I found this on the US Treasury’s web page/privacy policy…”Unauthorized use
Visitors who violate the law while using Treasury.gov are subject to prosecution. Unauthorized attempts to alter the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information on this website are strictly prohibited and are subject to prosecution, including under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act of 1996, and 18 U.S.C. §§ 1001 and 1030…”
I have been wondering about exactly this scenario all day. Perhaps the suit needs to be brought in a state court by individual(s) who is harmed? Professor Vance, can you give some clarity tomorrow?
Nancy, can you explain what you mean. You called Kwame Raoul's office and said what exactly? I am from Illinois living abroad, and I will call too, but would like to follow your lead. Will recommend it to friends. I still feel like the US is turning into a one party nation. But the Blue States can try to prevail.
Fill out a complaint with the IL Attorney General, Kwame Raoul. There is a form on the website. We filed a Consumer Complaint that our protected information was stolen by Elon Musk. Hope this helps.
Have u received feedback ? I called the AG still waiting for feedback. I like your idea about email. I questioned: civil rights; public integrity; corruption🤦♀️ and consumer protection
The FBI agents have used a class action format to sue the DOJ. You just need to get an injunction to stabilize whatever the status quo is that you want stabilized. Then you can proceed with the case. Here's the Complaint from the case (Case #1:25-cv-325) here's a free link to the case on Court Listener: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69609079/1/does-1-9-v-department-of-justice/ Once you open the link and take a look at the Complaint, you can hit your browser's back button to see the docket sheet for the other docs. Joyce was discussing TRO's in her substack this evening. This case, above, has a hearing on the Plaintiffs' Motions for two TRO's at 10:30am on Thursday, the 6th. The public can listen to this one by calling: Toll Free Number: 833-990-9400
There are lots of attorneys that can bring litigation against Elon Musk. He was never elected to an office in the government and is breaking many laws with his actions. He should be in Jail.
Yes, but the law is delicate clockwork … as the comments by commonsense show. As the Trump trials show, they are experts at delay, filing endless and ridiculous motions, ignoring judges, ridiculing the laws they’re supposed to uphold.
Whenever I read about Cohn being Trump’s mentor, I have to pause. Cohn wrote the playbook, yes; but a mentee would seem to require some level of “mentalness” … and Trump is proudly ignorant.
I was thinking about how to enforce as well. They've had time to plan this out. They know they can keep moving from one agency to another with impunity, regardless of court orders. What are we going to do to them? It seems like they aren't even bothering to govern. They're acting like an occupying force, bent on making an example of anyone who followed our laws. Our laws aren't their laws, apparently. How can someone who was a prosecutor (Bondi) and knows the level of evidence (proof) you need to successfully gather to get an indictment handed down, then successfully prosecute that case, get into an office and use it solely to prosecute those people that she knows very well haven't broken any laws? They apparently feel very confident that they can just live it up do whatever they want to the country and us, maybe thinking they're going to hold onto power for quite some time because they're just sucking up whatever assets aren't nailed down, while simultaneously punishing those who they know did the right thing by prosecuting the J6'ers and trump. This seems like the British dominating us again in our own country.
I believe it's time for a citizen's arrest of those six little twerps doing Musk's bidding in invading the systems at Treasury and USAID. They're young and naive, and don't realize that they've thrown their lives away by following Musk and breaking the law with abandon. They will regret their actions.
"How can someone who was a prosecutor (Bondi) and knows the level of evidence (proof) you need to successfully gather to get an indictment handed down, then successfully prosecute that case, get into an office and use it solely to prosecute those people that she knows very well haven't broken any laws?"
Aside from the fact that their complaints of "weaponization" of the DOJ, "lawfare," etc., were pure projection (as with everything else they complain about), Ms. Bondi obviously lied at her "confirmation hearing," just as Patel did, and intends to be Trump's personal lead attorney. These people are shameless in their hypocricy and dishonesty, and their malfeasance gets reported as just another news event that "pushes boundaries" rather destroying social order qand the rule of law. The frauds she perpetrated in Florida should have been exclusionary if a relatively normal social contract still existed (same for the rest of Trump's DEI program cabinet nominees).
Hang on to your hat. Hang on to your hope. And wind the clock, for tomorrow is another day.
— E. B. White
We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.
— Thomas Jefferson
TODAY IS THE DAY.
WE ARE THE PEOPLE.
WE'RE IN THIS TOGETHER.
AND WE HAVE WORK TO DO.
Call Early. Call Often. If DC mailboxes are full then Call State Offices. If there is no connection then call at off hours. And call everyone you can. Including House members, because they're working to send terrible legislation to Trump to sign. THANKYOU.
Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121.
Below will show you Committees, that can take you to Committee members, and that to their websites with phone numbers
Calls are what all the congresspeople pay attention to. Every single day, the Senior Staff and the Senator get a report of the 3 most-called-about topics for that day at each of their offices (in DC and local offices), and exactly how many people said what about each of those topics. They're also sorted by zip code and area code. She said that Republican callers generally outnumber Democrat callers 4-1, and when it's a particular issue that single-issue-voters pay attention to (like gun control, or planned parenthood funding, etc...), it's often closer to 11-1, and that's recently pushed Republican congressmen on the fence to vote with the Republicans.
And Thomas Jefferson did not want women or slaves or even white men not owning property to participate. Like Trump/Reagan/Nixon Jefferson was sure he knew what was best and like Trump he did not participate in the Revolutionary War. It was not bone spurs. It was cowardness.
