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Legal AF on Harvard's Trump Dilemma, Newsom vs. the 9th Circuit, and a Shocking 5th Circuit Ruling (Ad-Free)

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The latest episode of Legal AF is now available ad-free exclusively for Meidas+ Substack subscribers. To support ad-free episodes like this, please consider joining as a paid subscriber today!

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Ben Meiselas and Michael Popok join forces once again on the top-rated Legal AF podcast to tackle: (a) Harvard’s court victory and the troubling possibility that it may still settle with Trump—sending a dangerous message to the rest of higher education; (b) how Governor Newsom can work around a damaging 9th Circuit decision undermining states’ rights and his control over California’s National Guard; (c) a surprising ruling from the typically conservative 5th Circuit on displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools; (d) the release of a green card-holding political activist by a federal judge who also declined to require ICE check-ins—and so much more at the intersection of law and politics.

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WJB Motown's avatar

(IHIPNEWS.....Canadian traveler report)

🇨🇦 Friend's family recently went to WATERTOWN, NY for dinner. Sitting in the restaurant, someone came over a speaker and told them to get out b/c they don't want Canadian business. Tires were slashed. We were allies and they turned on us overnight for no reason. The US is getting Darker.

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Deborah J.'s avatar

That’s disgusting. As a citizen of the USA I am sorry Canadians were treated so poorly.

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Sylvia Sewell's avatar

Very sorry to read that our Canadian friends were treated abominably. As an American, I apologize to Canada for some of our citizens actions. Trump supporters are not known to have any class. Think about J6 and that will give you an idea of what they are capable of.

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Ceci Scott's avatar

Ugh horrible! As an American resident of northern New York State, I am mortified and heartbroken. Canada is one of the best things this region has going for it. If you don’t mind telling the name of the establishment, I would like to know. I don’t think this is widespread, but what do I know?

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Teach84's avatar

I hope they announce the name of the place so that decent people can boycott it.

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Toni Sammons's avatar

Trump supporters= ignorant thugs.

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Linda Marra's avatar

THEY FOLLOw Trumps un think able and unAmerican views. Worst President ever. He will kill us all with his policies and unlawful behavior

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Patrice Mobley's avatar

We must resist

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Edward mead's avatar

Most of Trump support comes from the Southern States and West Virginia, Texas and Florida ,and Alabama are the very worse. with Mississippi, and Louisiana. Oh and South Carolina.

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Patrice Mobley's avatar

and they are the poorest uneducated states, go figure!!

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Jane's avatar

I am so so o so sorry that you suffered at the hands of idiots! I am so proud of Canada and the integrity they have shown to the world when standing up to the orange taco. Thank you for your strength and tenacity!

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Mary Lynn's avatar

horrifying and so strange

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Roger Helbig's avatar

There are a lot of Trumpicans in northern New York, but there are also a lot of farmers who are upset with Trump tariffs so things probably will change - meantime, get in touch with Blake Gendebien, a farmer running for Congress as a Democrat - he is going to put up a good fight and win.

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Pat Sevigny's avatar

I apologize and as usual these ignorant, vicious people r hurting the us.i worked in a restaurant and bus loads of Canadians stopped to eat abd buy souvenirs. Polite and helped our bottom line..t---p will be gone. Our relationship w/ Canada will remain.

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Edward mead's avatar

I love Canada and the people in that country from Tennessee USA

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Chris hughes's avatar

What's the name of the restaurant?

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WJB Motown's avatar

As a Canadian, I really do not care about details about who slashed the tires of my fellow citizen. The way our PM has been treated by an Orange piece of shit.......

The boycott wlll only grow and grow........

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Chris hughes's avatar

What's the name of the restaurant so I don't business there?

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Pat Sevigny's avatar

Really? Y? U want yo boy cott a restaurant that serves Canadians? Wow? U will need to eat at home.

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Chris hughes's avatar

Wait, did i miss something. The letter i read said Canadians were told to leave the restaurant by MAGAts! An i wrong in my understanding! And if they did what I understand the letter to say, they should be boycotted and put out of business!

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Pat Sevigny's avatar

Hey I think our wires crossed. Original post told them to leave.my post was about a restaurant that had bus loads of Canadians come in and ae loved them as. Customers and helped business.sorry for confusion.

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Chris hughes's avatar

No problem

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Elisabet Carlbom's avatar

I wish you had posted the name of the restaurant!

