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0:01
SPEAKER 2
It was a busy week in the courts. It was a busy week in Congress where the MAGA Republicans in the House of Representatives tried to push through and did push through in the House so far that disastrous budget bill where they snuck in a provision trying to divest federal courts of the right to issue contempt
0:22
They didn't say against who, which is also makes it extra unconstitutional as well. But they seem to have one person in mind, Donald Trump. Why? Because he keeps on losing and losing and losing. And in various cases around the country, the federal courts are getting closer to issuing those criminal contempt rulings.
0:41
And I think one of the issues that's going to arise, Michael Popak and Legal AF-ers, is the extent and degree of the Supreme Court's immunity decision back from 2023, saying that Donald Trump was entitled to absolute immunity, a horrific decision indeed. One of the questions, though, that's going to arise,

Legal AF on Trump's Meme Coin Scam, Harvard Fighting Back + More (Ad-Free)

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Ben Meiselas and Michael Popok, hosts of the top-rated Legal AF podcast, debate tonight: The Supreme Court’s schizophrenia is on full display—sometimes siding with Trump, sometimes not—as it lurches from one presidential crisis to the next at the end of the term. Also on the docket: Harvard’s fistfight with Trump; Trump’s own press secretary potentially opening him up to future criminal prosecution for the Meme Coin/influence-peddling scam; and much more at the intersection of law and politics.

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Discussion about this video

User's avatar
KSD's avatar

Oversight on Harvard by the Trump Regime? Who the hell is doing oversight on the Trump Administration? Seriously!!!!!!

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Fraser's avatar

Those people were axed by Musk!!

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KSD's avatar

Yes they were. IGs, CFPB etc....all doing their jobs ...cut out by criminals. The act in and of itself is criminal.

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Connie Larsen's avatar

202 225 3121wi reach any member of congress. Call n pass the number to other folks.

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Connie Larsen's avatar

202 225 3121 will reach any member of congress! Call n give them hell!

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Jay Styba's avatar

It’s great that Meidas publicizes these stories, but the majority of America is being spoonfed propaganda. What I want to know, is anyone doing anything?

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Diane's avatar

It's up to all of us to amplify and spread the truth and expose the lies. It's up to us, we the people, to protect our family, our friends, and our liberty. It is thanks to Meidas, Aaron Parnas, Legal AF, Democracy Docket and so many others that we are shown the truth and can spread the word. What we all should be doing is writing and calling Congress and attending peaceful protests, for a start. The onus is on all of us to do something. The government is corrupt and every Republican holding government positions are responsible for this. We have a demented, cruel, dictator of a president who is losing his faculties on the daily. The Republican party is complicit and unwilling to support the people of the United States by impeaching this maniac. This regime is threatening and shutting down media outlets that report on the facts. The time is NOW for all of us to stand up and protect ourselves and our fellow Americans.

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Joanne Steacie's avatar

Absolutely 💯 right!

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Judy Williams's avatar

I agree, we need to speak up and out, wear signs of or opposition to give courage to this who can not speak out...let them know they are not alone

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Kathy H's avatar

Abuse is enabled my silence.

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Connie Larsen's avatar

You are so right. 202 225 3121 will get any member of congress. Call daily! Pass the number to others!

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Mark Gibian's avatar

Right On!!!

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Marianne Klee's avatar

And Bone Spurs Bonaparte's speech transcripts will not be made available. SO transparent! They don't want it to be clear just how mentally off he is.

There shouldn't be debate on whether he has dementia or a personality disorder, by the way. I often see this in comments (not here). He can have BOTH. In his case, he has two personality disorders--he is a sociopath and a malignant narcissist.

They claim to be the "most transparent administration ever." The fact that they claim this proves they aren't.

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Denise Boehler's avatar

Sing it!!!

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WJB Motown's avatar

Listening to Kim Jong talk about trophy wives gave me brain fog.......BF is BS!!

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Joan Fregapane's avatar

Several Democratic leaning people, from private citizens like Beto O’Rourke and Pete Buttigieg to Senators like Bernie Sanders and Chris Murphy to Congresspeople like AOC are all appearing across the country, including especially red cities and towns, red states in general, to spread the truth and foster plans of action. Organizations such as Indivisible (and their local entities) and 50501 have been organizing protests and marches and press coverage for various concrete causes.

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EUWDTB's avatar

Wrong question. The right question, in a democracy, is always (and even more so when democracy itself is being destroyed): what are YOU doing for your country?

More people than ever before during his first term are protesting. Many call their Reps every day (very important). Democrats are fighting like hell in Congress and the courts (and obtaining many victories).

What only WE can do, however, as citizens, is TALK WITH all the Trump voters in our family, at work, among our friends and neighbors, and respectfully inform them of the facts, again and again. And we can only do that to the extent that we know the facts, so we VITALLY depend on stories like these, and on Meidas to hear them in the first place.

