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Law Firms Challenge President Trump's Sanctions in Appeals Court

Law Firms Challenge President Trump's Sanctions in Appeals Court

A panel of appellate judges from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit heard arguments regarding President Trump's sanctions against several prestigious law firms. The firms, including Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, Susman Godfrey, and WilmerHale, were targeted by executive orders that suspended security clearances, terminated federal contracts, and barred employees from federal buildings. These actions were reportedly in response to the firms' associations with clients and attorneys who had previously opposed or investigated President Trump. Paul Clement, representing the law firms, argued that the sanctions violated the First Amendment and hindered lawyers' ability to represent their clients without fear of reprisal. Deputy Associate Attorney General Abhishek Kambli defended the executive orders, asserting that President Trump was within his rights to make such determinations. The appellate court has yet to decide on the matter.
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US appeals court to hear Trump's bid to punish major law firms

US appeals court to hear Trump's bid to punish major law firms

By Mike Scarcella WASHINGTON, May 14 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump’s administration on Thursday will ask a federal appeals court to reinstate the Republican leader’s executive orders punishing four major U.S. law firms, testing the scope of presidential power after judges in Washington
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Law firms urge appeals court to keep blocking Trump's sanctions against them

Law firms urge appeals court to keep blocking Trump's sanctions against them

An appeals court has heard arguments in a case challenging President Donald Trump's ability to sanction some of the nation’s most prestigious law firms over their ties to clients and representatives whom he dislikes
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Justice Department Defends Subpoenas to Wall Street Journal in Leak Investigation

Justice Department Defends Subpoenas to Wall Street Journal in Leak Investigation

The Justice Department has defended its decision to issue subpoenas to Wall Street Journal reporters as part of a leak investigation related to a report on the U.S. military's strategy in Iran. The department stated that the subpoenas aim to identify government employees leaking classified information, not to target journalists. The move has raised concerns about press freedom and the relationship between the media and the Trump administration. The subpoenas are part of a broader effort to address leaks of classified information, which the department argues could endanger national security and military personnel.
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DOJ Under Todd Blanche Targets Reporters in National Security Leak Cases

DOJ Under Todd Blanche Targets Reporters in National Security Leak Cases

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will be issuing subpoenas to reporters involved in national security leak cases. This move follows pressure from President Trump, who has expressed concerns about media leaks, particularly following the Iran war. Blanche's actions have raised alarms about the DOJ's approach to press freedom, as subpoenas have already been issued to the Wall Street Journal for its reporting on the Iran conflict. The DOJ's actions are seen as part of a broader pattern of aligning law enforcement activities with the president's preferences, raising questions about the independence of the DOJ.
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Justice Department accuses Yale medical school of illegally using race in admissions

Justice Department accuses Yale medical school of illegally using race in admissions

The Justice Department is accusing Yale University of illegally considering race in its medical school admissions
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CBO Estimates Trump's Golden Dome Missile Defense System Could Cost $1.2 Trillion Over 20 Years

CBO Estimates Trump's Golden Dome Missile Defense System Could Cost $1.2 Trillion Over 20 Years

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released a report estimating that the development and operation of President Trump's proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defense system could cost approximately $1.2 trillion over the next two decades. The system is designed to protect the United States from various missile threats, including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. The plan includes a multi-layered defense strategy with space-based interceptors, which are projected to account for the majority of the costs. The CBO report highlights uncertainties regarding the deployment timeline and the potential for cost variations depending on the speed of implementation.
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CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Raul Castro's grandson in Havana, US and Cuban officials say

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Raul Castro's grandson in Havana, US and Cuban officials say

Cuban and U.S. officials say that CIA Director John Ratcliffe has met with Cuban officials including Raul Castro’s grandson during a high-level visit to the island
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Trump Administration Seeks to Maintain Tariffs Amid Legal Challenges

Trump Administration Seeks to Maintain Tariffs Amid Legal Challenges

The Trump administration has requested the U.S. trade court to pause a ruling that declared the president's recent 10% global tariffs unlawful. This request comes as the government plans to appeal the decision, which found that the use of Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose these tariffs was invalid. The court's ruling currently affects only two companies and Washington state, but the Justice Department warns that thousands of importers could file claims if the decision is enforced. The administration argues that maintaining the tariffs is crucial for ongoing trade negotiations and addressing the U.S.'s balance of payments issues. The appeal is pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the administration is prepared to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court if necessary.
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Thune defends $1B for White House security as 'what it costs' to protect the president

Thune defends $1B for White House security as 'what it costs' to protect the president

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is defending a plan to give the Secret Service up to $1 billion for security upgrades to Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project
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President Trump Nominates David Cummins to Lead TSA Amid Agency Challenges

President Trump Nominates David Cummins to Lead TSA Amid Agency Challenges

President Trump has nominated David Cummins to head the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) following a tumultuous period for the agency. Cummins, who previously served as a senior vice president at Serco, a government contractor, is set to take over an agency that has faced significant challenges, including the longest partial government shutdown in U.S. history. During the shutdown, TSA employees went without pay, leading to widespread absenteeism and resignations, which in turn caused long security lines and traveler frustration at airports nationwide. The TSA is currently under the leadership of acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill. Cummins brings experience in transportation systems, having co-awarded several patents and served as the director of operations for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
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Cuban government says CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with officials in Havana

Cuban government says CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with officials in Havana

The Cuban government says CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with officials from the Ministry of the Interior during a high-level visit to the island