Trump Trial

[GURPS]

Plump Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg is off to a bad start. Just The News ran a story yesterday headlined, “Judge Rejects DA Bragg’s Emergency Restraining Order Against Rep. Jordan Same Day It Was Filed.”
https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch...2f07-dea3-4f47-8648-4e98dead0f26_1274x632.png
[clip]

“Our review of the Office’s records reflect that, of the federal forfeiture money that the Office helped collect, approximately $5,000 was spent on expenses incurred relating to the investigation of Donald J. Trump or the Trump Organization,” Bragg wrote Jordan in a testy letter dated March 31st.

For his part, Representative Jordan told reporters he has many legitimate legislative reasons to probe Bragg’s orifice, I mean office, including drafting legislation precluding local prosecutors like Bragg from weaponizing investigations against sitting or former presidents.

Legal experts like Harvard law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz said the Trump indictment could even trigger Congress’ oversight of foreign relations, since prominent leaders from El Salvador to Mexico have publicly stated Bragg’s pursuit of a political enemy is a setback to worldwide democracy.

Sorry Alvin. Maybe next time.

☕️ LEVEL FOUR ☙ Friday, April 14, 2023 ☙ C&C NEWS 🦠

Local wins; New York Times leads FBI to leaker; State Dept kills off travel to 14 countries; Bragg loses his first Trump challenge; lots of SADS stuff; health freedom news from Florida; and more.

www.coffeeandcovid.com

 

[GURPS]

Because, of course, this has nothing to do with traditional juridical agendas – of correcting wrongs, doing justice, or punishing the guilty. Bragg knows his case is going nowhere, that as soon as it reaches an appellate court, it goes down in flames. But all that is beside the point, which is to put Trump on trial through the 2024 campaign season. With luck, and the standard incompetence of New York City’s legal system, all the way through, straight to election day. By that means, Bragg keeps DJT out of the White House and earns the adulation and adoration of the entire American Left for the balance of his days.

But in truth, this case is unlikely to get even as far as December.

The reasons are clear enough. Donald Trump has always been at his best when he was up against it. This is true of his business career and it’s true today. For Trump, the walls are always closing in, and he’s always outside when they finally do. All that he has ever needed is a microphone and a place to stand.

So what has Bragg gone and done? He has given Donald Trump both, and then some. He set up a stage, dusted it off, and pointed all the spotlights at the one individual in current American politics who can overcome adversity by sheer force of personality.

Bragg has made Trump a martyr, underlining his basic message of “They’re after you – I’m just in the way.” He has provided him with months – two-thirds of a year, in fact – to hone it, to work it, to bring it home.

As a prosecutor, Bragg has painted himself into a corner. His beau geste was to indict Trump. What can he do to top that? Anything else would be an anticlimax. What’s he going to do – indict him again?

Add to that the fact that the GOP has suddenly discovered that the blade of lawfare cuts both ways. Jim Jordan’s plan to hold hearings on Bragg’s tenure as DA – and in New York City itself -- is a masterstroke, putting Bragg on the defensive while providing him with next to no room to maneuver. His only alternative was to run to the courts with all the gravitas of a six-year-old wailing, “They’re all picking on me!” And this is only the beginning.

Bragg should have studied his target more closely. This is far from the first time anybody has used the courts to take down Donald Trump. And where today is Michael Avenatti? Where is Julie Swetnick?

The Left believes in Bragg because they believe that Donald Trump is what they see in their nightmares. He must be a criminal. He must be a racist. He must be a Nazi. Because if he is no such thing, then what are they?

Bragg vs. the Windmills

It has always been my contention, drawn from long experience along with wide reading, that the American Left is fundamentally stupid. This is both in a general and particular sense. You have to be a little dense – more than a little – to ...

www.americanthinker.com

 

[GURPS]

Democratic New York City Councilman Robert Holden took aim at Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s leadership—or perceived lack thereof—at a New York field hearing of the House Judiciary Committee on April 17.

“I’m here to address the lawlessness that has taken over the city in recent years as a result of the failed progressive policies implemented by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg,” Holden testified before the committee.

Noting that Bragg’s first year in office had been marked by a “dramatic shift” in the prosecution of crime, Holden asserted that the district attorney’s “soft on crime” policies suggested his top priority was not protecting law-abiding citizens but keeping criminals out of jail.

“On his first day in office, Bragg issued a memo that decriminalized a broad range of offenses and reduced charges for violent crime,” the councilman said. “This was a signal for every criminal that it was open season on law-abiding citizens in New York County.”