This is not the moment to drop your arms in despair, it's THE moment to DO SOMETHING!

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Joan Fregapane's avatar

Excellent points!

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Connie Larsen's avatar

202 225 3121 will get you any member of congress! Just give a name! I don’t call my representatives or senators often, they vote the way I want them to vote. I call the real rethuglikkkrussian trump ass kissers. We all know who they are. Johnson, gym Jordan, comer to name a few. I do call my people and thank them for all they do!

202 225 3121. Give them a call daily. Give the number to others.

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EUWDTB's avatar

Yes, daily calls are crucial!

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Cecelia's avatar

Gift a MT subscription to someone you know (No, I don't work for them). I did so to simply keep spreading accurate information to counter propaganda. We each have to do something! For me, Knowledge is power.

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David A Pitock's avatar

Me too, but it is up to us to expose tRumps propaganda.

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Cynthia's avatar

I hear you, Jay. I also love these guys - their knowledge, their candor, their passion. But, like you, it seems the Dems in Congress - other than a small group (Schiff, Raskin, Crockett, Warren, Sanders, Murphy, Whitehouse, Slotkin, Booker, Stansbury, and a few more), are pretty much doing nothing. I read Jamie Raskin has said if he can find two Republicans he'll bring Articles of Impeachment. We shall see. In the meantime, I think the long and the short of it is we have to save ourselves. I am hoping the June 14 marches and protests will be so big and so many and so all over the country, they will not be ignored. I also think we may have to wait until the mid-terms to turn things around, which is horrible, because I truly don't know what will be left of our government or our democracy by then. The other bone I have to pick is that all of the courts - all of them - even the Supreme Court - have sat back and let Trump et al totally ignore their court orders! When are some of them going to be held in contempt, for Pete's sake? Very frustrating all around. I hope you're well and hanging in there.

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EUWDTB's avatar

How about voting AGAINST a horrible bill, and holding hearings that expose all their lies 24/7...?!

You're confounding TV celebrities and politicians genuinely doing their job!

Watch MTN, Adam Mockler, The Bulwark or just C-SPAN and you'll see that there ALL Democrats are fighting like hell right now!

And you're wrong about the courts too. Democrats and others launched almost 200 lawsuits by now, and WON most of them.

If you want to save democracy, you have to START with fact-checking!!

Cynicism only leads to more fascism.

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Connie Larsen's avatar

Bondi n Noem, hiccup Hegseth , Oz, RFK the whole cabinet n administration is a mess of ass kissing, treasonous bastards. Miller et al need to go!

202 225 3121 gets any member of congress. CALL

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Rob Wortmann's avatar

It is a challenge when the circus master has everyone e hogtied.

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Connie Larsen's avatar

202 225 3121 calls any member of Congress!

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Sue's avatar

My thoughts exactly. They are in the DARK about every day news.

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William's avatar

Lock them all up. Now!

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Jack's avatar

I totally agree with this comment. It’s unreal how much they are letting these authoritarian jerks destroy the constitution. The democrats are calling out their bs. They all should be held accountable for their actions. Impeach and remove!!

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William's avatar

Stand up Drmocrats if you don't the independents will have control sooner than later.

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Kathy H's avatar

Right on. What is the point of laws for any of us if we don't enforce them?!

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William's avatar

We don't have to follow them either right?

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Kathy H's avatar

I will follow most anyway because most I feel were democratically decided & are for good reason. But, continuing to extend courtesy & respect that isn't returned, no. If Independents can get this right, I think a lot of us would go for that. My loyalty isn't to an individual or a political party, but the principles of our representative democracy, a government of the people.

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EUWDTB's avatar

I'm not sure that Leavitt claiming that he did his cryptocurrency government sell-out during his "personal time" will have any weight in court, knowing that he is on camera speaking at the event and standing behind the presidential seal...

What is INCREDIBLE is that a CONSERVATIVE Supreme Court ruled that presidents from now on can openly let the wealthiest FOREIGNERS dictate US domestic (and foreign) policy, bypassing Congress and the constituents it is supposed to represent, all while being contrary to the emoluments clause... since they gave them total immunity for whatever they do standing behind the presidential seal.

And they did it, moreover, KNOWING that an utterly immoral rapist, failed businessman and corrupt, violent insurrectionist could soon be president again.

The corruption started at the SC and inside the conservative movement, long before Trump held his "sell out the US government" dinner...

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Fraser's avatar

Just pure arrogance all around!

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EUWDTB's avatar

Neofascism is an elaborate ideology, not just a bad psychological/moral habit. And it vitally needs corruption and cynicism to thrive.

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Liz Shirk's avatar

I think the podium’s symbol was a round circle of his MEME COIN

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Liz Shirk's avatar

Wow….. well, that was stupid & possibly fortunate.

