I think that Stephen Miller should be the one held in contempt. I would like to see how high his voice will squeal. (Sorry for the pettiness but they make it too easy)
His name needs to be on everyone's list everyday. His name needs to be known, well known. People need to know just how ruthless and soulless he is. One commentator referred to him as the modern day Reinhard Heydrich, one of the most ruthless men of Hitler's inner circle. If we want to stop this madness, we must call attention to those who still dwell in the sewer away from the antiseptic light of sunshine.
It is not his Santa Monica family, his parents, who have disowned him, it is the extended family, siblings et al of the parents, who have denounced his behaviors. His actions are contemptible.
How awful for his family. Everyone has or has a friend, whose child may not have turned out how they hoped. But this? This man with no compassion, no empathy for others not as fortunate as him? I guess there are sociopaths, or whatever he is, everywhere.
Yes, good to remember that the person stuck with defending Trump's policies at press conferences does not have the power to change them. Cabinet members, Congress, the Supreme Court - let's stick the blame for not holding Trump accountable where it belongs.
She’s not “stuck with defending his policies” - she’s part of the Project2025 communications training program. She is as culpable and complicit as the rest of the regime. Please do not attempt to excuse anything she’s doing.
Did you catch her little public prayer display the other day before meeting the WH Press Corp? She is one of the many mouthpieces for this regime.
I realize that she agrees with Trump or she would not have the job, but she is not in a position of power to do anything about it. The blame for not stopping Trump does not rest with her but with Cabinet members, Congress and the Supreme Court.
Please do an internet search with her name and Project 2025.
She's "not in a position to do anything about it"? She is part of it and I do wonder why you seem to be searching for some reason to excuse her and imply she has no power, etc.
She is complicit. She is named in plans. To imply/suggest that she's just some... poor innocent(?) or something 'just doing her job' is quite the take. She has power, whether all see that or not - she's part of the plan there.
A final point: we all, in theory, have some set of moral standards or guidelines for our behaviors and speech.
If you (Anne) are 'just fine' to excuse her with a "she's just following orders" justification - that should tell you a lot about yourself and the standards you do - or don't - hold others to.
Again: "she's not in a position of power" ... to do anything.
She could quit - right? She could refuse to repeat the lies? Not engage in the performative garbage that she trucks out regularly?
She's the Press Secretary. This Regime's Propaganda Barbie.
But... please explain why she should get a 'pass' here?
And let us remember the Democrats that voted AYE for those nominees:
Durbin (7), Kelly (9), Gallego(10), Klobuchar (7), Booker (5 + 3 Not voting), Shaheen & Hassan (10), Slotkin (10), Rosen (8), Cortez Masto (7). A No vote did not make a difference except to say I Do Not Consent!
Fortunately he looks and acts like what he is, a contemptible little weasel, who hates everyone and everything, most especially, if unconsciously, including himself. He worships the Great Golden Calf who has managed to seize the reins of power because men like Miller always suck up to those like Trump, who have the power to to do broad harm, which satisfies his deep sense of envy and defectiveness. My bet? He was made fun of all the way through school and has been working out a way to take revenge ever since.
Once they’ve identified who should be held in contempt (I would argue everyone in his administration are guilty), Garcia’s family need to sue this administration for wanton defamation for their ridiculous claims that Abrego is a “terrorist” and “MS-13 gang member”.
I agree -- the more self-righteously wound up he gets, the higher the pitch of his voice, and the faster he talks -- it's almost toddler like, if he weren't such a Voldemort.
He also seems to have developed a bit of a behavioral tic - right before he starts yelling, his head twitches to the right - which is new (having watched this guy for a bit). His outraged behaviors, my impression, are escalating faster.
Did you see the interview where he asked a question and then told the journalists who were giving him answers to shut up because HE was talking? It is way too easy to despise such a slime ball.
I’m feeling a similar reaction to that guy, the “mastermind” to the lies and little set-ups against the world and the American people. Worthless, honestly worthless bit of protoplasm.
Joyce Wow! Trump is being taken to Court by the Governor and Atty Gen of California— Check out Lawrence O’Donnell tonight— All of his Tariffs are illegal under the Emergency Powers Act. — Gov. Newsom—“The President lacks authority to enact unilateral tariffs is using a statute that doesn’t mention tariffs. The Court, applying this doctrine even-handedly, will find that such expansive action absent congressional approval is a clear violation of the law.
I’ve been a little worried about Gavin lately, with several of his podcast guests and his statement about trans athletes, but he has redeemed himself today with this lawsuit. A shot across Trump’s bow: Don’t miss with our multi-trillion dollar GDP!
it makes sense under the rule of law that an assumption of great power on the occasion of a national emergency should be subject to a judicial determination whether the emergency exists.
"Emergency" does not just mean "I don't like the current trade situation".
And an "emergency" of inflow of immigrants and/or drugs does not necessarily give the President the power to impose tariffs on aluminum and steel.
Courts generally give the executive wide latitude to determine such matters, but latitude does not mean no boundaries at all.