Alvin Bragg Has Given New York City Over to ‘Lawlessness’: Democratic Councilman

www.theepochtimes.com

 

[GURPS]

More Farce: Bragg’s Lawsuit against Trump’s House GOP Allies​

“It is not the role of the federal judiciary to dictate what legislation Congress may consider or how it should conduct its deliberations in that connection,” Vyskocil wrote. “Mr. Pomerantz must appear for the congressional deposition. No one is above the law.”

A spokesman for Jordan celebrated the victory in a statement, saying Vyskocil’s decision “shows that Congress has the ability to conduct oversight and issue subpoenas to people like Mark Pomerantz.”

Judge Denies Bragg's Attempt to Stop Subpoena, Dealing Win to Jordan

Rep. Jim Jordan will get to question a former prosecutor of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office after a judge ruled in Jordan's favor.

www.breitbart.com

 

[GURPS]

From the standpoint of a political independent, however, what emerges from all this impassioned discourse is a more sober conclusion: Prosecutors should not carry partisan labels.

We didn’t really need a Trump indictment to assert that point. There’s never been any rationale to affix party labels to elections for any administrative or enforcement role. Whether it’s secretary of state races, county clerk contests, or elections for local sheriffs or prosecutors, a person’s party affiliation should have nothing to do with their application of the law. Moreover, when partisanship influences law enforcement, and the perception of it, it undermines faith in the criminal justice system – with unfortunate consequences.

Indicting Trump brings this issue into stark relief. Whether or not one views the New York County attorney’s indictment of Trump as being politically motivated apparently depends on the party affiliation of the person being asked.

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2023/04/19/the_unfortunate_partisanship_of_the_prosecutors_office_149124.html

 

[GURPS]

Fed judge stomps on Bragg like Godzilla on Tokyo​

First, she tied up business, making sure Bragg can’t go looking for greener pastures.







And then – HOLY SMOKES – did she ever unload on Alvin Bragg.

For starters, Judge Vyskocil stomps the 35 page complaint as just a massive public relations rant against Donald Trump, dismissing it out of hand as a stunt.

“…The reality is that, as framed, this action is merely a motion to quash a subpoena dressed up as a lawsuit.”

But not before noting that Bragg has already admitted to using FEDERAL forfeiture funds to?

Investigate Trump.

She puts the hammer down.

…“In our federalist system, elected state and federal actors sometimes engage in political dogfights. Bragg complains of political interference in the local DANY (District attorney of New York) case, but Bragg does not operate outside of the political arena. Bragg is presumptively acting in good faith. That said, he is an elected prosecutor in New York County with constituents, some of whom wish to see Bragg wield the force of law against the former President and a current candidate for the Republican presidential nomination,” Vyskocil wrote.
“Jordan, in turn, has initiated a political response to what he and some of his constituents view as a manifest abuse of power and nakedly political prosecution, funded (in part) with federal money, that has the potential to interfere with the exercise of presidential duties and with an upcoming federal election,” the judge added.
Vyskocil reinforced her point in court that it is not her place to consider potential motivations of either side.
“The Court is further unmoved by Bragg’s purported concern at the prospect of ‘inject[ing] partisan passions’ into a forum where they do not belong,” Vyskocil said.

“By bringing this action, Bragg is engaging in precisely the type of political theater he claims to fear.”

Tracy Beanz has put together a great thread with excerpts from the opinion, including some scalding footnotes. I hope Bragg has some ice for that burn.

It’s so bad, such a thorough verbal beatdown, even the pissy Newsweek headline had me howling.

Federal Judge Trashes Alvin Bragg’s ‘Tirade’ Against Donald Trump in Ruling

Hearing trash called out for being trash is so refreshing these days.

 

[GURPS]

Bragg Drops Case Against Jordan, Allowing House GOP to Depose Ex-Manhattan Prosecutor​

https://img.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2023/04/22/id5213737-bragg-and-jordan-1200x713.jpg

“This evening, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office withdrew its appeal in Bragg v. Jordan. Mr. Pomerantz’s deposition will go forward on May 12, and we look forward to his appearance,” Russel Dye, spokesperson for Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), chair of the House Judiciary Committee, wrote to The Epoch Times in a statement.

“Bragg caved. Jim Jordan won,” the House Judiciary Committee wrote in a statement on Twitter Friday.

