)
UNITED STATES of America
v.
Spiro T. AGNEW.
Crim. No. 73-0535.
United States District Court, D. Maryland.
March 22, 1977.
*1294 Paul R. Kramer, Deputy U. S. Atty., Maryland, Baltimore, Md., for the government.
W. Lee Harrison, Towson, Md., for defendant.
THOMSEN, Senior District Judge.
On October 10, 1973, Spiro T. Agnew, the defendant herein, entered a plea of nolo contendere to a one count criminal information charging him with evasion of federal income taxes in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7201. On the same day Judge Walter E. Hoffman, of the Eastern District of Virginia, sitting by designation, accepted that plea and imposed a sentence of a $10,000 fine and three years unsupervised probation. The plea was entered immediately after Agnew had resigned as Vice President of the United States. As part of an agreement leading to that resignation, the Attorney General recommended to Judge Hoffman in open court that no prison sentence be imposed.
I regret that I didn't check my memory, which is a little spotty these days. Thank you.
Great reporting as always. If only facts had any meaning or impact in this environment.
May true justice be served. But I am very concerned about the potential violence today and in the future. Because of DeFascist, the streets will be filled with open carried guns today. Because of DeFascist someone can kill a LEO today because of the stand your ground law. Because of DeFascist a white supremacist can run over and kill counter protesters with their car today. It’s quite terrifying
Katie, Defascist will fail brilliantly in a national race. Anti-abortion, anti-people of color, anti- LGBTQIA, anti science, pro christian religion takeover, pro-school children murderers, pro-fascism. His campaign will wither & die.
It already seems DeathSentence can't take the heat.
https://images.app.goo.gl/McvSfMJCi4PXxwTx6
😄I love it!!!
Complaints about the Trump indictments are coming from (who else) The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Editorial Board, led by the detestable Kimberly Strassel. The WSJ is a Rupert Murdoch-owned company. The same Rupert Murdoch who owns Fox News Corp. you know, the “news” corporation that just settled a defamation lawsuit with Dominion for almost 800 million dollars and fired Tucker Carlson because of his lies and innuendo in connection with that case. And, gee, they are now sending Carlson, one of the creatures they enabled, a “cease and desist” letter because he has broken the terms of his contract and continued to spew lies on Twitter through a “newly-created” show. In my opinion, Strassel, and a few others at the WSJ need to go the same route as Carlson. They are part of what has turned a once-good paper into a rag.
Does anyone know what happened to the "Smartmatic" case against FOX for even more money? I wonder if they will include complaints against WSJ coverage that was biased?
The editorial pages of the WSJ were pretty darn right before Murdoch.
👏
Absolutely correct and crystal clear, Judd. As always, you take an original approach to the day’s horrors.
Thank you for examining the arguments that others crossed the lines that Trump crossed--e.g., Hillary, Joe, and Bill's sock drawer. As we all know, UNPRECEDENTED describes the outrageousness of our experience with DJT. Has anyone remembered how Trump's presidential intel briefers said that it was hard to hold his attention during these briefings so they attempted to make charts and use pictures to hold his interest? I would guess that he requested that those be put aside so that he could learn more about them afterwards from his close advisors, such as when Steve Bannon had access to the White House, or maybe Jared or Stephen Miller. The sheer number of boxes would cover many months of information and process--our history!
Trump continuously used his insecure personal cell phone to communicate with everyone from Fox News hosts to members of his administration and family members. "Lock him up!"
Lost in the ether was the reality of Hillary's server. 1) She set it up on advice of Colin Powell who had done the same thing. 2) It was never hacked. It was, in fact, more secure than the State Department's servers. This gets lost when supposedly responsible news outlets like the New York Times run incessant stories that scream disinformation based on lies leaked to them by Rudy Giuliani and his BFFs in the NY FBI office.
Also, all of Trump’s kids used their personal phones and servers while in the White House.
So did he against all advice because he wanted to use a phone he was used to as I recall. A non-secure model. Typical.
Thank you for clearly addressing each point. Can you offer this piece as a rebuttal to the WSJ op-ed?
Your last paragraph is perfect. As with Nixon being pardoned, it sets a precedent. This indictment, whether Trump is found guilty or not, also vindicates millions of Americans. People who looked at this all clear-headed in 2016 and knew that DJT was unfit to serve.
It should be a smack in the face to the millions who voted, again in 2020, for this person who cares not one whit about our country, peace, or people. This indictment is also, for me personally, an “up yours” to the 73 million people who voted for him in 2020. I’m afraid to say it feels good, though the overall situation deeply saddens me.
After this, there should be clear lines. To support Trump now is to be against the country. I cannot see it any other way. The arguments on whether this man is capable of the office are over.
Not unlike Dominion’s case against Fox, the evidence Jack Smith has amassed is indisputable. What else can MAGA-world and WSJ do but distract from obvious guilt with false equivalency?