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Cary Sipiora's avatar

I’m so sorry. Most of us love Canada and are so proud of our northern neighbor. Hopefully, we will be friends again soon.

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Ellen McKenzie's avatar

Unacceptable!

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Joe Casey's avatar

Also Keep In Mind The Criminal Element !! Here In The US Seems.... To Lean Towards The Trump Side ??? I Think 🤔 They Will Gain Latitude While Trump Is Busy With Other Things Contrary To What DOJ Says !!??? 😲🤔🤔🤔🤔

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Patrice Mobley's avatar

It's already DARK because of a convicted felon

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Chris's avatar

Im near Watertown tell me the name and we will picket them and boycott them out of business

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Oliver's avatar

in Germany you would get your own channel on oficial TV, your journalism is best level...

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Ballard Graham's avatar

Was watching the news this morning and the Republicans comments regarding the attack on Iran. People like JDV, Josh Hawley, Hegseth and others. All of them made statements to the effect that “Joe Biden’s open Boarders policies”, has allowed potential “terror cells within the U.S. that could result in terror attacks within the U.S. by Iranian sympathizers”! Again, attempting to blame the former President for any negative that may occur as a result of the felon’s attack on Iran. Pay attention to their rhetoric!

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Patrice Mobley's avatar

yep and the CONVICTED FELON is only trying to get as Nobel Peace Prize?!!

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Megan Rothery's avatar

Call. Write. Email. Protest. Unrelentingly.

Use/share this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress, the Cabinet and news organizations. Reach out to those in your own state, as well as those in others. Use your voice and make some “good trouble” ❤️‍🩹🤍💙

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13lYafj0P-6owAJcH-5_xcpcRvMUZI7rkBPW-Ma9e7hw/edit?usp=drivesdk

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Patrice Mobley's avatar

Everyday!!!

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Megan Rothery's avatar

Yes!! Multiple times a day if possible!

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Ballard Graham's avatar

I like Ben’s comments! I never believe a damn thing that the felon says! He’s certainly lies incessantly!

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Patrice Mobley's avatar

Yes, my 8 year old granddaughter keeps explaining to me what a convicted felon and adjudicated sexual assaulter is. She refuses to call his name😅 kids are so smart and intelligent. I can assume his grandkids knows exactly what my granddaughter knows.

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Cathy's avatar

HARVARD PLEASE DON’T CAVE IN NOW!

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Patrice Mobley's avatar

It looks like they're going to be another weak one!

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Ballard Graham's avatar

He’s aligned with the Israel’s intelligence, because it supports his narrative and subsequent actions toward Iran!

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Jax's avatar

I don’t understand how the Supreme Court refused to uphold not only the United States constitution but the California Constitution too. They have all thrown their lot to this authoritarian regime! How are we to fight back if all avenues are removed?

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Ballard Graham's avatar

Governor Newsom, must continue to pursue California’s rights in the court system! This must be decided one way or another!

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Michelle's avatar

Wtf😡😡😡. I am so sorry that that happened 😡. Please know that all Americans are NOT like that. We love and greatly respect Canada and Canadians ❤️🇨🇦. Those low lifes who did that should be held accountable 😡.

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Ann padilla's avatar

I am confused how it stands that the general ultimately knows what is being coordinated with all arm forces in California. He only in charge of the National Guard. The governor is in charge and is ultimately communicating and strategizing ALL the arm forces in his state. Therefore, is the best person to contact to see what a state needs is the governor. Right?

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Ballard Graham's avatar

The felon has said he wants “Unconditional” surrender by Iran! That to me means total victory over Iran!

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Al S's avatar

Right. Hobson's choice. Either commit suicide or be murdered.

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Patrice Mobley's avatar

😂😂😂he's trying mighty hard to get that Nobel Peace Prize!

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Granny mimi's avatar

Jealous of Obama! Trump has proven he is neither nobel or peaceful and Melania certainly doesn’t think he is a prize.

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Jane's avatar

Today is just plain depressing - war with Iran - seriously?? Trying to fight but looking more closely at flight now. The orange taco is destroying this country. Perhaps that was the plan all along - since it does appear now that he is a russian asset.