But what about the military? it would be hard to stand up to him because as you can read in Olga Lautman's Trump Tyranny Tracker that I posted above, he can summarily kick military families out of their housing and what soldier wants that?
Marty, It's not that it's not illegal, it's just that he can't be held accountable for it. The people around him can be held accountable... of course he'll just pardon them. In the mean time they could be arrested and put behind bars where they belong.
They have to find something for all of Trump's released from prison militia to do. Also, this is sure to drive all of the women out without him having to fire all of them, which I am sure is coming up the pike, and all of the non-White military personnel. Good reason for all women to leave the US.
I read Philip Bump's opinion piece in WAPO yesterday. Chilling. Who can stop Trump? Very difficult. Our laws will need to change if we survive and both parties should be eager to do this. Especially the Republicans who have no back bone
Unfortunately, I agree. BUT at least it will be on the books, so to speak. Many of both presidents' minions will be running for re-election. (Hopefully!!)
This is true, not a few federal and state courts are brave enough to temporarily stop the worst of Trump’s egregiousness. But then there’s SCOTUS who gave Trump a king’s immunity.
After reading it I feel like we are in a one party country, because the Republicans have effectively shut democrats out of governing on every level except lower courts, and we shall see what the Supreme Court does. As long as everyone is polite and civil the take over can be completes.
Thanks here too! I agree, they’re making rules as they go along … until rules, too often illegal on their face AND poorly written, become just words on a page to be defied soon thereafter.
MaryAnn, yes, things should be seriously in motion including arresting Toddler-Musk and his toddler-boys who are messing with our computers and keeping them in prison until trial. The Capitol police or DC police should step up and get them into secure prisons. Any other citizen who tried to do anything like that would be in jail and tried as the criminal they are. These guys are criminals and doing it in plain sight, or rather, at 3:30 in the morning which proves they are criminals doing something illegal when no one is likely to be watching, but someone was.
One could. Still, I invite Joyce to perhaps dedicate a post on the far-reaching SCOTUS ruling giving POTUS (Trump) immunity for actions he considers within the scope of his responsibilities. Illegal or not, the time it will take to adjudicate each instance will take far longer than the time it takes to do the damage.
And remember, Trump assigns his minions these tasks, who then assign another tier of operatives. According to what I now understand about the Jan 6 protesters, Trump can - and will - pardon any of those determined to have acted illegally. What a great deal!
This is why we need a better understanding of how SCOTUS will rule in the future given its prior concessions to Executive immunity.
I have had this swirling in my brain all day today. How are Elon Musk’s actions as well as his team’s actions not exactly the same as the damages done to the Capitol building on January 6? Only instead of beating people and destroying property, they are firing people (illegally) and damaging or destroying systems and protected data.
Why can’t they be arrested and prosecuted? Do we have an entire federal government that is incapable of protecting itself from a bunch of thugs?
And in response to David J Sharp - I agree! Who is in charge of enforcement? This came up before during HWSNBN’s first term - that Congress has certain responsibilities including investigations and creating laws, but they can’t enforce them?? Am I mis-remembering this?
And another question I have is even though the Supreme Court did us that giant favor and said Trump has immunity - I know, I know, not blanketly - they didn’t give everyone immunity. Do Elon Musk and his boys have presidential immunity? Surely this cannot be?
So appreciate your wisdom, we are currently dealing with the loss of our home in the Eaton Fires. We are so overwhelmed and sad, and this, on what is going on, is unbearable
No Man, sorry for the loss of your home. The fires were beyond devastating. I hope our Governor Newsom will be able to help you and all the others impacted. You fight your fight; we will pick up the rest for you.
As one who grew up in SoCal I am all too familiar with the fires, but have fortunately never endured what you are going through. I can't imagine how hard it is. I wish you the best as you work to recover from your fire disaster.
No Man, so sorry to read of the loss of your home and how unbearable this is. I hope you are finding supportive, compassionate and loving community. Deep breath. Love, Wendyl
We had good friends lose their beloved home in the Eaton Fire, too. So tragic. Our son and family nearly lost their’s to the Palisades Fire. Firefighters stopped it a couple of streets away from them. They are still living in temporary quarters during clean-up.
Deepest condolences on the loss of your home. Our dear friends lost theirs as well. And having raised our family nearby in South Pasadena, we very much mourn the losses of the Altadena and Palisades communities.
I'm sorry for your loss of your home. I'm sorry you have to contend with other things, too. I take a big break at 5pm and do something light to have an escape. Take a drive, or a walk, call a friend, etc, whatever feels like it lightens me up. Hope you make a point to draw a line in your day and then do something to exhale. We'll keep the watch...
I am so sorry about your losses. I spend a lot of time thinking about what I would do in that situation. Over the years I’ve become unattached to the majority of my material things. Lately I considered if I would rebuild or move on. Even with all my thoughts on this I can’t begin to imagine the anguish. Stay strong.
On top of such horrific personal losses, to engage now is either a distraction or your strength is greater than you thought. Wishing you peace and housing.
You'd be providing a great service if you devote time to discussing what Democrats can do, since you asked the question:
Democrats have the power to grind Senate business to a halt and force Republicans to feel the political cost of backing Trump’s extremist agenda. Like Mitch McConnell they can try every trick in the book and act as a unified force.
Here’s how:
Deny a Quorum: If Republicans don’t have 51 votes in the chamber, Democrats can walk out and shut down Senate business entirely.