Yes, he is erratic, ignorant, seems to thrive on keeping us off-balance with his daily chaos…..and he also appears to have lost cognitive functioning….(he is about to be the oldest (&dumbest 🤔) president in our history. 🤡
Meanwhile, someone(s) are benefiting from the external chaos, and I'm not thinking primarily about the underwhelming members of the cabinet. Musk, yes. Miller, yes. And others whose names we may not even know.
A so called "emergency" that constantly changes the goal posts, is not an emergency.
The FELON doesn't understand, China holds the cards and is forming trade alliances excluding us. China, Canada, the EU and Japan hold over 4 TRILLION in treasury bonds, and could cash them in. They, and others, could change over and use China's global payment system and royally screw over the US dollar. Our economy would go into a steep nose dive.
I don't know this for a fact, but it seems to me that a legitimate emergency is a situation that constitutes an immediate and significant threat to life and/or property. Fitting a trade imbalance within this definition would be a heavy lift.
Was only a matter of time before our Governor Gavin Newsom and AG Rob Bonta made this move. We are the fifth largest economy in the world and protection is necessary.
From the California Lawsuit —The wording of the Lawsuit and EMERGENCY POWERS ACT: “The Constitution does not vest in the President any authority to impose tariffs. Rather, the Constitution expressly vests the authority to impose tariffs solely in Congress, not the President...
Congress's power in this area is exhaustive...Because the Constitution does not vest in the President any authority to impose tariffs, any authority for the President to do so must come, if at all, from an act of Congress.” And, "[t]he President, in every possible instance, shall consult with the Congress before exercising any of the authorities granted by this chapter and shall consult regularly with the Congress so long as such authorities are exercised."- Quotes from Lawrence O’Donnell Wednesday Night ) —- Gov. Newsom—“The President lacks authority to enact unilateral tariffs is using a statute that doesn’t mention tariffs. The Court, applying this doctrine even-handedly, will find that such expansive action absent congressional approval is a clear violation of the law.
From Gov Newsom— “The President lacks authority to enact unilateral tariffs
The law, which was enacted by Congress in 1977, specifies many different actions the President can take, but tariffs aren’t one of them. In fact, this is the first time a president has attempted to rely on this law to impose tariffs.
It is difficult to imagine a more economically significant set of actions than the one Trump is taking on tariffs, which have inflicted hundreds of billions of dollars in economic losses on a whim, using a statute that doesn’t mention tariffs. The Court, applying this doctrine even-handedly, will find that such expansive action absent congressional approval is a clear violation of the law.”
Mob Boss thinks he is the only negotiator/actor in the USA, US Gov't.
His Megalomaniacal narcissism self-forbids him from allowing others any controls and hence was anticipated by our Founders with the Constitution.
- He is the Tyrant we feared when we wrote the Constitution and discussed in Federalist Papers. The gop Congress and CU are usurping the intent and black letters of the Constitution.
Federalist 68:
"Nothing was more to be desired, than that every practicable obstacle should be opposed to cabal, intrigue and corruption.
These most deadly adversaries of republican government might naturally have been expected to make their approaches from more than one quarter, but chiefly from the desire in foreign powers to gain an improper ascendant in our councils.
How could they better gratify this, than by raising a creature of their own to the chief magistracy of the union? But the convention have guarded against all danger of this sort with the most provident and judicious attention.
... .we may safely pronounce, that the true test of a good government is its aptitude and tendency to produce a good administration."
That's not really the fly. The fact is that Presidents have been granted the power to levy tariffs for over 125 years. I respect Laurence O'Donnell but his legal skills are weak. The Supreme Court's Fields v Clark (1892) decision clearly permitted Congress to grant the power to levy tariffs to the President. That has been the case for over a century and I can not see the current SCOTUS changing that even for (or maybe especially for) Gsvin Newsom.
Every President since that time has had the power to extend tariffs. Congress absolutely can change that by passing a new law but until that happens Trump will continue to be able to extend tariffs on his own say so.
Read this article from the Congress website... it goes into much deeper history about the extension of tariffs to the President and the positive and negative of that subject. It is a very complex issue, not as simple as just saying "he can't do that" which is Newsom's rather simplistic lawsuit.
No, actually your knowledge is limited. We are not only talking about the emergency powers act. Congress has granted power to the President to fix tariffs under other laws as well. Please read up on this subject because you are just following this lawsuits position which is not the only relevant position.
And just to be clear, I am not in favor of these wide grants of power to the President. I would love to see Newsom win but all the evidence from the past (including both Democrat and GOP lawsuits) suggest the President will win.
Joyce, a masterful explanation of some incredibly complex legal issues. I am a lawyer but my area was not to do with these matters. It’s so incredible that you have a mind big enough to hold all this and then explain it to us in understandable terms. I am in awe of your brain power!
If trump is held in contempt, but he supposedly has immunity from anything that’s part if his job, I have 2 questions:
1) Is it part of his job if it’s illegal? If it’s illegal, isn’t that de facto NOT part if his job?
2) is this the moment where a concurrent case could challenge the concept of trump’s immunity? i.e. — bring that back again in front of the Supreme Court for a do-over, this time related to his contempt in the Garcia case?
