Attacks on Democracy

January 6th, election interference, acts of authoritarianism, voter suppression, and systematic undermining of democratic institutions.

1799

Stories

Trump escalates tariffs despite Supreme Court loss - Salon.com

Trump escalates tariffs despite Supreme Court loss - Salon.com

Following a Supreme Court ruling invalidating his broad global tariff program, President Trump imposed a 15% duty on imports by invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, despite the court's decision. He criticized the ruling and used alternative legal authority to maintain his tariff agenda, prompting concerns about inflation and supply chain disruptions while supporters view the move as a stand against foreign competition.

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Balance of Cower – Beholden to Trump, Congress & SCOTUS Are Failing the Founders

Balance of Cower – Beholden to Trump, Congress & SCOTUS Are Failing the Founders

Lower courts in the United States have actively served as defenders of the Constitution, often ruling against what they see as abuses of power by President Trump and his administration, despite a Republican-controlled Congress and a conservative Supreme Court majority perceived as granting the executive branch significant latitude. Judges appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents have condemned actions such as detention policies, mask mandates, and executive overreach, emphasizing adherence to the principles of checks and balances and the rule of law. Meanwhile, some members of the Supreme Court, like Justice Neil Gorsuch, have acknowledged that recent judicial decisions are influenced more by ideology than constitutional interpretation. The article highlights the important role of lower courts in upholding constitutional rights amid perceived federal executive overreach.

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JPMorgan concedes it closed Trump's accounts after Jan. 6 attack - NBC News

JPMorgan concedes it closed Trump's accounts after Jan. 6 attack - NBC News

JPMorgan Chase admitted in a court filing that it closed President Donald Trump's accounts in February 2021 following the January 6 Capitol attack, marking the first written confirmation of the accounts' closure after the event. The bank's acknowledgment is part of Trump's lawsuit, where he alleges that the account closures were politically motivated and caused financial harm. The case involves debates over "debanking" and its implications, with Trump also accusing JPMorgan of placing him on a reputational blacklist.

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Supreme Court ruling offers little relief for Republicans divided on Trump's tariffs - KOB.com

Supreme Court ruling offers little relief for Republicans divided on Trump's tariffs - KOB.com

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a significant portion of President Donald Trump's global tariff regime, ruling that Congress holds the constitutional authority to impose taxes. Despite this, Trump announced he would proceed with imposing a new 10% import tariff, later raising it to 15%, under his executive powers. The move has led to divisions among Republicans, with some criticizing the tariffs for raising costs and others supporting Trump's "America First" protectionist policies; Democrats continue to oppose the tariffs, arguing they harm consumers and inflate prices. The decision underscores ongoing political and economic debates over trade policy and presidential authority.

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When judges have to cite Orwell in their rulings, our descent into dystopia is self-evident

When judges have to cite Orwell in their rulings, our descent into dystopia is self-evident

The article discusses concerns about recent U.S. legislation, such as the proposed SAVE Act, which aims to impose strict voter identification and proof of citizenship requirements, potentially disenfranchising millions. It highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to control historical narratives and suppress voting, drawing parallels to dystopian themes from Orwell’s "1984." The author warns that such measures, along with increased immigration detention and attempts to undermine democratic principles, threaten the foundational ideals of equality and truth in American democracy.

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Ambassador Bridge owners made $1-million donation to MAGA fund shortly before Trump ...

Ambassador Bridge owners made $1-million donation to MAGA fund shortly before Trump ...

The owners of the Ambassador Bridge, including Matthew Moroun, donated $1 million to the MAGA Inc. super PAC on January 16, shortly before Moroun's meeting with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington. Following this meeting, President Trump publicly stated that he would not allow the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open without compensation from Canada. The New York Times reported that a MAGA Inc. spokesperson denied any connection between the donation and government policy, and it was noted as Moroun's largest federal political contribution on record.

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Trump Threatens Netflix with "Consequences" After Laura Loomer Rant - Bleeding Cool

Trump Threatens Netflix with "Consequences" After Laura Loomer Rant - Bleeding Cool

Donald Trump threatened Netflix with "consequences" after Laura Loomer publicly criticized Netflix's board member Susan Rice and alleged a conspiracy involving the Netflix-Warner Bros. merger, which Loomer claimed the Obamas had a stake in. Trump’s social media post called for Rice to be fired, marking a shift in his stance amid Loomer’s inflammatory remarks. The situation highlights Trump's intervention in corporate matters influenced by partisan rhetoric.

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White House deflects as Trump weighs Taiwan arms sale delay amid Beijing pressure

White House deflects as Trump weighs Taiwan arms sale delay amid Beijing pressure

The White House has declined to comment on reports that President Trump is considering delaying or canceling an $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan amid Chinese pressure and in an effort to preserve diplomacy with China ahead of an April summit with Xi Jinping. The potential delay raises concerns about violating the "Six Assurances," a policy commitment not to seek pre-approval from Beijing for arms sales to Taiwan. Analysts suggest that any decision to postpone is likely aimed at maintaining the bilateral trade truce and avoiding escalation before the summit, though Taiwan's domestic political issues could complicate proceeding with the sale.

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