Block Unanimous Consent: Object to every procedural shortcut, forcing Republicans to take the longest possible route for every step of the confirmation process.
Max Out Debate Time: Use all 30 hours of debate on Vought to expose Project 2025, Musk’s Treasury takeover, and the funding freeze.
Delay and Disrupt: Force roll-call votes, quorum calls, and procedural delays to slow everything down.
Blanket Opposition: Democrats cannot continue to vote for Trump’s other nominees, helping to install more MAGA loyalists into powerful positions in the federal government while this power grab continues.
No Business as Usual: This is a constitutional crisis
Tuberville's example is exactly what Schatz is following. I'll bet the Republicans never thought the Democrats would use his technique. What goes around...
And run for school boards on a save democracy platform. You don’t need a child in the school. Young or old take over boards by running in groups off three. Boards are the only watchdogs for our schools. They can keep the federal government from further destroying our schools.
It’s not a constitutional crisis; it’s a constitutional disaster. Even if future actions can be stopped, they’ve already done so much damage that I can’t see how we can repair it all.
Sorry. I’m just feeling pretty helpless right now. My Rep is Obernolte (R), who used to be concerned about cybersecurity, but is now silent while Musk rifles through the country’s pockets & Trump keeps signing EOs that take away our rights.
And run for school boards on a save democracy platform. You don’t need a child in the school. Young or old take over boards by running in groups off three. Boards are the only watchdogs for our schools. They can keep the federal government from further destroying our schools.
When Bondi testified during the hearing, was she under oath? She lied. And her lies may have swayed senators to vote for her that would not have had she been transparent.
Her lies should be grounds for her removal as far as I am concerned. She is supposed to be working for the American people. And the American people demand Musk be removed from doing his illegal shenanigans.
Bondi has already demonstrated she is not living up to her oath to serve the American people.
Marlo, I think Clinton was impeached for lying to Congress. All of these appointees have been lying, and not doing it well! Same with the Supreme Court nominees. I think there should be some consequences.What is the point of having the interview and questioning if there is no accountability?
Isn’t it IRONIC that as the attorney general she is supposed to represent JUSTICE? It’s really a joke, just like the entire Trump presidency and his cabinet members.
I was thinking earlier tonight it’s too bad when they have confirmation hearings that someone can’t cast a spell similar to one in Harry Potter where when they lie, what they say is etched into the backs of their hand until it bleeds. In HP, that was done by an evil professor/witch and wasn’t specific to lies but I like it better than making their noses grow.
I'll bet that by the time she's in her job for even a couple of months, she'll have done far worse, you can rest assured, than her mere lying to a room full of senators and hundreds of Americans watching her "Act".
Not sure any of us will sleep well for the coming months ahead. The judges really need to head trump & musk off at this impasse, to save a very worried nation. trump should read the writing on the wall to see that his popularity is waning quickly. I know he has fragile feelings, but screw him. musk is operating without a clearance, and he has no earthly right to our personal information. If he screws us Social Security & Medicare receivers, there will be hell to pay, and there aren't enough body guards to keep him safe. I yield back my time.
Yesterday I used the credit report freezes and did Experion, Transunion, and Equifax. That won't help social security and Medicare. I will make sure I receive my social security check. I usually receive it on the 8th and it's coming up.
It makes you feel creepy to remember trump saying that Social Security and Medicare won't be touched. Then why did elon pop the hood of the Treasury payment system? You can look at expenditures made if you really wanted to "check that money was going into the right place". You don't need Americans' names, SS numbers, DOBs, addresses, account numbers, etc to check if it's being disbursed correctly. What a liar!
Absolutely. Mine arrives in the middle of the month, we'll see. I won't feel good again until another Dem president is back in office and they check out every agency's servers.
Unfortunately, my Senior Senator, Susan Collins, always, always disappoints us. Her decision to support Gabbard is just her most recent example.
There is now a truism in Maine about Susan Collins: "Susan Collins only votes against her party when it costs her nothing!" She has already announced that she's running for reelection in 2026 ( this would be her 5th term) so she's probably worried about a primary challenge.
I've already written her my strong feelings about her support of Gabbard - reminding her, among other things, that if Gabbard is confirmed, not a single one of our allies will share important intelligence information with the US!
Trump got to her like he got to the other holdouts. As Senator Markwayne Mullins yelled at Senator Tim Kane in the Pete Hegseth confirmation hearings, "gimme a joke!" Okay.....Pete Hegseth, RFK, Jr, Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel, Pam Bondi, Matt Gaetz...
Let's hope there is someone there who will kick elon and his boy band out of the buildings - where they apparently have taken up residence and put in beds/mattresses. Someone has to make sure this injunction is followed. Where are the inspectors general?
Limit access? How about shutting it down? I fear what Musk and his merry band of traitors have already accomplished. They stole the keys to the kingdom and are in the process of pillaging the Treasury. Who knows what they have done so far? Musk's boys follow his orders to commit crimes and steal from the American people while Musk works on upping his billionaire status to trillionaire. I think a citizen's arrest is in order by a gang of Americans, just like the J6 insurrectionists. Musk must be stopped and jailed. Let him experience how the other half lives.
Who is enforcing it? Have the criminals been removed from the buildings they took over and their computers seized? If not, the injunction is worthless.