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Connie Larsen's avatar

Pio@supremecourt.gov

Write them.

202 225 3121 is a number that will get any member of congress.

Call, pass the information around.

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DEO's avatar

Corruption in plain sight, let’s say that again, CORRUPTION IN PLAIN SIGHT, so the question is who arrests him?

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LCD's avatar

Michael 🥰 P. I’m sorry for your loss. Moms are the best. I’m sure your mom is so very proud of you. What a gift for her to see you shine ✨ Big hugs.

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EUWDTB's avatar

Meanwhile, the NYT finally did an article about Democrats again. They've been failing SO SO badly reporting on how fiercely they are fighting back for "we the people", both at the federal and state level. So did we finally have an extensive interview with Elizabeth Warren, for instance (similar to the GREAT interview MTN Adam Mockler did with her last week, and that ALL Americans should watch)? No. They jumped back to more than six months ago to do another horse race article about the 2024 election, showing graphs that they had already shown at the time, and putting a headline on the article that, as usual, basically just bashed Democrats and the DNC.

No wonder that Democrats' popularity is so low, even though ALL nonpartisan studies have proven the STELLAR record of the Biden/Harris administration and the Democratic Congress.

Democracy today vitally depends on media such as Meidas.

GO MTN!!!

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Skitealwedrop's avatar

I believe that SCOTUS and the GOP created the monster we are witnessing now.

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Dr. Elizabeth Ann George's avatar

47 was this kind of wicked during his first term. He bullied the entirety of the Republican Party to enable his every whim. Chief Justice is actually the one that opened Pandora’s box by giving him total immunity. Very disappointing that our system/Constitution is not being used in the way it was meant to be.

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Fraser's avatar

yup! Pretty much!!

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Judy Cross's avatar

It seems that they are proud of it, too. I wonder what has been promised to them for turning their backs on our country.

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Skitealwedrop's avatar

Watch the final episode of SNL’s 50th Season. They have a hilarious answer that I can’t write about here 😂😂😂😂😂

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Dr. Elizabeth Ann George's avatar

Will do. 👍💜

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MaryJo D's avatar

I would love it if all progressive media would ignore FOTUS June 14th parade. Reclaim the US flag for all of US.

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Judy Cross's avatar

It will be on every channel, unless nobody shows up, then they would lie about it. I hope nobody shows up and he has steam blowing out of his ears. Stroke time.

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Marianne Klee's avatar

As someone noted in one of these comment threads-'"hoping for a loose rocket that takes out the entire viewing box."

I have no problem advocating for that because this is pure EVIL.

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Connie Larsen's avatar

Why wait 2 + weeks for a stroke?😳

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Toni's avatar

Even if his criminal cabinet is convicted because they don’t have total immunity like he does, he will just pardon them !

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KSD's avatar

#47 is unfit....hopefully that will stick at some point and Pardoning will be revoked and reversed!!

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Kathy H's avatar

Then that is something that needs to be revisited as well, unlimited pardon power. It's our government. A lot of work to be done.

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J R's avatar

Michael - I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. My 94 yr old mom in Jan fell and broke both legs. She’s been in and out of the hospital 6 times - 3 surgeries and wonder everyday when I will lose my mom. Thank you, for sharing your personal sadness and grief with us. jr

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Judy Cross's avatar

So sorry that your mom is going thru all this. It's got to be hard. Mom's are so special. I will put you and your mom on my prayer list. God Bless

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Marianne Klee's avatar

Bless your mom. I know the anxiety very well of such situations. I am so sorry you are experiencing this

I lived it with both of my parents. My dad died five years ago yesterday, on Memorial Day, one week shy of his 95th birthday. He was a WWII Navy veteran. He died as a flyover was occurring over Southern California to honor first responders and medical personnel in the early days of the pandemic. My parents would be disgusted by what is happening to our country.

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Kathy H's avatar

Our hearts are with you.

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Shanny P's avatar

Russell Vought is satan, incarnate.

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ShelbyRae Lane's avatar

I think it's a toss up between Stephen Miller and Russell Vought for Satan's title and seat

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Connie Larsen's avatar

They are treasonous Nazis! Night n miller. 🪱👎👎🖕

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Dr. Elizabeth Ann George's avatar

We all know why he’s going after Harvard. If he “wins” this he’ll go after all the other Ivy League colleges that rejected his “boy.” What a petty, spiteful tiny man.

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Fraser's avatar

And then Westpoint???

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Kat Pan's avatar

Hegseth has already followed the Trump Project 2025 agenda when he removed history, philosophy, military and civil history books from the military academy library because the subject matter was deemed inappropriate to the current administration’s way of thinking. Trump and Hegseth are whitewashing and sanitizing history so our future military leadership will be blind and ignorant to the realities of what impact it had on the US in the 250 years of military and civil history had in the making of our country.