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Patrice Mobley's avatar

He's only trying to get a Nobel Peace Prize

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Catt Berlin's avatar

I absolutely believe these judges are in the 9th circuit, but not exclusively them, have no idea what 'real life' is. They are in their bubble; they are chauffeured to and from court, go home, drink their bourbon, go to sleep, and then the next day are chauffeured back to court. They are not touched; they are not aware of all the egregious things Trump is doing to people's lives. They do not know what and how it unfolded in LA. Why would they? So, how can they rule fairly? Do you think they watch independent media like this? Do you think they research, really dig deep about what is happening, talk to people, and find out what Americans are experiencing? No. When the case is put in front of them, they are acting on very limited information. No wonder the rulings suck.

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Necole Anré’V's avatar

War on immigrants, Muslims, children, and anyone of color, lower income, thirst for power, personal interest, family destroyer, child trafficker, allegiance to billionaire friends, and an authoritarian, multi convicted Felon is in control of the red button and is acting illegal in every way. Can we impeach?????

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Patrice Mobley's avatar

Let us all Pray. The DEVIL stays busy and comes as a ray of light to the gullible people. He comes to destroy, divide and deceive, keep up the resistance America.

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Edward mead's avatar

Donald Trump has crossed the line; by bombing Iran last night without congress approvable, Trump is not a dictator,

Trump wants to be and tells his dumb crew of Cabinet members he is a dictator, But Trump is not, and he should be in jail today. If we took Trump and all of his cabinet members brain were put together that may fill a sewing Thimble, Trump or his cabinet members are not smart to be a leader of the Great country long before Trump came into the picture.

Impeach Trump now republican congress listen friends Trump is trouble. Call your congress person tell them to impeach this idiot. with JD Vance and all of Trump's cabinet. Trump has been impeach two times already and never should Trump ever be in office again. Lock Trump Up now Congress.

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Patrice Mobley's avatar

Too bad the coward mainstream media doesn't call it out. Only Congress has the authority!!!

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Roger Helbig's avatar

My understanding is that Stephen Miller was discussing Federalizing the California National Guard back in February - if there was that much forethought, there is pretty much a clear case that it was done for optics and not really because the LAPD could not do their job. California should do discovery and ask about this.,

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Patrice Mobley's avatar

His big wide four head is consumed with hatred

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Dianne Frothingham's avatar

Damn! Ben & Popok: thank you for a legal education, pertinent in all ways to current events, helping this elder citizen be aware of crucial issues.

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B Schaub's avatar

Trump deals = smells/taste like a 'two week' old TACO!

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Teri's avatar

If Harvard agrees, I'll be VERY disappointed in the university.

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Drivin'Home's avatar

Trump newly installed flag poles. They are 88 feet tall. A strange height unless you know that H is 8th letter. H H.

HEIL HITLER. There are two ready to fly a new Trump American flag soon to be rolled out.

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larry olney's avatar

ICE is Donnie Two Weeks' Wagner gang.

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Jeanne Adams's avatar

YES! His two week thing = too weak!

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Patrice Mobley's avatar

=TACO

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Chris's avatar

Dependable information with facts

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Dawn S's avatar

Gavin Newsom for President, yes! I fear that at some point whoever runs will have a variety of attacks on his life both from Magats and on trumps order in the fashion of Putin.

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Dawn S's avatar

You should bring Mahmoud Khalil on your show

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Chris hughes's avatar

ICE= TANTRUMPS SS JUST LUJE NAZI GERMANY

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Ballard Graham's avatar

Just remember the Supreme Courts ruling on the “Separate but Equal” decision.

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Nigel Perels's avatar

Your summation at the end of this session, Ben, was quite breathtaking and I am amazed that you were able to deliver it so succinctly and matter-of-factly. BTW, you are looking tired and need a proper break - perhaps your boss (😁), who is a bit of a harsh taskmaster, would yet you take a week off sometime - the MTN will continue like a well-oiled machine in your absence, and you might also use the time to get your back seen to. Keep safe guys - and here is a little picture painted by the amazing Mark Bryan for Trump 1.0, but now looking somewhat prescient: https://artofmarkbryan.com/wp-content/gallery/politics/The-Shit-Show-Mark-Bryan-900-web.jpg

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Ethan S. Burger's avatar

Harvard’s Integrity Is Non-Negotiable—Settling with Authoritarians Comes at a High Cost

I concur with Ben on this point. I will share the upcoming Meidas Touch Network installment and invite members of the Harvard Alumni Association via its LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvard-alumni-assoc/ to weigh in.