Apparently Musk was able to purchase the entire Republican Party plus Donald Trump for $275 million. I believe he overpaid. They would have sold out much cheaper to fall in line to betray their sworn oath to protect the constitution. Those of us who are loyal supporters of the Constitution will forever find ways to put sand in their gears. All of their antics will not change who we are as loyal Americans who believe in the Constitution. We are still here and we are against them.
Quick question - can Dem senators try to take some of the blatant abuses/illegalities directly to the Supreme Court for emergent action? They are an equal branch of govt and their legislation is being violated. Seems some of these breaches require immediate escalation. Not sure why Shumer is just talking about writing new legislation. Seems there are already laws in place.
I’m thinking that they want to put forward reasonable legislation so the whole country sees the republicans shut it down and support lawlessness. They can’t really get anything through right now, but they can illustrate to our terrified population exactly who is responsible for this
Maybe because the Democrats, as a party, would not be considered an aggrieved party and have no standing. Why Sen. Schumer is doing it? Because, obviously the laws, as they exist, are not offering enough protection. Unfortunately, as the minority party, the bill will never get to the floor. Still, the effort has to be made and those who vote on its never making it to the floor will be on record as being against the rules that exist.
Of course it would be Thomas who swears Bondi in. How fitting!
I was happy to see that over 50,000 people went to the Capitol in Olympia, WA today to protest against what Trump and Musk are doing. I expect to see more protests in Seattle and in the western part of the state.
Lawrence O'Donnell so very eloquently took Thomas to the woodshed tonight for going to the WH and swearing in Bondi. It was satisfying to watch as he told of the abject shame Thomas has heaped upon himself.
Oh Joyce, I hope you can get a good nights sleep, it’s been so painful to already see how many beings around the world are suffering from the abominable closure of USAID. Samantha Power’s tenure there ending is a real disaster. She has been a true hero with her legacy for human rights and their dignity for many decades.
How can it be that we right thinking people allow ourselves to be duped every time? Each idiotic proposal distracts from the real issues and causes another backlash ‘tempest in a teapot’. All certainly stupid, but crafty like a fox.It seems to work every time.
That must please them no end.
Let’s not please them.
Unconstitutional, illegal and stupid ideas deserve no clamor. Let’s not play along.
Do we believe the gay, trans or migrant communities care what the tGulf of Mexico is named? Do you? Should we freak out over the false threats to take over Canada or Mexico or Greenland or Panama or Gaza or the next one? Do we think the Supreme Courts will allow deporting naturalized US citizens along with their ‘illegal alien’ relatives? Hopefully not.
How about maintaining the balcony view? It’s always clearer than the one from the dance floor.
Let’s all try and keep our eye on the prize: our Democracy.
Michael, once the “right” person gets harmed, there will be a lot more traction and the numbers aboard the steamroller will grow and hopefully we can right the ship.
Joyce, I need to get to sleep earlier than 3am! Last night, I found myself literally shaking after reading Heather’s Letter where she stated that Musk and his young boys got into Login.gov where veterans benefits are and payments made to them. I almost threw up because it has taken 54 YEARS for my husband to get the funds that he has deserved since serving in Vietnam in the 60’s. Took a melatonin and turned on the heating pad to warm up my shoulders.
A couple of great things happened today. People came out in droves at their states Capitol buildings to protest Musk’s unlawful and frenetic moves. Senators are on the floor right now stating why Russel Vought must not be the OMB director. They plan on being there all night. But the absolute best was where Reps. Judy Chu (CA) and Gwen Moore (Wis) stormed through Mike Johnson’s door as he was getting ready to speak with the guy who gave Musk the Treasury Bldg.’s keys, Scott Bessent.
I found this on the US Treasury’s web page/privacy policy…”Unauthorized use
Visitors who violate the law while using Treasury.gov are subject to prosecution. Unauthorized attempts to alter the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information on this website are strictly prohibited and are subject to prosecution, including under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act of 1996, and 18 U.S.C. §§ 1001 and 1030…”
Can we start here?
And who will enforce? No one, sadly—he’s already bought the DoJ.
I have been wondering about exactly this scenario all day. Perhaps the suit needs to be brought in a state court by individual(s) who is harmed? Professor Vance, can you give some clarity tomorrow?
I am in New Jersey. Tomorrow I am calling the Attorney General about suing Musk. He should not have my private information
My husband and I individually did that yesterday in Illinois, and we've encouraged our families to do so as well.
That's fantastic, Nancy. I love to hear that.
Nancy, can you explain what you mean. You called Kwame Raoul's office and said what exactly? I am from Illinois living abroad, and I will call too, but would like to follow your lead. Will recommend it to friends. I still feel like the US is turning into a one party nation. But the Blue States can try to prevail.
Go to the website https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/File-A-Complaint/
Fill out a complaint with the IL Attorney General, Kwame Raoul. There is a form on the website. We filed a Consumer Complaint that our protected information was stolen by Elon Musk. Hope this helps.
I wrote the Hawaii AG yesterday.
Have u received feedback ? I called the AG still waiting for feedback. I like your idea about email. I questioned: civil rights; public integrity; corruption🤦♀️ and consumer protection
Or a class action?
Hi David,
The FBI agents have used a class action format to sue the DOJ. You just need to get an injunction to stabilize whatever the status quo is that you want stabilized. Then you can proceed with the case. Here's the Complaint from the case (Case #1:25-cv-325) here's a free link to the case on Court Listener: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69609079/1/does-1-9-v-department-of-justice/ Once you open the link and take a look at the Complaint, you can hit your browser's back button to see the docket sheet for the other docs. Joyce was discussing TRO's in her substack this evening. This case, above, has a hearing on the Plaintiffs' Motions for two TRO's at 10:30am on Thursday, the 6th. The public can listen to this one by calling: Toll Free Number: 833-990-9400
Meeting ID: 251046985
Judge Jia M Cobb
Remember to mute your phone.