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drbilldean@gmail.com's avatar

Universities and Nazi Christian Nationalism

To paraphrase JD Vance’s attack on universities and upper education, “the government should honestly and aggressively look to destroy the university system of higher education because it is the enemy to American Christian values” (November 2021) This is fundamental to the Christian Nationalist(CN) movement currently propagated by the Nazi regime in the White House and is the fundamental pinning of the regime’s attack on Harvard university

What is one of the essentials of the CN propaganda is born out of American societal’s longstanding debate(since 1740) about the haves and have nots with respect to education according to historian Heather Cox Richarson in her Letters from an American Substack column The have nots have argued that higher education threatens Christian values and even goes so far as to relate government and universities in cahoots with each other to decimate the Christian fabric of society But among other issues under this cloak of being a proponent of Christian values is the elimination of the boundaries of Church and State thereby attacking the First Amendment’s freedom of religion

In Nazi Germany the CN movement led to book burning and the regime’s tolerance of Universities that touted the Nazi way of thinking(“We tolerate no one in our ranks who attacks the ideas of Christianity. Our movement is Christian.” Adolph Hitler 1928)

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Shanny P's avatar

Christofascism

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WJB Motown's avatar

Paula White.....Kim Jong Trumps personal religious adviser

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drbilldean@gmail.com's avatar

Another great term to use thanks

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Judy Cross's avatar

I expect that he will eventually go after all universities and then churches. We have to stop him before he does. He is such a orange creep. He should be put in handcuffs, led out of the WH and taken directly to El Salvador. That would be a great message to his goonies. Put him on the "new" palace plane by himself and remote control it.

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Connie Larsen's avatar

202 225 3121 will get you any member of congress.

🍊💩n his entire cabal of miscreants n traitors need to be removed.

CALL

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Kat Pan's avatar

"Christian nationalism" is a fake religion, it doesn't like or want colleges, universities, and other higher education entities to teach critical thinking or even have discussions on controversial topics/subjects they see as not following their way of thinking or follow. They want a dumb population because they're easier to control (like their MAGA cult).

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drbilldean@gmail.com's avatar

Precisely the perfect example is the MAGA movement which incentivizes noncritical group think An unqualified group that the Nazis love and want to replicate

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Ballard Graham's avatar

Glad that Meidastouch is pointing these preposterous Supreme Court rulings out. The grand one if them all was to give a felon criminal “absolute immunity”! Making the felon above the law for all of the absurd illegal actions he is committing!

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Frances's avatar

It's just the Republicand all of them not Maga Republicans the entire Republican Party stop segmenting out MAGA they may be more face forward but the Republicans are the party

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Don's avatar

Every time I hear one of Trumps minions talk the tone is wrong. The tone is offensive! So disrespectful! They better fear! We will take every one of them and turn them into a new road!

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Letitia's avatar

Thank you Ben & Popok I feel blessed to have found you and all the rest of the community 💜

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Cynthia's avatar

You guys are so good. I just subscribed. I really appreciate your passion, your understanding, your candor, and your willingness to fight this horrific, unlawful and un-Constitutional adminsitration. God willing, their day of reckoning will come!

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Joanne Steacie's avatar

Good info,points of view. Truth truth truth on it all. Also about the question on how the red hats think so less of themselves and are being played; the non transparency of the trump regime and the need for accountability. Keep up the good work. I am fighting, protesting, writing like many, many others. No Trump, no. Eventually. Must not accept.

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Connie Larsen's avatar

202 225 3121 will reach any member of congress! Call ☎️ n just no to the bill n anything trump wants!

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David A Pitock's avatar

Doesn't Harvard University have a decent law school? I sware tRump is such a moron. Seems to me if students from other countries can afford to go to Harvard maybe it not to become radicalized like tRump may think? But to learn, what a concept one tRump does not understand 🤔.

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Joanne Steacie's avatar

The terrorists are Trump, Noem!

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Connie Larsen's avatar

Bondi, nazi miller, cheung, Lutnick, Hegseth, the rest of the incompetent cabinet, administration, advisors. I kind of hoped Wiles would be a stabilizing force! But not to be!

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Kat Pan's avatar

Trump warned us of the "enemy within," and so we now know it's him.

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Marianne Klee's avatar

Sometimes he does tell a small amount of truth... yes, there is an enemy within, and yes, it IS them. He tells on himself rather often.

He is all projection. And his evil minions also project.

