The Morning Sixpack - February 14, 2025
Happy Valentine's Day!
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Top Prosecutor Resigns Over DOJ’s Order to Drop Corruption Case Against NYC Mayor Eric Adams
A federal prosecutor in Manhattan has resigned after the U.S. Department of Justice ordered her to drop a corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Danielle Sassoon, recently promoted by Donald Trump, called the move a “breathtaking and dangerous precedent” and refused to comply.
Adams, who was indicted last September, is accused of accepting over $100,000 in gifts from Turkish nationals in exchange for political favors, including waiving safety regulations at the Turkish consulate.
The DOJ’s directive, issued by acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove (a real snake of a lawyer who worked on many of Trump’s cases that never went to trial because our DOJ has a stupid fucking “memo” stating that they choose not to ever prosecute a sitting president, even if he/she is an absolute criminal), did not dispute the case’s merits but argued that prosecuting Adams would interfere with his ability to address “illegal immigration and violent crime” in New York.
Huh. I wonder why the “new guy” who gets elected couldn’t wage this same war? Wanna know why? Adams visited Trump and gave him a (metaphorical?) blowjob.
Sassoon made her stance clear in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, writing, “Because the law does not support a dismissal, and because I am confident that Adams has committed the crimes with which he is charged, I cannot agree to seek a dismissal driven by improper considerations.”
In response, Bove accepted her resignation and accused her of attempting to pursue a “politically motivated prosecution” against direct orders.
The DOJ also placed other prosecutors involved in the case on leave and launched an internal investigation, with Sassoon herself facing scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Adams has maintained his innocence and has denied any involvement in discussions with Trump regarding his legal troubles, despite meeting with the president in Florida before his inauguration. See?
The fallout from the case adds to the growing controversy over Trump’s influence on federal law enforcement. Bove defended his decision as a “direct order implementing the policy of a duly elected President,” while Trump publicly denied having any role in dropping the charges. These goons can’t even get their stories straight.
Meanwhile, Adams met with Trump’s “border czar” Tom Homan on Thursday and later announced plans to allow federal immigration authorities to re-establish an office at Rikers Island jail.
With Adams’ mayoral reelection looming in November, the DOJ has reserved the right to reinstate charges after the election, leaving the case’s future uncertain.
Guess what, Eric? You’re still going to prison, maybe even Rikers! Hahahahahahaha!!!
Source: BBC
Powerful Storm Slams SoCal, Triggering Mudslides and Flooding
A relentless storm battered Southern California on Thursday night, unleashing heavy rain, flash floods, and mudslides across the region.
In East Highland, floodwaters engulfed a home while the owners were out of town, leaving their three dogs trapped inside. Friends of the family rushed to rescue the stranded pets, but rising water and debris made the situation increasingly dangerous.
"He's out in Las Vegas for a cheer competition with his daughter and he wasn't expecting all of this rain," said Ramona Hernandez, a friend of the homeowner.
Efforts to retrieve all the dogs were hampered as a swollen door prevented access to the house.
As torrents of mud and water tore through Ypsilantha Street, emergency crews ordered rescuers to leave due to worsening conditions.
Hernandez described her frustration at being unable to save all the animals, stating, "The door is so swollen on the bottom half that I couldn't. I tried my best, my husband tried too, to try to open that door. We just couldn't get it open."
One of the dogs was safely placed in a car, while the others remained inside the flooded home and garage.
Fortunately, by Thursday evening, floodwaters had begun to recede, raising hope that the remaining dogs could be safely retrieved the next day.
As Southern California grapples with the aftermath of the storm, residents brace for additional rain and potential evacuations in flood-prone areas.
Source: ABC7 News
It was only a matter of time before the mudslides came after all the recent fires…
Trump Hits Pause on Sweeping Tariff Plan, Sending Markets Soaring
President Trump has delayed the rollout of a major reciprocal tariff plan, instead directing the U.S. Trade Representative and Commerce Department to investigate foreign trade practices before moving forward. Gee, what an idea! Assess the situation before you take action. Those are BIG BOY actions right there!
The study, set to conclude by April 1, will assess tariffs imposed on American goods, non-tariff barriers like unfair subsidies, and currency exchange policies.
The delay, coupled with a Trump-Putin discussion on ending the Ukraine war, sent European markets surging to record highs, with Germany’s DAX jumping over 2% and the Euro Stoxx 600 climbing 1.1%.
"While the markets remain on a tightrope when it comes to both issues, the Trump administration's approach so far has been relatively measured and leaves scope for negotiations," said Kyle Rodd, a senior market analyst at Compital.com.
Trump emphasized that the plan, once enacted, will ensure fair trade.
"They charge us a tax or tariff, and we charge them the exact same," he stated during an Oval Office press conference.
The proposed tariffs, expected to be among the most aggressive of his administration, could target key industries such as autos, computer chips, and pharmaceuticals. European economies, in particular, are bracing for potential consequences, with the EU’s VAT system facing scrutiny.
The U.S. imported $127 billion worth of pharmaceuticals from Europe in 2024, with GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy comprising a significant share of those imports. European-made vehicles are also at risk of steep tariffs, with the White House citing unfair trade practices.
Despite concerns over potential trade conflicts, investors responded positively to the delay. Wall Street also saw gains, with all three major U.S. stock indices closing higher. The U.S. dollar weakened, boosting metal prices, while gold neared its all-time high.
European leaders, however, signaled that any future trade or geopolitical negotiations must involve their participation, particularly regarding NATO and Ukraine. As the April deadline approaches, markets and global policymakers alike will be closely watching the next move from Washington.