Thank you for that info. Should be an interesting hearing.
That's too complicated and slow.
Complicated and slow beats nothing and doomed.
We need someone to save us as fast as Trump’s Sharpie! Otherwise, we’re doomed. /s
Count me in. Where do I sign up?
What about a class action lawsuit?
Call your State Atty General and file a complaint with them on your personal and financial information being breeched
There are lots of attorneys that can bring litigation against Elon Musk. He was never elected to an office in the government and is breaking many laws with his actions. He should be in Jail.
Yes, but the law is delicate clockwork … as the comments by commonsense show. As the Trump trials show, they are experts at delay, filing endless and ridiculous motions, ignoring judges, ridiculing the laws they’re supposed to uphold.
The Roy Cohn playbook - from one of the most evil men in history, and T****'s mentor.
Whenever I read about Cohn being Trump’s mentor, I have to pause. Cohn wrote the playbook, yes; but a mentee would seem to require some level of “mentalness” … and Trump is proudly ignorant.
I was thinking about how to enforce as well. They've had time to plan this out. They know they can keep moving from one agency to another with impunity, regardless of court orders. What are we going to do to them? It seems like they aren't even bothering to govern. They're acting like an occupying force, bent on making an example of anyone who followed our laws. Our laws aren't their laws, apparently. How can someone who was a prosecutor (Bondi) and knows the level of evidence (proof) you need to successfully gather to get an indictment handed down, then successfully prosecute that case, get into an office and use it solely to prosecute those people that she knows very well haven't broken any laws? They apparently feel very confident that they can just live it up do whatever they want to the country and us, maybe thinking they're going to hold onto power for quite some time because they're just sucking up whatever assets aren't nailed down, while simultaneously punishing those who they know did the right thing by prosecuting the J6'ers and trump. This seems like the British dominating us again in our own country.
I believe it's time for a citizen's arrest of those six little twerps doing Musk's bidding in invading the systems at Treasury and USAID. They're young and naive, and don't realize that they've thrown their lives away by following Musk and breaking the law with abandon. They will regret their actions.
Musk needs to be arrested, charged with cyber theft of private data, and takeover of the Treasury.
Musk needs to be jailed upon arrest as he is a menace to ALL society. Bless his autistic heart.
They could start with breaking and entering.
No they won't, James. They are heroes and martyrs in their own mind. The only thing missing is the 70 (?) virgins in their afterlife.
No they won't. They are Trump and Musk when young. They will never ever have to take the consequences of what they have done.
I hope you're wrong!
A judge can order arrest and incarceration.
Yes, but who carries out the arrest?
Thanks!
"How can someone who was a prosecutor (Bondi) and knows the level of evidence (proof) you need to successfully gather to get an indictment handed down, then successfully prosecute that case, get into an office and use it solely to prosecute those people that she knows very well haven't broken any laws?"
Aside from the fact that their complaints of "weaponization" of the DOJ, "lawfare," etc., were pure projection (as with everything else they complain about), Ms. Bondi obviously lied at her "confirmation hearing," just as Patel did, and intends to be Trump's personal lead attorney. These people are shameless in their hypocricy and dishonesty, and their malfeasance gets reported as just another news event that "pushes boundaries" rather destroying social order qand the rule of law. The frauds she perpetrated in Florida should have been exclusionary if a relatively normal social contract still existed (same for the rest of Trump's DEI program cabinet nominees).
It's one thing to obtain the order. It's another to have it carried into effect against a recalcitrant wrongdoer.
They've taken decades to plan this out
Resistance needs our momentum.
Hang on to your hat. Hang on to your hope. And wind the clock, for tomorrow is another day.
— E. B. White
We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.
— Thomas Jefferson
TODAY IS THE DAY.
WE ARE THE PEOPLE.
WE'RE IN THIS TOGETHER.
AND WE HAVE WORK TO DO.
Call Early. Call Often. If DC mailboxes are full then Call State Offices. If there is no connection then call at off hours. And call everyone you can. Including House members, because they're working to send terrible legislation to Trump to sign. THANKYOU.
Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121.
Below will show you Committees, that can take you to Committee members, and that to their websites with phone numbers
US Senate Hearings & Meetings
US House Hearings & Meetings
.http://www.house.gov/legislative-activity.
From a Congressional Staffer:
Calls are what all the congresspeople pay attention to. Every single day, the Senior Staff and the Senator get a report of the 3 most-called-about topics for that day at each of their offices (in DC and local offices), and exactly how many people said what about each of those topics. They're also sorted by zip code and area code. She said that Republican callers generally outnumber Democrat callers 4-1, and when it's a particular issue that single-issue-voters pay attention to (like gun control, or planned parenthood funding, etc...), it's often closer to 11-1, and that's recently pushed Republican congressmen on the fence to vote with the Republicans.
And Thomas Jefferson did not want women or slaves or even white men not owning property to participate. Like Trump/Reagan/Nixon Jefferson was sure he knew what was best and like Trump he did not participate in the Revolutionary War. It was not bone spurs. It was cowardness.
And the Supremes - of course Thomas shows up to White House to sign those vile papers.