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Julyluv31's avatar

Hey Ben, Hey Michael!! I know it’s Sunday and I am from the South and you know the bad mouth thing on a Sunday but Anyway I can’t help it hell!! Y’all keep us informed and I Thank you from the bottom of my heart I hope all of y’all are relaxing and getting some rest at least but I know y’all not!!! I am here to Always support y’all!. That Fuckin’ Freak gonna do what the Freak wanna do!! This Shit Always just another day!! Shit all damn week!! I don’t want to suffer and go through this Shit I don’t because I didn’t vote for that Freak HELL!!Anyway!! Happy Memorial Day Y’all!! FDT!! That’s All!! Damn that was a lot😂😂

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Sharon M. Morrison's avatar

Please read this speech made in the French Senate recently stating the European perspective on the Trump effect on the US, US, and the world:

https://wickedemerald.wordpress.com

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Janel's avatar

📢FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS!! Woohooo👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾📣🇺🇲 Stay outta my pants! Stay outta house! Stay outta my academic choices! Give persons on this Soil habeas corpus! PERIOD

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Scott Bump's avatar

With The Donald's academic history? "He can't read a financial spread sheet". And Don Jr "barley understands Accounting 101". Trump University Ponsie Skeam Scam? With both having a bachelor's in Finance? Their not qualified to mess with educational institutions!! Their bogus brain vacant fool idiots!! Work your grudges out in Rikers Dons!!

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Annie Hartford's avatar

You know that Baron Trump wasn’t admitted to Harvard. Perhaps this is a revenge story, another one. I’m sure DT wasn’t admitted either. Went to the bottom of the Ivy’s, Penn. Wharton education? The tariffs are all about his grift. Don’t even try to make economic sense of them. It doesn’t matter!

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Kathy H's avatar

A lot of good information. It's good to have people so skilled bringing it together, reminding us of previous actions, too, there is so much to keep track of.

My respect & condolences to Michael Popok. I appreciate the tribute to his mother. Being a single parent isn't easy for anyone, but there was still stigma that made it harder in the 60s & 70s. I'm reminded of that for my own mother & am glad for all for how well we were able to do!

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Megan Rothery's avatar

Use this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress. Reach out to your own, as well as those in other states on a specific committee important to a topic you’re sharing. Use your voice and make some “good trouble.” 

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

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Connie Larsen's avatar

Spreadsheet is great. 202 225 3121 will get any member of Congress, house or senate. Think Rand Paul, Ron Johnson will really vote against the bill? Just call, especially senators now!

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Megan Rothery's avatar

I think they will, but I’m curious to see how it all plays out. We need to be contacting them about so many things 🤦‍♀️

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sharon Portside's avatar

Our S.C.Justices where in on Jan 6th at least a couple of them..if they do not go along with this failed president they will all go down together..the felon will make sure of it. I swear it was a suicide pack they all made to pull Jan 6th off..one for all ,and all for one..or prison.

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Paula Bamburg's avatar

You mentioned Harvard’s endowment. That’s big money. Trump’s little fingers are probably itching to control that money.

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VictoriaLynn26's avatar

I believe the big beautiful bill gives the regime the ability to impound funds. So while there are court decisions now that prevents this if the BBB passes with these powers I’m afraid they will be able to take away funding

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Nancy Ellen Maitri Peden, D.D.'s avatar

Hey dear Meidas. There is a tik tok of Trump being blackmailed by the Saudis. I don't know what to do with this. He has an illegal party as you have posted. It's time to end a perverted felon.

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Ballard Graham's avatar

Trump regime is “all about transparency my A**”! Total BS and an F’n lie!

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Ballard Graham's avatar

Ben and Popok, please keep amplifying this corruption every chance you get! We need to hear it! Like it or not!

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Shanny P's avatar

Can a case be brought back to the Supreme Court to reconsider the presidential immunity ruling given the current president’s abuse of his power and ignoring the courts?

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Judy Cross's avatar

I hope it could. I have asked this question several time on different outlets, but haven't heard anything. I suspect the answer is "no" and if it could be done, would the Supreme Court hear it or if they did, would they just give him more rights? They seem to like what he is doing.

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The Rozweiler's avatar

Michael Popok for President!!

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4BlondeMom's avatar

Ben! I’m so happy that you verbalized that the trump regime is trying to turn us into Russia. Thank you for actually saying it. People need to wake up and face it. This is a fight for everyone and everything we hold dear as Americans

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J R's avatar

Ben & Michael - you’re both amazing at the way you’re educating the populace…. 💞

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Eva Camacho Guzman's avatar

Is this what “Government Overreach” looks like? I thought GOP was against government overreach?

Rhetorical question. 😬

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TwinsMom0726's avatar

Ben you’re looking svelte! Good work having a glow up at 40!

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Dee Chambers's avatar

What is the reason behind Trump’s targeting Harvard? A Republican friend said it’s because Harvard has been treating Jewish students poorly for a long time. But I find this quite implausible.