The development wrapped up a legal clash between Bragg and House Judiciary Republicans, whereby Bragg had attempted to stop the lawmakers from requesting testimony from Mark Pomerantz, a former prosecutor who investigated former President Donald Trump’s finances. Pomerantz left Bragg’s office in February 2022 in protest of Bragg’s initial unwillingness to bring an indictment against Trump.

A grand jury, encouraged by Bragg, brought an indictment against Trump in late March, prompting Jordan to initiate a probe into what he calls a “politically motivated” prosecution against a former president. Jordan subpoenaed Pomerantz to seek his testimony as a part of that probe. In response, Bragg sued the House Judiciary Committee and Pomerantz to prevent Pomerantz from testifying.

 

[Grumpy]

 

[TPD]

Just ordered his new book that is hitting shelves on Tuesday - Letters to Trump!

 

[GURPS]

Bragg detective Jeremy Rosenberg involved in Trump case suspended for Michael Cohen ties: officials​

Jeremy Rosenberg, who investigates financial crimes for Bragg, had his gun removed recently for his interactions with Cohen, the sources claimed.

“The office is conducting a review of an investigator’s compliance with internal office protocols,” a Bragg spokeswoman said.

A law enforcement source said Bragg’s office is looking at how Rosenberg shared communications about Cohen with the office.

Cohen’s attorney, Lanny J. Davis said: “The interactions between Mr. Rosenberg, Michael Cohen, and myself were always professional and focused on Mr. Cohen’s personal security, which we appreciated.”

Defense lawyer and former Manhattan prosecutor Mark Bederow said the suspension might not affect the case against Trump, but the defense probably would want to know what led to the review.

“It might not affect the case, but certainly from a defense standpoint they would want to know what’s the nature of their relationship,” Bederow said. “What did they talk about and did this detective investigator have anything that fits the form of a disclosure to the defense.”

 

[vraiblonde]

What a freaking snake pit. How do these people stand themselves?

 

[GURPS]

Reports are circulating that federal prosecutors are about to ask a grand jury to indict former President Donald Trump over his handling of classified documents after leaving office. If those reports are true, and prosecutors do move against Trump, it would be the first time in American history that the government had prosecuted the leading opposition candidate. It would also destroy public faith in the rule of law and voters’ trust in democracy.

The documents charges are incredibly weak, from what has been reported publicly thus far. The president has full declassification authority, and there is no formal procedure for declassifying documents. Breathless claims of “national security” secrets, even nuclear codes, being brought to Trump’s estate at Mar-a-Lago turned out to be fantasies. Prosecutors may fall back on charges of obstruction of justice, which seem to be just as speculative.

The double standard is glaring. The Department of Justice let Hillary Clinton evade charges relating to her handling of classified materials. In that case, she kept an illicit private email server in her own home (possibly to hide corrupt fundraising efforts for the Clinton Foundation), erased it, and had her staff smash phones on which her emails were stored, rather than turning over the data and documents to the Department of State.

President Joe Biden himself, who called Trump’s handling of classified documents “irresponsible,” took files with him when he left the Obama administration. As vice president, he had no declassification authority, but stored classified documents in the private garage of his home — to which his drug-addicted, foreign-dealing son had access. He also kept unauthorized boxes of files at the Penn-Biden Center, funded by Chinese largesse.

Biden even took documents with him when he left the U.S. Senate, and left them in archives that the University of Delaware mysteriously kept sealed until the FBI finally, after much public criticism, searched and seized. It may not be possible to indict a sitting president, but in this case President Biden appears to have benefited from years of protection — on other, more serious, charges as well — that allowed him to get elected in the first place.

Biden was never targeted by an FBI raid, like a dangerous criminal, the way that Trump was last year, when agents arrived at Mar-a-Lago with weapons drawn. Attorney General Merrick Garland, who promised not to let politics affect the Department of Justice, appointed a special counsel for the Trump allegations, and the Biden documents, but not the broader Biden family allegations — just the latest example of partisanship at the agency.

Pollak: Indicting a Former President over Nonsense Is Playing with Fire

Indicting Trump over petty allegations in a selective prosecution will destroy public faith in the rule of law and voters' trust in democracy.

www.breitbart.com

 

[GURPS]

Jack Smith Did It Again! Grand Jury Not Told About Clinton Socks Case or Presidential Records Act​

On Tuesday before his arraignment by his political rival Joe Biden, President Trump posted on Truth Social this stunning remark:

President Trump: THE GRAND JURY WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT THE PRESIDENTIAL RECORDS ACT OR THE CLINTON SOCKS CASE, BOTH EXONERATING!

From our earlier reports from the Trump Campaign.