She is quite amazing, isn’t she? I am so appreciative of her full explanations being in fairly simplified form so that we can all understand the perils and the wins.
"If the government is smart, it will cure the contempt to avoid that inquiry." The problem is Trump, Miller and Bondi aren't smart; they're arrogant. This has been well documented.
What a great comment and I think it is absolutely, positively correct. This administration ignores the fact that our government works on the three branches and the Supreme Court better wake up to the application of the law. As far as Miller goes, he is just a comtemptuous (sp?), small-minded little man. And his looks do remind me of the pictures I've seen of Hitler's minions, as someone else mentioned.
The contempt should go to AG Bondi and /or Noem head of Homeland Security or maybe Holman to deport guy. If we had a real government they would be forced to resign. But we have a criminal organization running our country and they are not very skillful. They can delay and destroy everything, but no one benefits from anything they do. Everyone suffers.
Holman for sure. He publicly detests the law and has stated such. He prefers the law of might over right. Seen thousands of them that detest Rules of Engagement as a chain on their animal instincts to do significant harm to THEIR perceived threats over good of the Nation laws.
The laws are to protect from such animal fight instinct. DJT loves this in his sycophants and also detests any laws to designed to restrain bad human conduct in both war and peace.
Like any mafia don, Trump loves these people. He needs violent henchmen to do the kinds of things he is too frightened to do. Like most bullies, he is a coward.
As a point of order, Judge Boasberg was first appointed to the Federal bench by George W. Bush in 2002. CJ Roberts appointed him to head the FISA court in 2014. I would hardly call him a "radical left lunatic".
Orange has become like a cornered, wounded animal. He's increasingly irrational and dangerous. And he's whipping his followers up into a frenzy. I don't see this ending well for anyone, much less our country.
Use this spreadsheet to call/email/write any of our representatives as often as possible. Not just your own state reps, reach out to those in other states. Be as loud as you can and share this. Use your voice and make some “good trouble.”
Federal courts have the authority to deputize other law enforcement entities to enforce their orders should the U.S. Marshalls Service (an arm of the DOJ) refuse to do what it has done, and obligated to do by statute, for the last 236 years.
Equally the Constitution has been The Law for that same 236 years, yet is apparently easily tossed aside by Trump. The Democrats falter because they still play by rules disregarded since Trump 1.0.
If the Dems disregard law - Trump wins. This is simply the fact he wishes because he always says, "it it's the Dems". If nobody upholds the law there is no law.
We have to beat him with the LAW not in spite of the law. And it is slowly winning. The run fast - break things is slowly being pushed back by an energetic Judicial with over 100 lawsuits, quite a few TRO, PI plus the "We the People" responding in our 1A dissent. Now a criminal contempt finding.
He will not go down easily as he is sufficiently mental though and he does get power'ized from lots of money, sycophancy tribal adherents in Congress and outside trying to break the USA. They are in violation of their oaths.
Yes they certainly do have that power. I think BonDEI simply does not know that tidbit. Anxious to see what she and others conjure up as their next excuse. My wish is that they go to SCOTUS and whine enough that 1) Chief Justice won’t hear the case or 2) They’ll hear the case and deny them based on the fact that Donnie and Miller misinterpreted what voting 9-0 against them meant.
Would like Joyce to weigh in on this. Wonder about anyone being able to overcome Secret Service main mantra of protecting POTUS no-matter-what. Probably would mean Supremes being on our side (for a change). Whole idea is above my pay grade but maybe someone…..
The judge can appoint an outside prosecutor to do it, the judge can also get other law enforcement besides the U.S. Marshal’s service to go arrest someone
It will come down to this very soon. The Imperial Court will have the choice between supporting a criminal enterprise or the very system on top of which it sits.
It's just shocking that the Trump Administration continues to operate in such lawless ways. Everyone with a functioning brain should be horrified by what's happening in our country right now. This is egregiously beyond the pale.
Maybe not even in El Salvador: if I were the ACLU, I'd hire a civil rights lawyer in El Salvador.
From AI: In El Salvador, habeas corpus is a legal remedy to ensure personal freedom and prevent illegal detention. The Supreme Court of Justice, and in some cases the Appellate Court, are responsible for protecting constitutional rights, including habeas corpus. The Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court has jurisdiction over habeas corpus claims.
El Salvador is party to numerous treaties, including the OAS:
Article 6
Right of Asylum
No provision of this Convention [extradition] may be interpreted as a limitation on the right of asylum when its exercise is appropriate.
Isn't Pam Bondi the ultimate boss of all the attorneys in DOJ? Why not have her brought before the court for the contempt? Her boss is the mango Mussolini, but I'm pretty sure even Judge Boasberg wouldn't be inclined to have him held in contempt, even though he is truly, one of the more contemptible examples of a human there is. And how would Pammy say it's not her fault or responsibility, wouldn't she be admitting she doesn't really "run" the DOJ?
I can’t see any court ruling that ignoring orders of the supreme court is part of orange sadist’s official duties. This may get some interesting rulings one way or the other.