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Kat Pan's avatar

In a nutshell, Harvard refused to follow trump's edict to halt teaching DEI and to change their curriculum and fire profs who refused. Harvard sent a strongly worded letter to the White House telling trump he has no jurisdiction over a private university. Then trump cut the federal research funding to Harvard. Harvard filed a lawsuit. Trump ordered the visas of Harvard's international students to be canceled and told them to either enroll in other universities or go home. Harvard filed a suit and SCOTUS ruled that trump can't do that.

Stay tuned because SCOTUS' rulings are all over the place and are applicable for some but do not apply to all.

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Susan's avatar

LOVE you Popok! Your stories about your mother are great.

So she is with you in all you do!

Lots of this you have already taught us but with you & Ben it is review I am learning-- review is fine. When Ben is there could he let you talk about your ideas for where this is all going? Between the 2 of you there have to be some great ideas on that topic. Again condolences to you & family.

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Terilyn's avatar

This is what happens when you have a SCOTUS who was hand picked for these outcomes.

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4real68's avatar

Isn’t there an on going genocide in Sudan that’s recognised by all western nations including the US! Crazy, schizophrenic & dangerous

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Ethan S. Burger's avatar

A Request for Michael's and Ben's [perhaps others'] Take on the Ongoing January 6 Lawsuits Against Trump

With so much unfolding both domestically and globally, it’s easy to lose sight of the thousands of consequential, fascinating, angering, and terrifying developments happening every day—particularly those tied to the battle over the rule of law and the fate of American democracy (actually, our flawed badly functioning Republic, with a population consisting of a majority of people who are unfortunely polarized as well as not well-informed or educated to the level so that legal immigrants can pass a test to obtain U.S. citizenship).

As of today, it appears that former President Donald Trump is still facing multiple civil lawsuits stemming from the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Filed by members of Congress and Capitol Police officers, these actions allege that Trump incited the violence and should be held accountable for the resulting harm.

I haven’t seen much recent coverage of these cases, and I suspect many people, including those who should know better, are losing track of them. That’s where you come in. I’d really value your thoughts on where things stand, how these cases might play out, and what they might mean more broadly. I’ve always appreciated your mix of legal rigor, practical cynicism, and ability to cut through noise.

Below is a summary I compiled using ChatGPT (with all due disclaimers about the limitations of AI). Still, it provides a useful outline. I’d love to know how much of this strikes you as accurate, where it misses the mark, and how you'd interpret the current state of play.

________________________________________

Key Civil Lawsuits Against Trump (January 6-Related)

1. Thompson v. Trump – Filed by Rep. Bennie Thompson and others, this lawsuit accuses Trump of conspiring with extremist groups to incite the Capitol riot.

o In 2022, Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Mr. Trump is not immune under presidential immunity doctrines.

o The D.C. Circuit affirmed in 2023, stating Trump's actions were those of a candidate, not a president.

o Trump declined to appeal to the Supreme Court, allowing the case to proceed.

2. Swalwell v. Trump – Filed by Rep. Eric Swalwell, the suit alleges that Trump and allies violated civil rights laws.

o Trump's attempt to dismiss based on immunity was rejected. The case moves forward.

3. Blassingame v. Trump – Brought by Capitol Police officers who suffered physical and emotional harm.

o Consolidated with other officer-filed suits. Judge Mehta is overseeing proceedings.

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Presidential Immunity & DOJ Maneuvering

Trump continues to assert that he acted within the scope of his presidential duties—claims repeatedly rejected by courts, distinguishing between executive functions and campaign activity.

Notably, in March 2025, the Trump-controlled DOJ attempted to substitute the U.S. government as the defendant in these suits, asserting Trump acted in an official capacity. That substitution effort is still pending judicial review and has drawn sharp legal criticism.

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Legal Defense & Who Pays Mr. Trump’s defense team includes:

• Michael van der Veen (Philadelphia)

• Lindsey Halligan (Florida, also involved in the Mar-a-Lago documents case)

• Stanley Woodward (who also represents Trump aide Walt Nauta)

Their fees are largely covered by:

• Save America PAC – Spent $21.6 million on legal costs in 2023 alone.

• Make America Great Again PAC

• Patriot Legal Defense Fund Inc. – Formed in 2023 to support Trump and his allies.

These funds are raised via donor contributions, often under misleading premises. The “Official Election Defense Fund,” for example, was promoted heavily in emails but reportedly never existed as a separate legal entity. Most funds were funneled into Save America PAC and used for legal expenses, travel, and political events.

Federal prosecutors and the House January 6 Committee have raised serious concerns about the propriety and legality of these fundraising tactics. A federal grand jury has been reviewing the Save America PAC's activities for potential fraud and misuse of funds.

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In Sum,

Though criminal proceedings tied to January 6 have encountered procedural and political obstacles, the civil litigation remains very much alive. Courts have largely rejected Trump's immunity arguments, and these cases could play a defining role in clarifying the limits of presidential authority and the legal consequences of political incitement.