Also worth checking: Harvard University Alumni & Graduates – https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvard-alumni-assoc

The idea that Harvard University might entertain a "settlement" with the Trump Administration in its escalating legal dispute is not only speculative—it is legally unsound, reputationally dangerous, and strategically naïve.

The academic community, alumni, and legal scholars have made clear that Harvard’s position is not about pride or prestige. It is about defending the foundational autonomy of higher education from ideologically driven government intrusion. President Alan Garber put it plainly:

“No government—regardless of which party is in power—should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.”

— Alan Garber, Harvard President

at https://www.harvard.edu/federal-lawsuits/

Harvard’s federal lawsuit hub outlines a decisive legal strategy: resisting the funding freeze that endangers more than $526 million in research, and fighting the politically motivated attack on its ability to host over 4,000 international scholars, more than any other U.S. university.

And Harvard is not alone. Over 12,000 alumni have filed an amicus brief. Legal experts and university leaders across the Ivy League and abroad are aligned in concern. Attacks on the Nurses’ Health Studies, AIDS research, and medical collaborations with Mass General expose not just political malice—but grave human consequences.

Let’s not forget: Columbia University tried to “quietly settle” with the Trump Administration in hopes of protecting its SEVP certification. The result? The administration reneged, leaving Columbia publicly exposed and structurally compromised. Harvard has learned that lesson. It won’t make the same mistake.

________________________________________

A Legal Team Built to Understand, Not Appease

Harvard’s legal team was chosen with care—not to capitulate, but to understand how the Trump Administration operates and to be prepared to outmaneuver it:

🧑‍⚖️ Lead Counsel

• Robert K. Hur (King & Spalding): Former U.S. Attorney under Trump, Special Counsel in the Biden documents case. His conservative bona fides bring credibility and insight into the Trump DOJ.

• William A. Burck (Quinn Emanuel): Former White House lawyer under George W. Bush and former legal counsel to Trump allies. Trump fired him after he took on Harvard’s case—proof of Burck’s independence and insight into the MAGA legal playbook.

🏛️ Broader Legal Strategy

• Supporting firms include Jenner & Block, Ropes & Gray, and Lehtosky Keller Cohn, along with a bipartisan cohort of 17 attorneys, many of whom clerked for conservative justices. Their inclusion ensures Harvard’s litigation will not be dismissed as merely partisan.

This team was not assembled to negotiate a soft landing, but to ensure any settlement is on Harvard’s terms—or none at all.

________________________________________

👩‍🏫 Faculty United Against Surrender

Harvard Law School faculty have been vocal and unified in their condemnation of the Trump Administration’s legal attacks. They characterize the administration's actions as “lawless” and antithetical to the core values of academic inquiry and institutional independence.

Their position mirrors the sentiment among alumni: this is not a moment to compromise—this is a moment to defend the institution.

________________________________________

🧠 The Irony Isn’t Lost on Us

Harvard alums, long wary of donning crimson swag in public (usually reserved for tourists and proud parents), are now wearing Harvard hats and sweatshirts with defiance and pride. The Trump Administration has done what no marketing campaign could: it has triggered an unprecedented wave of school loyalty.

________________________________________

📌 Final Takeaway

Harvard’s legal team is strategically bipartisan, conservative-credentialed, and conflict-tested. It reflects a clear message:

Harvard Leadership and Alumni understand the stakes. Harvard Leadership and Alumni understand the adversary. And Harvard Leadership and Alumni do not intend to bow.

To capitulate now would damage not only Harvard’s global standing—but the principle that universities must never become instruments of political control. This is not just Harvard’s fight. It’s the academy’s.

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Barbara A Midtbo's avatar

I do not play bored DOGE wannabe programmer games. All I want is to READ articles!!! Why do you not have read only options without having to jump thru hoops!!! I am now unable to READ the article as they want me to first play their games!!! I subscribe to read and be informed

Apparently not allowef!!!

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Cathy Key's avatar

I really wish there was a date on these videos

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Barbara Dillard's avatar

Michael you said jack was back a couple months ago can you say is he working on something?

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James Brooker's avatar

We seem to have everything but a photo of the orange deal maker frothing at the mouth. It didn’t take a friggin’ deal for the President of Mexico to send rescue teams to Texas.