I don't think the government in the case of Trump is the least bit concerned with being smart or respecting the rule of law. What is the worst that could happen to Trump? Nothing. Trump won't miss a chance to go golfing because a couple of DOJ attorneys take a fall for his violating a judge's order, he could care less. With Trump it is all about appearances and getting his way. Trump has shown he will go after any judge that rules against him or his administration. All the lying and justification for denying due process to anyone, even if what they stated was factual is again wrong and unlawful. What we know is Trump will not tolerate anyone in his orbit who will not do his bidding no matter how dishonest, unlawful, or corrupt. Musk, Rubio, Bondi, Stephen Miller, Hegseth and others of their ilk not only have no respect for the rule of law they wholly despise those that do. America paved the way for Trump, now America must decide what to do about this shameless unhinged racist criminal that has been unleased on us. What I wonder is did the Supreme Court make itself obsolete? Did they really not foresee the harm that one such as Trump could do to America with their insane and uninformed immunity ruling? I have a hard time believing that such learned people didn't know better. That is the worst part about all of this. Maybe they knew exactly how Trump or one such as he would behave. It is not only Trump and his corrupt administration that has traumatized America but so has the highest court in the land. I am grateful for the information and education I am receiving on this site. It keeps me grounded and hopeful that there are still people in America including some judges who care about the rule of law and all Americans. Even those we disagree with.
Thank you for the links. I am ever hopeful for America and the rule of law. Trump's conflicts of interest are the worst I have ever seen in any Administrations, and I have lived through more than 16.
And so the prez who looks upon millions of other Americans with contempt, and who shows nothing but contempt for the Constitution and the rule of law, not to mention nearly every value Americans hold dear, will be confronted with his contempt, at least as legally defined in this case. I like it.
I think that Stephen Miller should be the one held in contempt. I would like to see how high his voice will squeal. (Sorry for the pettiness but they make it too easy)
His name needs to be on everyone's list everyday. His name needs to be known, well known. People need to know just how ruthless and soulless he is. One commentator referred to him as the modern day Reinhard Heydrich, one of the most ruthless men of Hitler's inner circle. If we want to stop this madness, we must call attention to those who still dwell in the sewer away from the antiseptic light of sunshine.
Love your depiction, ‘those who live in the sewer away from the light’. That epitomizes Stephen Miller PERFECTLY 🤨
Yes, you are right on the money, it is like history walking out of the books. Him trump and all those around them. How do they all find each other?
I just asked that very question!
How do these people all find each other?
God help us
I have held him in contempt since his first public appearances. Weasel.
The Jewish Nazi, is an oxymoron, and his Santa Monica, CA. family has disowned him.
It is not his Santa Monica family, his parents, who have disowned him, it is the extended family, siblings et al of the parents, who have denounced his behaviors. His actions are contemptible.
How awful for his family. Everyone has or has a friend, whose child may not have turned out how they hoped. But this? This man with no compassion, no empathy for others not as fortunate as him? I guess there are sociopaths, or whatever he is, everywhere.
miller's not the only one. They can all be treated the way they've treated others.
He, like Trump and gang, LIES. Leavitt seems to have that problem as well.
Leavitt's nickname is "Mildred Gillars", an American broadcaster employed by Nazi Germany to disseminate Axis propaganda.
That's great. We've been referring to her as Propaganda Barbie
Hey Andy, you gotta check out Lisandra Vazquez if you haven’t already….hilarious.
Dumb blonde jokes aren't sufficiently descriptive of her.
"Sally"
I think Leavitt is, if that is possible, WORSE than KellyAnn Conway!
Veronica, all cut from the same cloth. Let’s add Sarah Huckleberry Sanders to this as well.
Spicy, "it was the biggest inauguration crowd ever"
Sean Spicer Press Conference (Melissa McCarthy) - SNL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWuc18xISwI
Much worse,
Hanoi Hanna Barbie
yes - worse than KellyAnn
There is not one single member of the cabinet who is not complicit in this fascist takeover.
Yes, good to remember that the person stuck with defending Trump's policies at press conferences does not have the power to change them. Cabinet members, Congress, the Supreme Court - let's stick the blame for not holding Trump accountable where it belongs.
She’s not “stuck with defending his policies” - she’s part of the Project2025 communications training program. She is as culpable and complicit as the rest of the regime. Please do not attempt to excuse anything she’s doing.
Did you catch her little public prayer display the other day before meeting the WH Press Corp? She is one of the many mouthpieces for this regime.
they all go through many crosses in a week.....they melt on their necks
I’m still waiting for some article of clothing or some person to actually burst into flames.
But there are a LOT of crosses with this crowd.
They should wear two...double crosses.
they know who they are....they wear asbestos clothing...
I realize that she agrees with Trump or she would not have the job, but she is not in a position of power to do anything about it. The blame for not stopping Trump does not rest with her but with Cabinet members, Congress and the Supreme Court.
Please do an internet search with her name and Project 2025.
She's "not in a position to do anything about it"? She is part of it and I do wonder why you seem to be searching for some reason to excuse her and imply she has no power, etc.
She is complicit. She is named in plans. To imply/suggest that she's just some... poor innocent(?) or something 'just doing her job' is quite the take. She has power, whether all see that or not - she's part of the plan there.