________________________________________

Looking forward to hearing your take on this topic — especially with your always-entertaining blend of candor and constitutional clarity.

May our worst fears not be realized.

Best regards,

Ethan

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Don Rubenstein's avatar

Ben, can check on Malcolm Nance. No posts since 5 days into Greenland. Some reposts only. This is not like him, especially on Memorial Day.

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Dellen Reed's avatar

I just saw and read the 500 billion dollar cuts that they want to make tomato care medicare. Advantage would never have gentle our vision. They'd have to go to the emergency room because it would be too difficult for them to pay. This is gonna happen in 2026, so he'd better be gone by then. I'm on medicare advantage. They didn't talk.

About that in the media , they didn't say anything about it , but they were tacking medicare and they got away with it

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Jodi Cavanaugh's avatar

So sorry for the loss of your mother Mr. Popok.

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Kalani's avatar

Sounds like the Russian GOP playbook.Scammers. The Russian GOP Scammers!

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Kathleen Jorde's avatar

If he spent as much time on actually working for the whole American public (citizen of USA) life in thecUSA could be a dream come true and we’d have allies again. But no! He’s just going to grift his way through the 4 years enriching himself and turning the whole country faschist!

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Thomas Mani's avatar

F*ck

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Charlene Pray's avatar

What have we not learned ,we know they are screaming manipulative down right corupt and bold face lying

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Agnes Banks's avatar

Love your podcast absolutely . I actually relying on your opinion. So thank you all.

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Donna R Mathre's avatar

Popok , So sorry to hear your beloved Mother passed, God Bless your family and know she is at peace !! love Miedas and Leagle AF Popok !!

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Sailfish387's avatar

Agreed. The USA has been compromised because of Trump’s actions and words. Thump is the reason the USA has killed the “American Dream”. Trump is the DESPOT who sold out the United States for CASH.

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Deb Churchill's avatar

Michael, God bless your mom - I'm sure she was very proud of you.

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Jarno Jokinen's avatar

"Harvard’s fistfight with Trump; Trump’s own press secretary potentially opening him up to future criminal prosecution for the Meme Coin/influence-peddling scam" Worst is yet to come. Donald "The Beast" Trump is building a wall once again. Colossal tariff wall that is the beginning of the end for the system of down. At first the beast will pull the plug out of the global economy. The worst financial crisis of human history will pull a swarm of the banks underwater and the bank run begins. Then the beast will collapse a mountain of debt shattering the backbone of the monetary system causing a systemic risk to realize. Finally the beast will cast American citizens into a system slavery under the name of Ronald Wilson Reagan, just to "honor his legacy" count the number. After the destruction a new world order will be established in the US. And the Golden Age begins from the ruins of the world wide collapse. All of the system slaves will love it. No more cash - just digital transactions. No more traditional criminal activity. No more tax evasion. No more transactions without the "all seeing eye". Outcasts will hate the world without freedom, hope and privacy. To cover up the mess and distract the public by smoke and mirrors, the beast will engage in a war with Iran. Lies and deceit, corruption and decay, dancing on the graves will continue. Until; Black hole sun, won't you come, won't you come... I want to play a game. Time has come to opt out of the empire of filth. Live or die...

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Christy Jobe Carter's avatar

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I know you have wonderful memoraies.

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Carol J's avatar

For those who were unaware, Harvard rejected Baron's application not long before Chump started this harrassment campaign.

Coincidence??

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Carol J's avatar

For those who were unaware, Harvard rejected Baron's application not long before Chump started this harrassment campaign.

Coincidence??

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Judy Williams's avatar

I am so confused! Where was all the international postings? I saw none of them and I have been connected all day

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Nancy Ellen Maitri Peden, D.D.'s avatar

Wake up. He's being blackmailed. The meme coin dinner. He's not immune.

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Everleigh Rose's avatar

You’re right not a Democracy! It’s a CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC, get over it!

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Barbara Ehrlich's avatar

Who can investigate the so called shadow docket? Condolences to Michael Popok at the loss of his beloved mother.

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Marcia's avatar

One of my favorite Ben/Popock talks so much good thorough info

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Sue's avatar

Finally! Let's go.

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Jo Burns's avatar

Thank you, Harvard, for standing up and taking a lead to push back on the regime and help preserve our democracy! Thank you, MeidasTouch for bringing these truths and Michael Popok for sharing specific details. What needs to be dismantled is the Whitehouse kleptocracy authoritarian.

My sympathy, Mr. Popok, on the loss of your mother. 💔

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Mars's avatar

Praying for you and your family! It’s never easy to lose your Mom🙏🏼.

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WJB Motown's avatar

Ms Popok......Rest in Peace sweet woman........Job well done

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Melinda Cole's avatar

That story of your mother watching you film live made me cry. So blessed

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Liz Shirk's avatar

IS this going to work? THIS really is a worry.