Not to mention swearing in Pam Bondi—Trump bought Bondi; Thomas, purchased by Leonard Leo and Harlan Crow.
Trump did not buy Bondi. She was an acolyte with a mission.
What about that $25,000 “donation” whereafter Bondi dismissed the Trump University investigation?
But what about the military? it would be hard to stand up to him because as you can read in Olga Lautman's Trump Tyranny Tracker that I posted above, he can summarily kick military families out of their housing and what soldier wants that?
The military is bound - well, much of it - by the its requirement not to obey illegal commands.
I know. Let us hope they know.
Nothing trump does is illegal per the supreme court.
Marty, It's not that it's not illegal, it's just that he can't be held accountable for it. The people around him can be held accountable... of course he'll just pardon them. In the mean time they could be arrested and put behind bars where they belong.
Except end Birth citizenship. Actually we don't know this yet.
I read that enlistment is up now that Hegseth wants to create a violent force of killers to go after their own countrymen.
They have to find something for all of Trump's released from prison militia to do. Also, this is sure to drive all of the women out without him having to fire all of them, which I am sure is coming up the pike, and all of the non-White military personnel. Good reason for all women to leave the US.
THAT would be interesting. We just need a safe place to go.
I read Philip Bump's opinion piece in WAPO yesterday. Chilling. Who can stop Trump? Very difficult. Our laws will need to change if we survive and both parties should be eager to do this. Especially the Republicans who have no back bone
Some Republicans -- about 20 House members -- represent majority Democratic districts.
Unfortunately, I agree. BUT at least it will be on the books, so to speak. Many of both presidents' minions will be running for re-election. (Hopefully!!)
"And who will enforce?" Qui tam. Mandamus.
And Scripture tells us, "the devil is a liar."
WE still have the COURTS!
HA! WE ALSO HAVE CONGRESS.
Finally the democrats are starting to lift a finger....
This is true, not a few federal and state courts are brave enough to temporarily stop the worst of Trump’s egregiousness. But then there’s SCOTUS who gave Trump a king’s immunity.
Here is Olga Lautman's Trump Tyranny Tracker: Day 17.
https://open.substack.com/pub/trumptyrannytracker/p/trump-tyranny-tracker-day-17?r=f0qfn&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
After reading it I feel like we are in a one party country, because the Republicans have effectively shut democrats out of governing on every level except lower courts, and we shall see what the Supreme Court does. As long as everyone is polite and civil the take over can be completes.
Thanks here too! I agree, they’re making rules as they go along … until rules, too often illegal on their face AND poorly written, become just words on a page to be defied soon thereafter.
I'm not sure they're making it up as they go along. I think the playbook is being executed pretty flawlessly. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5RpPTRcz1no
Agreed
Obviously said playbook was authored by others … like Russ Vought.
What books? The ones Marco Rubio will incinerate as the new Keeper of the Archives?
Ok then. Ready, Set, Go!!!
MaryAnn, yes, things should be seriously in motion including arresting Toddler-Musk and his toddler-boys who are messing with our computers and keeping them in prison until trial. The Capitol police or DC police should step up and get them into secure prisons. Any other citizen who tried to do anything like that would be in jail and tried as the criminal they are. These guys are criminals and doing it in plain sight, or rather, at 3:30 in the morning which proves they are criminals doing something illegal when no one is likely to be watching, but someone was.
One could. Still, I invite Joyce to perhaps dedicate a post on the far-reaching SCOTUS ruling giving POTUS (Trump) immunity for actions he considers within the scope of his responsibilities. Illegal or not, the time it will take to adjudicate each instance will take far longer than the time it takes to do the damage.
And remember, Trump assigns his minions these tasks, who then assign another tier of operatives. According to what I now understand about the Jan 6 protesters, Trump can - and will - pardon any of those determined to have acted illegally. What a great deal!
This is why we need a better understanding of how SCOTUS will rule in the future given its prior concessions to Executive immunity.
I have had this swirling in my brain all day today. How are Elon Musk’s actions as well as his team’s actions not exactly the same as the damages done to the Capitol building on January 6? Only instead of beating people and destroying property, they are firing people (illegally) and damaging or destroying systems and protected data.
Why can’t they be arrested and prosecuted? Do we have an entire federal government that is incapable of protecting itself from a bunch of thugs?
And in response to David J Sharp - I agree! Who is in charge of enforcement? This came up before during HWSNBN’s first term - that Congress has certain responsibilities including investigations and creating laws, but they can’t enforce them?? Am I mis-remembering this?
And another question I have is even though the Supreme Court did us that giant favor and said Trump has immunity - I know, I know, not blanketly - they didn’t give everyone immunity. Do Elon Musk and his boys have presidential immunity? Surely this cannot be?
So appreciate your wisdom, we are currently dealing with the loss of our home in the Eaton Fires. We are so overwhelmed and sad, and this, on what is going on, is unbearable
No Man, sorry for the loss of your home. The fires were beyond devastating. I hope our Governor Newsom will be able to help you and all the others impacted. You fight your fight; we will pick up the rest for you.
Meant to say( and this, on TOP of what is going on”)
Sorry for your loss. I am in Southern California and very familiar with the area. My heart goes out to out to you and all the others.
As one who grew up in SoCal I am all too familiar with the fires, but have fortunately never endured what you are going through. I can't imagine how hard it is. I wish you the best as you work to recover from your fire disaster.
Ditto. Sending you healing thoughts, No Man.