A final point: we all, in theory, have some set of moral standards or guidelines for our behaviors and speech.
If you (Anne) are 'just fine' to excuse her with a "she's just following orders" justification - that should tell you a lot about yourself and the standards you do - or don't - hold others to.
Again: "she's not in a position of power" ... to do anything.
She could quit - right? She could refuse to repeat the lies? Not engage in the performative garbage that she trucks out regularly?
She's the Press Secretary. This Regime's Propaganda Barbie.
But... please explain why she should get a 'pass' here?
Don’t forget republicans in Congress. Every one of them is also complicit.
And let us remember the Democrats that voted AYE for those nominees:
Durbin (7), Kelly (9), Gallego(10), Klobuchar (7), Booker (5 + 3 Not voting), Shaheen & Hassan (10), Slotkin (10), Rosen (8), Cortez Masto (7). A No vote did not make a difference except to say I Do Not Consent!
Fortunately he looks and acts like what he is, a contemptible little weasel, who hates everyone and everything, most especially, if unconsciously, including himself. He worships the Great Golden Calf who has managed to seize the reins of power because men like Miller always suck up to those like Trump, who have the power to to do broad harm, which satisfies his deep sense of envy and defectiveness. My bet? He was made fun of all the way through school and has been working out a way to take revenge ever since.
I concur. He’s a weasel of the slimiest sort.
What harm did a weasel ever do to you, that you should insult them so?
That’s fair. 🤣 Poor weasels. 🤣
Once they’ve identified who should be held in contempt (I would argue everyone in his administration are guilty), Garcia’s family need to sue this administration for wanton defamation for their ridiculous claims that Abrego is a “terrorist” and “MS-13 gang member”.
I agree -- the more self-righteously wound up he gets, the higher the pitch of his voice, and the faster he talks -- it's almost toddler like, if he weren't such a Voldemort.
He also seems to have developed a bit of a behavioral tic - right before he starts yelling, his head twitches to the right - which is new (having watched this guy for a bit). His outraged behaviors, my impression, are escalating faster.
Did you see the interview where he asked a question and then told the journalists who were giving him answers to shut up because HE was talking? It is way too easy to despise such a slime ball.
I’m feeling a similar reaction to that guy, the “mastermind” to the lies and little set-ups against the world and the American people. Worthless, honestly worthless bit of protoplasm.
"The poor man's Nosferatu"
And to think it’s all because the kids at Santa Monica High treated him as a weirdo.
M., kids can be cruel, but in this case were probably very perceptive.
He is living proof that it’s not a good idea to keep shoving that scrawny, ugly, annoying kid into his locker. This is how sociopaths are born.
Joyce Wow! Trump is being taken to Court by the Governor and Atty Gen of California— Check out Lawrence O’Donnell tonight— All of his Tariffs are illegal under the Emergency Powers Act. — Gov. Newsom—“The President lacks authority to enact unilateral tariffs is using a statute that doesn’t mention tariffs. The Court, applying this doctrine even-handedly, will find that such expansive action absent congressional approval is a clear violation of the law.
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/04/16/governor-newsom-files-lawsuit-to-end-president-trumps-tariffs/
I’ve been a little worried about Gavin lately, with several of his podcast guests and his statement about trans athletes, but he has redeemed himself today with this lawsuit. A shot across Trump’s bow: Don’t miss with our multi-trillion dollar GDP!
TFG hates Newsom because he's telegenic, savvy, and popular, and openly despises the PAB.
And is genuinely smart.
it makes sense under the rule of law that an assumption of great power on the occasion of a national emergency should be subject to a judicial determination whether the emergency exists.
"Emergency" does not just mean "I don't like the current trade situation".
And an "emergency" of inflow of immigrants and/or drugs does not necessarily give the President the power to impose tariffs on aluminum and steel.
Courts generally give the executive wide latitude to determine such matters, but latitude does not mean no boundaries at all.
Having Trump in the White House constitutes an emergency in my book.
Yes, he is erratic, ignorant, seems to thrive on keeping us off-balance with his daily chaos…..and he also appears to have lost cognitive functioning….(he is about to be the oldest (&dumbest 🤔) president in our history. 🤡
Meanwhile, someone(s) are benefiting from the external chaos, and I'm not thinking primarily about the underwhelming members of the cabinet. Musk, yes. Miller, yes. And others whose names we may not even know.
Or at least a Federal disaster! 😝
A so called "emergency" that constantly changes the goal posts, is not an emergency.
The FELON doesn't understand, China holds the cards and is forming trade alliances excluding us. China, Canada, the EU and Japan hold over 4 TRILLION in treasury bonds, and could cash them in. They, and others, could change over and use China's global payment system and royally screw over the US dollar. Our economy would go into a steep nose dive.
I don't know this for a fact, but it seems to me that a legitimate emergency is a situation that constitutes an immediate and significant threat to life and/or property. Fitting a trade imbalance within this definition would be a heavy lift.
Was only a matter of time before our Governor Gavin Newsom and AG Rob Bonta made this move. We are the fifth largest economy in the world and protection is necessary.