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Judy Cross's avatar

Maybe Bernie Sanders and AOC can borrow the WH podium for their rallies. They have a better right to use it than dumpty does. He uses it for lies and corruption and that is not fitting. Sanders and AOC would use it for truth which is totally fitting.

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Barbara's avatar

You two make my day! Sincere sympathy for your loss, Popok. I feel a real sense of community being a part of Meidas Mighty.

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Y.B.TheTeacher's avatar

They are destroying people's lives. But the end of this regime is just a few months away. The AIMS [Analysis Investigation Military movement

Seperation Strategy] will expose the WH. At the end of September of this year. Seperation will happen. The convicted felon34 will be exposed and he will flee to the UAE. He won't be back but he'll be posting about the deep state 24/7. That's where he'll be when he passes away. Miller will be prosecuted in the end.

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Ilona  Schweiger Swarovski's avatar

We hope that FBI kicked Trump administration in his ass for sentencing in prison

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Ballard Graham's avatar

It would certainly be rational that if DOGE found so much supposed “waste fraud and abuse” they would want to expose it, so that the American people can see the supposed wasting of our tax dollars!

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Ballard Graham's avatar

Absolutely Ben! It should raise “red flags” for all of us!

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Ilona  Schweiger Swarovski's avatar

Trump administration is the most wanted terrorist organization in USA he is a convicted criminal

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olderwoman's avatar

WHY is it that this was published on You Tube yesterday on May 24, and the title of the video on Apple Podcast is

Legal AF Full Episode 5/24/2025

Yet, yet, it does not get posted to Apple Podcast until the next day, today May 25. And it hits the Meidas + blog also today May 25.

Why was the Apple Podcast episode NOT posted to both Meidas + and Apple Podcast until a day later?

Why?

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Ballard Graham's avatar

Government corruption in our face! No matter who or what party it is!

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Ilona  Schweiger Swarovski's avatar

Al website by Trump scam report is a all lie also the South African white genocide is a lie the picture was came from Kongo red Cruz of rebel massacre

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MarcoNOTRubio's avatar

Love those glasses, Michael Popok!

What kind of lenses are those? 😆

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Ilona  Schweiger Swarovski's avatar

Donald Trump crazy shit show by his zero deals at four month he is in office or Shady Vance is the greatest shit 💩 In America fraud scam in America history

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Marilyn Ritcey's avatar

So sorry to hear about your Mother. My sincerest condolences.

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opsan's avatar

They Meet in the Shadows .. The Sequel!: https://bsky.app/profile/opsan.bsky.social/post/3lpmkcpaeqs2b

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Susan Friend's avatar

Trump and his grossly stupid cabinet members should all be jailed for contempt. I am continually amazed this corrupt of has any support, much less idiots like Kristi Noem.

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Ilona  Schweiger Swarovski's avatar

Absolutely money laundering scheme where the money bitcoin was stolen used by Government acces doge corruption in last two years Trump criminal charges was against the Trump family administration the sell shit dinner coin exchange with financial Bankcrupty and steal the money from taxpayers insane

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Barbara Bonneau's avatar

Condolences to you,Michael Popock for the loss of your Mom. You are in my heart and mind. Thank you for all your work!

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Anne Thacker's avatar

It is disappointing to hear students objection to a 19 month and counting genocide minimized...

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Diane Meils's avatar

Sorry for your loss!

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Ilona  Schweiger Swarovski's avatar

Donald Trump will have absolutely free access to can do what ever he needs by his narcissist personality disorder sick administration team Cristy Noem … the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction to do that

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Shannon Sewell's avatar

My condolences on your mom's passing, Michael.

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Karen Dudley's avatar

Love this show.

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Julia's avatar

Let's contact the custodians and maintenance staff to get insight into what's going on in DOD; they have access to other parts of the Pentagon.

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Rosemary Smekal's avatar

So he can never be held In contempt or any constitutional violation as president?

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Sarah Godbey's avatar

All they have to show is how much $$ he personally made on any of his grifts.

That would prove personal time or personal gains while in office.

Not a lawyer just observation

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Kat Pan's avatar

Any money he made from his personal business while POTUS deemed to be stolen from the american people and returned to the treasury for the benefit of all Americans struggling to make life easier for their families. Any money trump made from foreign representatives should be comandeered by the US for the benefit of overseas aid to poor nations facing life terminating crises.

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Sarah Godbey's avatar

Freeze all his assets and have the courts impose a redistribution while he rots behind bars!

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Steve's avatar

El Funky is now El Flunky.

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0:41
And I think one of the issues that's going to arise, Michael Popak and Legal AF-ers, is the extent and degree of the Supreme Court's immunity decision back from 2023, saying that Donald Trump was entitled to absolute immunity, a horrific decision indeed. One of the questions, though, that's going to arise,