Source: Euronews
Judges Weigh Blocking Musk’s DOGE Team from U.S. Government Systems
It’s about time!
Federal judges in New York and Washington are set to rule on whether Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) (not a real department) should be barred from accessing sensitive U.S. government systems. This seems to be the no-brainer of the century.
The Musk-led cost-cutting task clown show, appointed by President Trump to eliminate wasteful spending, has faced immediate legal challenges over concerns that it could interfere with Treasury Department payment systems and critical federal programs.
In Manhattan, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas is considering a request from Democratic attorneys general to extend a temporary block on DOGE’s access to Treasury systems, which handle trillions of dollars in government payments.
The lawsuit argues that Musk’s circus has no legal authority to access sensitive financial data and could disrupt funding for essential programs like health clinics, preschools, and climate initiatives.
Meanwhile, in Washington, U.S. District Judge John Bates is reviewing a separate request from labor unions to prevent DOGE from accessing records at the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Bates previously ruled in favor of the Trump administration but is now reconsidering after an amended lawsuit was filed.
The legal battles underscore the broader controversy surrounding Musk’s role in the federal government.
Democratic attorneys general have now sued Musk, Trump, and DOGE, arguing that the appointment is unconstitutional and demanding that Musk be barred from making personnel decisions or handling government contracts.
Despite multiple legal roadblocks, the Trump administration has aggressively pursued mass firings of federal workers and cut foreign aid programs.
As the court battles unfold, Musk and other Trump allies have called for impeachment proceedings against judges who have ruled against them, raising further tensions in an already volatile political landscape.
Source: Reuters
Kennedy Center in Turmoil as Trump’s Leadership Shakeup Sparks Fear and Cancellations
The Kennedy Center is facing a wave of cancellations and internal unrest following President Trump’s takeover of its board and leadership.
Comedian and actress Issa Rae became the first major artist to pull out of an upcoming performance, citing concerns over the institution’s values under the new administration.
“Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue,” Rae stated on Instagram.
The turmoil deepened as key artistic advisers, including musician Ben Folds, opera singer Renée Fleming, and TV producer Shonda Rhimes, resigned in protest.
Trump’s newly installed board quickly moved to oust longtime Kennedy Center president Deborah Rutter and appoint former acting director of national intelligence Richard Grenell as interim president.
WTF?
The shake-up extended beyond leadership, with mass firings hitting the general counsel and public relations department.
The controversial changes have sparked backlash across the arts community, with the Actors’ Equity Association condemning what it sees as a suppression of diverse viewpoints. The Kennedy Center has also canceled performances, including the acclaimed children’s musical Finn, which was about to embark on a two-year tour. While the center claims financial reasons for the cancellation, co-creator Michael Kooman said, “It’s hard to ignore the circumstances in which the cancellation of the tour is happening.”
Beyond cancellations, tensions are rising among staff and arts supporters. Some fear that Trump’s influence will shift programming away from its historically nonpartisan foundation.
“My identity is caught up in this place,” said one anonymous staffer. “I don’t feel safe.”
Meanwhile, conservative voices like commentator Marc Rotterman have welcomed the changes, advocating for more programming reflecting blue-collar America.
As protests erupt outside the Kennedy Center and questions loom over the future of its programming, Trump’s appointment of new board members signals a dramatic transformation for one of the nation’s most prestigious cultural institutions.
Source: WaPo
Bonus: President Trump elected chair of Kennedy Center by new board : NPR
Because, of course! It’s good ta be da King!
Judge Orders Trump to Lift USAID Freeze Amid Humanitarian Crises
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily lift its freeze on USAID funding, citing the severe financial and humanitarian consequences caused by the abrupt halt in payments.
The ruling, issued late Thursday, gives the administration five days to prove compliance and notify all organizations with existing foreign aid contracts. The funding freeze, which shut down U.S. humanitarian and development work worldwide, has left suppliers, farmers, and nonprofits without payment, forcing layoffs and causing food aid to rot in ports.
"Administration officials have not offered any explanation for why a blanket suspension of all congressionally appropriated foreign aid, which set off a shockwave and upended contracts with thousands of non-profit groups, businesses, and others, was a rational precursor to reviewing programs," Judge Amir H. Ali stated in his decision.
The legal battle is the first major challenge to the Republican administration’s rapid dismantling of USAID and foreign assistance programs.
Trump and his aide Elon Musk have argued that the six-decade-old aid agency does not align with their agenda, prompting a sweeping review of all programs.
However, the judge rejected the administration’s claims that it was mitigating the impact by offering waivers, noting that no such system existed and that USAID’s online payment system was no longer functioning. The ruling also prevents Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials from enforcing stop-work orders issued to aid organizations.
In a separate case, another judge extended a temporary block on Trump’s plan to pull most USAID staff from their posts worldwide, citing concerns over the safety of aid workers abroad.
As the administration scrambles to justify its actions, the court’s decision highlights the growing legal and political challenges facing Trump’s foreign policy shake-up.
Aid groups and contractors continue to report financial devastation, with many warning that prolonged disruption could push them into bankruptcy.
USAID staffers in conflict zones have also raised alarms, with those recently posted in the Congo describing being left to evacuate amid looting and violence.
With the clock ticking on the administration’s five-day deadline, the humanitarian fallout from Trump’s funding freeze remains an urgent crisis.
Source: The Guardian
Trump and his team are sociopathic miscreants with absolutely no concern for the downstream effects their stupid “agenda” causes. They are children.
I encourage you to read Heather Cox Richardson’s daily Substack. It’s a fun history lesson wrapped in the current events of the day.