From the California Lawsuit —The wording of the Lawsuit and EMERGENCY POWERS ACT: “The Constitution does not vest in the President any authority to impose tariffs. Rather, the Constitution expressly vests the authority to impose tariffs solely in Congress, not the President...
Congress's power in this area is exhaustive...Because the Constitution does not vest in the President any authority to impose tariffs, any authority for the President to do so must come, if at all, from an act of Congress.” And, "[t]he President, in every possible instance, shall consult with the Congress before exercising any of the authorities granted by this chapter and shall consult regularly with the Congress so long as such authorities are exercised."- Quotes from Lawrence O’Donnell Wednesday Night ) —- Gov. Newsom—“The President lacks authority to enact unilateral tariffs is using a statute that doesn’t mention tariffs. The Court, applying this doctrine even-handedly, will find that such expansive action absent congressional approval is a clear violation of the law.
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/04/16/governor-newsom-files-lawsuit-to-end-president-trumps-tariffs/
The only fly in the ointment is Trump ignores all judges orders. Then what?
From Gov Newsom— “The President lacks authority to enact unilateral tariffs
The law, which was enacted by Congress in 1977, specifies many different actions the President can take, but tariffs aren’t one of them. In fact, this is the first time a president has attempted to rely on this law to impose tariffs.
It is difficult to imagine a more economically significant set of actions than the one Trump is taking on tariffs, which have inflicted hundreds of billions of dollars in economic losses on a whim, using a statute that doesn’t mention tariffs. The Court, applying this doctrine even-handedly, will find that such expansive action absent congressional approval is a clear violation of the law.”
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/04/16/governor-newsom-files-lawsuit-to-end-president-trumps-tariffs/
Mob Boss thinks he is the only negotiator/actor in the USA, US Gov't.
His Megalomaniacal narcissism self-forbids him from allowing others any controls and hence was anticipated by our Founders with the Constitution.
- He is the Tyrant we feared when we wrote the Constitution and discussed in Federalist Papers. The gop Congress and CU are usurping the intent and black letters of the Constitution.
Federalist 68:
"Nothing was more to be desired, than that every practicable obstacle should be opposed to cabal, intrigue and corruption.
These most deadly adversaries of republican government might naturally have been expected to make their approaches from more than one quarter, but chiefly from the desire in foreign powers to gain an improper ascendant in our councils.
How could they better gratify this, than by raising a creature of their own to the chief magistracy of the union? But the convention have guarded against all danger of this sort with the most provident and judicious attention.
... .we may safely pronounce, that the true test of a good government is its aptitude and tendency to produce a good administration."
Publius
If all goes as it should: JAIL!!!
That's not really the fly. The fact is that Presidents have been granted the power to levy tariffs for over 125 years. I respect Laurence O'Donnell but his legal skills are weak. The Supreme Court's Fields v Clark (1892) decision clearly permitted Congress to grant the power to levy tariffs to the President. That has been the case for over a century and I can not see the current SCOTUS changing that even for (or maybe especially for) Gsvin Newsom.
Every President since that time has had the power to extend tariffs. Congress absolutely can change that by passing a new law but until that happens Trump will continue to be able to extend tariffs on his own say so.
I don't like it at all but it IS the law.
Jon Rosen- Your understanding is limited. Presidents have been granted by Congress Narrow ability to use the Emergency Powers Act, — and the way he is using that power is not included in the act. Read this and check the link— https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/04/16/governor-newsom-files-lawsuit-to-end-president-trumps-tariffs/
Read this article from the Congress website... it goes into much deeper history about the extension of tariffs to the President and the positive and negative of that subject. It is a very complex issue, not as simple as just saying "he can't do that" which is Newsom's rather simplistic lawsuit.
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48435
No, actually your knowledge is limited. We are not only talking about the emergency powers act. Congress has granted power to the President to fix tariffs under other laws as well. Please read up on this subject because you are just following this lawsuits position which is not the only relevant position.
And just to be clear, I am not in favor of these wide grants of power to the President. I would love to see Newsom win but all the evidence from the past (including both Democrat and GOP lawsuits) suggest the President will win.
Sorry just reporting the facts here.
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48435
Joyce, a masterful explanation of some incredibly complex legal issues. I am a lawyer but my area was not to do with these matters. It’s so incredible that you have a mind big enough to hold all this and then explain it to us in understandable terms. I am in awe of your brain power!
If trump is held in contempt, but he supposedly has immunity from anything that’s part if his job, I have 2 questions:
1) Is it part of his job if it’s illegal? If it’s illegal, isn’t that de facto NOT part if his job?
2) is this the moment where a concurrent case could challenge the concept of trump’s immunity? i.e. — bring that back again in front of the Supreme Court for a do-over, this time related to his contempt in the Garcia case?
GREAT questions, Ruthie, thank you.
She is quite amazing, isn’t she? I am so appreciative of her full explanations being in fairly simplified form so that we can all understand the perils and the wins.
I think the WORLD is in awe of Joyce Vance!!
Exactly what I came here to write! Sans the “I’m a lawyer” part. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
"If the government is smart, it will cure the contempt to avoid that inquiry." The problem is Trump, Miller and Bondi aren't smart; they're arrogant. This has been well documented.