Joyce is always great … but when it comes to “What’s going on …” I’ll stay with Marvin Gaye.
Do take care of you and your family. So much to take in...best wishes as you recover from your loss.
No Man, so sorry to read of the loss of your home and how unbearable this is. I hope you are finding supportive, compassionate and loving community. Deep breath. Love, Wendyl
No man, I am still shocked by the fires and want to expend my deepest condolences. What a hit. Fires and Trump. We are all with you, know that!
I’m from Arcadia. Sending you a big hug. I’m so sorry.
We had good friends lose their beloved home in the Eaton Fire, too. So tragic. Our son and family nearly lost their’s to the Palisades Fire. Firefighters stopped it a couple of streets away from them. They are still living in temporary quarters during clean-up.
Deepest condolences on the loss of your home. Our dear friends lost theirs as well. And having raised our family nearby in South Pasadena, we very much mourn the losses of the Altadena and Palisades communities.
I understand. I’m sorry. I lost my home in 2018 in the Campfire.
Take good care of yourself and what lies before you as you rebuild your life and maybe turning off the news for a while would help.
Many blessings to you.
My condolences, Vickie. I have friends who lost their home in the Carr fire. That was an awful year.
Yes, it was a terrible year. Plus we were dealing with trump’s first term.
I hope your friends have been able to successfully move forward from their tragic loss. 🌷
Oh, Allie House, thank you for the condolences. Very much appreciated. 🌷
I’m so sorry. Thinking of you and sending love, consolation, and prayers.
No Man - prayers for justice to you and yours.
I am so saddened by your loss. Big hugs
No Man,
I'm sorry for your loss of your home. I'm sorry you have to contend with other things, too. I take a big break at 5pm and do something light to have an escape. Take a drive, or a walk, call a friend, etc, whatever feels like it lightens me up. Hope you make a point to draw a line in your day and then do something to exhale. We'll keep the watch...
Your loss is heartbreaking. Joy is in short supply.
I am so sorry about your losses. I spend a lot of time thinking about what I would do in that situation. Over the years I’ve become unattached to the majority of my material things. Lately I considered if I would rebuild or move on. Even with all my thoughts on this I can’t begin to imagine the anguish. Stay strong.
On top of such horrific personal losses, to engage now is either a distraction or your strength is greater than you thought. Wishing you peace and housing.
You'd be providing a great service if you devote time to discussing what Democrats can do, since you asked the question:
Democrats have the power to grind Senate business to a halt and force Republicans to feel the political cost of backing Trump’s extremist agenda. Like Mitch McConnell they can try every trick in the book and act as a unified force.
Here’s how:
Deny a Quorum: If Republicans don’t have 51 votes in the chamber, Democrats can walk out and shut down Senate business entirely.
Block Unanimous Consent: Object to every procedural shortcut, forcing Republicans to take the longest possible route for every step of the confirmation process.
Max Out Debate Time: Use all 30 hours of debate on Vought to expose Project 2025, Musk’s Treasury takeover, and the funding freeze.
Delay and Disrupt: Force roll-call votes, quorum calls, and procedural delays to slow everything down.
Blanket Opposition: Democrats cannot continue to vote for Trump’s other nominees, helping to install more MAGA loyalists into powerful positions in the federal government while this power grab continues.
No Business as Usual: This is a constitutional crisis
Sen Tubbyville held up military promotions. 🤔 back @ them
Tuberville's example is exactly what Schatz is following. I'll bet the Republicans never thought the Democrats would use his technique. What goes around...
Super idea!
Excellent. We should send this list to our Democratic senators!
And run for school boards on a save democracy platform. You don’t need a child in the school. Young or old take over boards by running in groups off three. Boards are the only watchdogs for our schools. They can keep the federal government from further destroying our schools.
It’s not a constitutional crisis; it’s a constitutional disaster. Even if future actions can be stopped, they’ve already done so much damage that I can’t see how we can repair it all.
Sorry. I’m just feeling pretty helpless right now. My Rep is Obernolte (R), who used to be concerned about cybersecurity, but is now silent while Musk rifles through the country’s pockets & Trump keeps signing EOs that take away our rights.
Amazing how it’s not a problem when their side is doing it.
Yes blanket opposition!
And run for school boards on a save democracy platform. You don’t need a child in the school. Young or old take over boards by running in groups off three. Boards are the only watchdogs for our schools. They can keep the federal government from further destroying our schools.
When Bondi testified during the hearing, was she under oath? She lied. And her lies may have swayed senators to vote for her that would not have had she been transparent.
Her lies should be grounds for her removal as far as I am concerned. She is supposed to be working for the American people. And the American people demand Musk be removed from doing his illegal shenanigans.
Bondi has already demonstrated she is not living up to her oath to serve the American people.
They ALL lie. Why have hearings?? Look at Kavanaugh’s hearing about a women’s right to abortion. How it is on the books so no worry.
We are dealing with men and women, like Trump. Kavanaugh . Barrett, and others who are pawns for the Heritage and Federalist Society
who are pulling the strings. Project 2025:turning our nation into a Christian theocracy. This is it. Trump is a nothing but a means for
these theocrats to destroy our diverse nation.
Marlo, I think Clinton was impeached for lying to Congress. All of these appointees have been lying, and not doing it well! Same with the Supreme Court nominees. I think there should be some consequences.What is the point of having the interview and questioning if there is no accountability?
It was no accident that it was Clarence Thomas who swore in Bondi - birds of a feather.