THE CURIOUS HISTORY OF JACK SMITH

From 2010 To 2015, Smith Served Under Obama’s Attorney General, Eric Holder, Leading The Public Integrity Section. “Smith served under Obama Attorney General Eric Holder, leading the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section from 2010 to 2015. Smith led a team of 30 prosecutors in conducting public corruption cases throughout the United States, including a mixed track record of going after high-profile politicians. He also inserted the DOJ into what would become the Lois Lerner IRS scandal targeting conservative nonprofit groups during the Obama years, which Trump has criticized him for since he became special counsel.” (Washington Examiner, 6/5/23)

 

[GURPS]

Like the photos from the raid showing classified documents splayed out on the floor, these photos created a certain impression with the public. Just look at how many boxes there are! Look where they were put! Dozens of boxes all over the place, where anyone could get them.

But as Newsmax host Greg Kelly pointed out, it’s “a scam” that’s poisoning the public’s perception of Donald Trump in this case. Why? Because, as Kelly noted, the actual number of classified documents that were found at Mar-a-Lago could fit into one single box, with ample room to spare.

“You don’t have to be a lawyer to look at this and know that it’s a scam,” Kelly said. “Number one, in that indictment, they put some pictures in the indictment to scare us. Ooh, look at all these boxes. The classified documents in the boxes. These pictures are actually in the indictment, and there are dozens and dozens of boxes.”

He continued, “So I went through the indictment and saw that how many documents, classified documents, did the FBI actually recover? 102.”

Kelly then pulled out a box like the ones in the photos. “So, everybody, I got a box right here, alright? This is one box.” He then showed an intact full ream of paper — 500 pages — plus another 100 sheets of loose pages to represent the actual classified documents that were found. They didn’t even come close to filling a single box. Kelly then asked why the photos of these boxes were in the indictment and given endless coverage in the media.

Is This Proof the Trump Indictment Is a Scam?

pjmedia.com

 

[PrchJrkr]

They are corrupt banana republic stakeholders in this case and will do anything to make the case against Trump look worse than it really is. It will give the ignorant naysayers ammunition to go on rants about national security and what not.

You can bet that our resident kook @StmarysCity79 will use this to show just how bad Orange Man is, and how he continues to threaten democacy at every turn. "Educated" people are the most gullible because they are conditioned to believe what they are told is the undeniable truth.

 

[Kinnakeet]

They are corrupt banana republic stakeholders in this case and will do anything to make the case against Trump look worse than it really is. It will give the ignorant naysayers ammunition to go on rants about national security and what not.

You can bet that our resident kook @StmarysCity79 will use this to show just how bad Orange Man is, and how he continues to threaten democacy at every turn. "Educated" people are the most gullible because they are conditioned to believe what they are told is the undeniable truth.

Thats because their TV told them so.

 

[Hijinx]

Is it any different than the Nazi flag they put on display when the guy rammed the barricade at Lafayette park?

 

[StmarysCity79]

Just ordered his new book that is hitting shelves on Tuesday - Letters to Trump!

Is it a picture book?

 

[StmarysCity79]

I thought you guys would stop at espionage but you are still sticking by him. Just wait till more recordings come out.

The court papers detail a meeting Trump had in July 2021 with a writer and publisher about an upcoming book. Trump told the pair “look what I found” and showed them what he described as a senior military official’s “plan of attack,” according to an audio recording of that conversation obtained by investigators.

Trump acknowledged during that meeting that the document was “highly confidential” and “secret information,” the indictment says. He also says that he could have declassified the document if he was still president.

“Now I can’t, you know, but this is still a secret,” he said, according to the indictment.

A few months later, Trump showed a representative of his political action committee a classified map of a foreign country while discussing a military operation in the country that was not going well, the indictment says. Trump acknowledged that he shouldn’t be showing the map to the person and told him not to get too close, prosecutors allege.

Indictment takeaways: Trump's alleged schemes and lies to keep secret papers

The federal indictment against Donald Trump accuses the former president of illegally hoarding classified documents at his Florida estate after leaving the White House in 2021, and then scheming and lying to thwart government efforts to recover them. Justice Department prosecutors brought 37...

apnews.com

 

[gemma_rae]

The court papers detail a meeting Trump had in July 2021 with a writer and publisher about an upcoming book. Trump told the pair “look what I found” and showed them what he described as a senior military official’s “plan of attack,” according to an audio recording of that conversation obtained by investigators.

You drew some more pictures in Crayon?

Good for you/they/them