Add stupid to the list. The arrogant are also often stupid. They think their arrogance substitutes for intelligence, but alas, it does not.
and they (or at least Trump) NEVER admits he was wrong about anything.
What a great comment and I think it is absolutely, positively correct. This administration ignores the fact that our government works on the three branches and the Supreme Court better wake up to the application of the law. As far as Miller goes, he is just a comtemptuous (sp?), small-minded little man. And his looks do remind me of the pictures I've seen of Hitler's minions, as someone else mentioned.
Yes!! Patricia!
The contempt should go to AG Bondi and /or Noem head of Homeland Security or maybe Holman to deport guy. If we had a real government they would be forced to resign. But we have a criminal organization running our country and they are not very skillful. They can delay and destroy everything, but no one benefits from anything they do. Everyone suffers.
I vote for all three. Definitely a deserving bunch.
Miller has to be at the top of the list, his is the energy behind all of this.
Yes, very sick individual. Even his family has denounced him.
Holman for sure. He publicly detests the law and has stated such. He prefers the law of might over right. Seen thousands of them that detest Rules of Engagement as a chain on their animal instincts to do significant harm to THEIR perceived threats over good of the Nation laws.
The laws are to protect from such animal fight instinct. DJT loves this in his sycophants and also detests any laws to designed to restrain bad human conduct in both war and peace.
Like any mafia don, Trump loves these people. He needs violent henchmen to do the kinds of things he is too frightened to do. Like most bullies, he is a coward.
As a point of order, Judge Boasberg was first appointed to the Federal bench by George W. Bush in 2002. CJ Roberts appointed him to head the FISA court in 2014. I would hardly call him a "radical left lunatic".
Orange has become like a cornered, wounded animal. He's increasingly irrational and dangerous. And he's whipping his followers up into a frenzy. I don't see this ending well for anyone, much less our country.
"Radical left lunatic" = standing his ground for the rule of law against ME!" in Frump's language.
I hope you are wrong, but, T is a madman and will do everything to win. Lie, cheat, steal and threaten. He is truly an abomination.
As I pointed out yesterday, we have beaten a king before, and, we can again-even if it means putting our lives on the line.
Apparently in one of Donnie Convict’s (credit to Jeff Tiedrich) lil’ rants, he said Boasberg is an “Obama appointee”. What a real moron!
Technically, Obama appointed Boasberg to the post he currently holds. But Baby Bush appointed him to his first federal judgeship.
And Roberts respects him. I think they were roommates at one point too. The judge has an excellent reputation.
Correction: Judge Boasberg was roommates with Kavanaugh, not Roberts. Thanks, John A. Steenbergen
Yes he does. Marc Elias said he is a fair judge.
Boasberg was Brett Kavanaugh's roommate while at Yale Law School.
Thanks for the correction. I appreciate that.
YW!
Keep being loud!
Use this spreadsheet to call/email/write any of our representatives as often as possible. Not just your own state reps, reach out to those in other states. Be as loud as you can and share this. Use your voice and make some “good trouble.”
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13lYafj0P-6owAJcH-5_xcpcRvMUZI7rkBPW-Ma9e7hw/edit
Thanks for this spreadsheet Megan! Rachael
You’re welcome! Thanks for using your voice right now!
Thank you for the spreadsheet. I intend to start mailing per Project Mailstorm on Instagram that I heard about in a meeting tonight.
Ohh I’ll look into that too, thanks!
Thanks!
You’re welcome! Thanks for using your voice right now!
But exactly who will be charged with enforcing these contempt charges? Pam Bondi? And if SHE refuses?
Trump once promised to obey SCOTUS, he has already reneged—can he be held in civil contempt?
Federal courts have the authority to deputize other law enforcement entities to enforce their orders should the U.S. Marshalls Service (an arm of the DOJ) refuse to do what it has done, and obligated to do by statute, for the last 236 years.
Equally the Constitution has been The Law for that same 236 years, yet is apparently easily tossed aside by Trump. The Democrats falter because they still play by rules disregarded since Trump 1.0.
If the Dems disregard law - Trump wins. This is simply the fact he wishes because he always says, "it it's the Dems". If nobody upholds the law there is no law.
We have to beat him with the LAW not in spite of the law. And it is slowly winning. The run fast - break things is slowly being pushed back by an energetic Judicial with over 100 lawsuits, quite a few TRO, PI plus the "We the People" responding in our 1A dissent. Now a criminal contempt finding.
He will not go down easily as he is sufficiently mental though and he does get power'ized from lots of money, sycophancy tribal adherents in Congress and outside trying to break the USA. They are in violation of their oaths.
Indeed.
Yes they certainly do have that power. I think BonDEI simply does not know that tidbit. Anxious to see what she and others conjure up as their next excuse. My wish is that they go to SCOTUS and whine enough that 1) Chief Justice won’t hear the case or 2) They’ll hear the case and deny them based on the fact that Donnie and Miller misinterpreted what voting 9-0 against them meant.