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Granny mimi's avatar

Real soldiers fight wars. Trump wouldn’t know that because he is a coward. But American soldiers know it and they know who the real enemy is.

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Granny mimi's avatar

Thank you so very much!💙

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Charlotte S. Miller's avatar

Die Schande in German means the shame or the scandal.

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Henjo Leszczynski's avatar

Trump: DISASTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Yankee's avatar

Tulsi Gabbard is one of Putin's mouthpieces inside the administration. Her communications tell us that Putin does not want Trump to escalate conflict against Iran.

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Casey Bemis's avatar

RE Harvard decision: 40 years ago I left a lily white Chicago suburb to attend Washington University in St. Louis. There was such a mix of ethnic, black and foreign students that I loved getting to know them. There was one student who was Chinese whose native tongue was Spanish. He was the son of an Ambassador to some country in South America. The experience of being there opened up my whole world view. And I was not alone as Washington University has a large student population. We all were better for the experience.

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Pat Sevigny's avatar

U will need to boycott 1000s of restaurants. Im confused. R u saying u would boycott a restaurant that welcomes Canadians? Y?

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Dee Joy's avatar

Brilliant reporting.

I'm so grateful that you tell it like it is, no sugar coating the bs.

The Regime is always trying to shock and overwhelm us, with smoke and mirrors. You keep us on the right track and focused on reality. Thanks Ben, MTN, Michael.

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menehune's avatar

ALOHA...

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Margaret Redus's avatar

💙💙💙

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Mark Lambert's avatar

Well we’re expecting Trump to be a president who actually gives a crap about actual intelligence over supreme, bend the knee and support the lies staff on his administration. We all know the answer.

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Dee's avatar

Any laws against our Constitution are NULL AND VOID!

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Kendeth Sissy Young's avatar

There are some shady people out there. So sorry for all the shit that happened to you. I would invite you to dinner anytime✌🏼

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Roger Helbig's avatar

The ADJUTANT General - the word starts with ADD - then Jutant - sorry about that. The Adjutant General is the equivalent of the Chief of Staff of the Army at the State Level for the National Guard - He or she is a two-star major general.

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Joe Casey's avatar

Great! Info!! Guys As Usual !! I Guess I Missed Something !! Wasn't The Main Issue With The 9Th Court Of Appeals !! The Government Position Was ?? The Court Of Appeals Had No Powers To Review.???? So They Shouldn't Be Hearing The Case ??? And If That's The Case !!!? Why Would Rule With The 3rd Article ??? When Their Contextual Wrong ???? Also In The Case Of Church vs. State Based On Their Findings How Would That Work With " Jehovah's Witnesses " Who Are Somewhat Anti-government ??? They Don't Pledge Alligence To The Flag !! Because They Put God Before Government ???? 🤔🤔

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drbilldean@gmail.com's avatar

Cheeto Uses Iran Attack to Bail Out of Domestic Issues

Orange Cheeto leaned into the Israeli Iran Conflict with his strongman mentality and initiated a bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities In a way with Israel having weakened the Iranian air defense with a large bombing campaign Cheeto decided that the risk would not be high to move ahead and help Netanyahu "finish the job" with the nuclear facility bombing The other factor is that Cheeto is taking domestic hits at home with his strongman immigration policies with losses in court so the “distract card” was played

Now we as a nation is hoping that this is it Cheeto elected to ignore the national intelligence community that Iran has enough enriched uranium to create an atomic bomb but did not have a bomb https://bit.ly/3GaRbBz This US attack will set back the Iranian uranium program for a year but not deter But Iran could have removed the enriched uranium to another secure site before the bombing occurred

Cheeto hopes that this is a one off but the Iranians are in this for the long haul This maybe another Iraq "weapons of mass destruction" except no one can prove that Cheeto was wrong that Iran had the bomb based on its enriched uranium stores But one thing is clear that Cheeto is going to go full bore on Iran hence America is at war

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Drivin'Home's avatar

Trump is also setting up to get a Nobel Peace Prize when Iran/Israel, India/Pakistan, and Ukraine/Russia cease fire.

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Dee Joy's avatar

He thinks he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize when he's actively committing crimes against humanity daily.

Abducting and trafficking immigrants, not to mention all the other corrupt crimes and bribery he commits daily.

He's a dangerous, delusional, nut job and could never compete with Obama on any level, even by cheating.

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