Would like Joyce to weigh in on this. Wonder about anyone being able to overcome Secret Service main mantra of protecting POTUS no-matter-what. Probably would mean Supremes being on our side (for a change). Whole idea is above my pay grade but maybe someone…..
They can be held in criminal contempt of court; probably not Trump, but Stephen Miller, Tom Homan, etc
Yes (which is why I suggested civil contempt) but again the question arises, Who will enforce it? Trump owns the DoJ and FBI now.
The judge can appoint an outside prosecutor to do it, the judge can also get other law enforcement besides the U.S. Marshal’s service to go arrest someone
Thank you Mr. Sharp. Finally. Someone sees the light.
Trump's post: All about WINNING. As in,
Judge Boasberg is not popular, * the people
did not vote him in. Apparently not one slip
of consideration, or even perhaps basic
understanding, that judges do not rule on
winners and losers from their own set of
rules. Rather, they rule on proper
procedure from the integrity and force of
the law has it has matured through the
experiential history of our country. *will
someone please explain to Trump that he
did not win by a landslide. At the end of the
count, he didn't even receive 50%
It will come down to this very soon. The Imperial Court will have the choice between supporting a criminal enterprise or the very system on top of which it sits.
It's just shocking that the Trump Administration continues to operate in such lawless ways. Everyone with a functioning brain should be horrified by what's happening in our country right now. This is egregiously beyond the pale.
What do you want to bet trump is already casting around in his pea brain for a scapegoat to blame? I vote for stephen miller.
My first thought, too
Rotten to the Core! Something has to break the rising Tension. I hope it is The Rule of Law!
Sock it to them.
"Here comes the judge..here comes the judge.."
You take me all the way back to Flip Wilson… the thought of him still makes me smile.
The RULE is that the dictator IS the law, Mr. J.
Not in this country it ain't...
Maybe not even in El Salvador: if I were the ACLU, I'd hire a civil rights lawyer in El Salvador.
From AI: In El Salvador, habeas corpus is a legal remedy to ensure personal freedom and prevent illegal detention. The Supreme Court of Justice, and in some cases the Appellate Court, are responsible for protecting constitutional rights, including habeas corpus. The Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court has jurisdiction over habeas corpus claims.
El Salvador is party to numerous treaties, including the OAS:
Article 6
Right of Asylum
No provision of this Convention [extradition] may be interpreted as a limitation on the right of asylum when its exercise is appropriate.
https://www.oas.org/juridico/english/treaties/b-47.html
Hah…. He hopes?!
Isn't Pam Bondi the ultimate boss of all the attorneys in DOJ? Why not have her brought before the court for the contempt? Her boss is the mango Mussolini, but I'm pretty sure even Judge Boasberg wouldn't be inclined to have him held in contempt, even though he is truly, one of the more contemptible examples of a human there is. And how would Pammy say it's not her fault or responsibility, wouldn't she be admitting she doesn't really "run" the DOJ?
I can’t see any court ruling that ignoring orders of the supreme court is part of orange sadist’s official duties. This may get some interesting rulings one way or the other.
At least civilly. Plus Li'l Marco, ICE aparachniks and the DOJ lawyers are not immune.
I don't think the government in the case of Trump is the least bit concerned with being smart or respecting the rule of law. What is the worst that could happen to Trump? Nothing. Trump won't miss a chance to go golfing because a couple of DOJ attorneys take a fall for his violating a judge's order, he could care less. With Trump it is all about appearances and getting his way. Trump has shown he will go after any judge that rules against him or his administration. All the lying and justification for denying due process to anyone, even if what they stated was factual is again wrong and unlawful. What we know is Trump will not tolerate anyone in his orbit who will not do his bidding no matter how dishonest, unlawful, or corrupt. Musk, Rubio, Bondi, Stephen Miller, Hegseth and others of their ilk not only have no respect for the rule of law they wholly despise those that do. America paved the way for Trump, now America must decide what to do about this shameless unhinged racist criminal that has been unleased on us. What I wonder is did the Supreme Court make itself obsolete? Did they really not foresee the harm that one such as Trump could do to America with their insane and uninformed immunity ruling? I have a hard time believing that such learned people didn't know better. That is the worst part about all of this. Maybe they knew exactly how Trump or one such as he would behave. It is not only Trump and his corrupt administration that has traumatized America but so has the highest court in the land. I am grateful for the information and education I am receiving on this site. It keeps me grounded and hopeful that there are still people in America including some judges who care about the rule of law and all Americans. Even those we disagree with.
Fools rush in....
Meanwhile in Peru....https://globalpost.com/stories/former-peruvian-president-sentenced-for-money-laundering/?lh_aid=35942&lh_cid=lsni4ncffg&lh_em=apaalj%40gmail.com&di=c69977a72c4d072bb4356ee493f49da8
Thank you for the links. I am ever hopeful for America and the rule of law. Trump's conflicts of interest are the worst I have ever seen in any Administrations, and I have lived through more than 16.
And so the prez who looks upon millions of other Americans with contempt, and who shows nothing but contempt for the Constitution and the rule of law, not to mention nearly every value Americans hold dear, will be confronted with his contempt, at least as legally defined in this case. I like it.