I agree.
Kavanaugh lied about a lot of things. He’s a whiny, pathetic, little baby.
Petty alert: with those awful little baby rodent teeth. sorry, but still....
I'll second that!
I totally agree. The hearings are such a big waste of time and an intelligence litmus test, you can never believe any of them - Senators or witnesses.
She lied. Florida Barbie is as false as her haircolor and eyelash extensions.
She perjured herself. Couldn’t they go after her for that?
Isn’t it IRONIC that as the attorney general she is supposed to represent JUSTICE? It’s really a joke, just like the entire Trump presidency and his cabinet members.
Don't worry, she'll be producing a lot more serious stuff once she gets rolling - like malicious prosecution, for starters.
I was thinking earlier tonight it’s too bad when they have confirmation hearings that someone can’t cast a spell similar to one in Harry Potter where when they lie, what they say is etched into the backs of their hand until it bleeds. In HP, that was done by an evil professor/witch and wasn’t specific to lies but I like it better than making their noses grow.
I'll bet that by the time she's in her job for even a couple of months, she'll have done far worse, you can rest assured, than her mere lying to a room full of senators and hundreds of Americans watching her "Act".
It was encouraging to see protests nationwide today! And Dems challenging Vought appointment.
Not sure any of us will sleep well for the coming months ahead. The judges really need to head trump & musk off at this impasse, to save a very worried nation. trump should read the writing on the wall to see that his popularity is waning quickly. I know he has fragile feelings, but screw him. musk is operating without a clearance, and he has no earthly right to our personal information. If he screws us Social Security & Medicare receivers, there will be hell to pay, and there aren't enough body guards to keep him safe. I yield back my time.
Yesterday I used the credit report freezes and did Experion, Transunion, and Equifax. That won't help social security and Medicare. I will make sure I receive my social security check. I usually receive it on the 8th and it's coming up.
It makes you feel creepy to remember trump saying that Social Security and Medicare won't be touched. Then why did elon pop the hood of the Treasury payment system? You can look at expenditures made if you really wanted to "check that money was going into the right place". You don't need Americans' names, SS numbers, DOBs, addresses, account numbers, etc to check if it's being disbursed correctly. What a liar!
Yes. If we don’t receive ours on the 10th there will be hell to pay and I do mean that!
Absolutely. Mine arrives in the middle of the month, we'll see. I won't feel good again until another Dem president is back in office and they check out every agency's servers.
Hmm please correct your sentence re enuf bodyguards. Word meanings can be twisted and viewed funny. We will vote them out
We should call Sen Collins going ahead with Tulsi. She claimed Tulsi offered her assurances. Sound familiar
Senator Collins is as shifty as they coome.
Agree completely!
Unfortunately, my Senior Senator, Susan Collins, always, always disappoints us. Her decision to support Gabbard is just her most recent example.
There is now a truism in Maine about Susan Collins: "Susan Collins only votes against her party when it costs her nothing!" She has already announced that she's running for reelection in 2026 ( this would be her 5th term) so she's probably worried about a primary challenge.
I've already written her my strong feelings about her support of Gabbard - reminding her, among other things, that if Gabbard is confirmed, not a single one of our allies will share important intelligence information with the US!
Trump got to her like he got to the other holdouts. As Senator Markwayne Mullins yelled at Senator Tim Kane in the Pete Hegseth confirmation hearings, "gimme a joke!" Okay.....Pete Hegseth, RFK, Jr, Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel, Pam Bondi, Matt Gaetz...
Update at just after this post hit…
The judge approved a temporary injunction to limit DOGE access to the Treasury department.
Let's hope there is someone there who will kick elon and his boy band out of the buildings - where they apparently have taken up residence and put in beds/mattresses. Someone has to make sure this injunction is followed. Where are the inspectors general?
I have a good feeling that Musk will not be around very long. Trump‘s staff has a lifespan of a flea. He rotates them out so quickly.
I’m just hoping MTM is there to get it on video when Musk is booted out the door.
You know they will.
Trump is as dependent upon and as subservient to Musk as he is to Putin. He will not dare to cross his masters
I have the feeling musk being enjoined from one agency means he'll go break into another. So many departments and agencies, so little time.
Limit access? How about shutting it down? I fear what Musk and his merry band of traitors have already accomplished. They stole the keys to the kingdom and are in the process of pillaging the Treasury. Who knows what they have done so far? Musk's boys follow his orders to commit crimes and steal from the American people while Musk works on upping his billionaire status to trillionaire. I think a citizen's arrest is in order by a gang of Americans, just like the J6 insurrectionists. Musk must be stopped and jailed. Let him experience how the other half lives.
Who is enforcing it? Have the criminals been removed from the buildings they took over and their computers seized? If not, the injunction is worthless.
Apparently Musk was able to purchase the entire Republican Party plus Donald Trump for $275 million. I believe he overpaid. They would have sold out much cheaper to fall in line to betray their sworn oath to protect the constitution. Those of us who are loyal supporters of the Constitution will forever find ways to put sand in their gears. All of their antics will not change who we are as loyal Americans who believe in the Constitution. We are still here and we are against them.
And there are a lot more of us than them.
I think the republicans in Congress have already lost their right to FREE SPEECH!
Quick question - can Dem senators try to take some of the blatant abuses/illegalities directly to the Supreme Court for emergent action? They are an equal branch of govt and their legislation is being violated. Seems some of these breaches require immediate escalation. Not sure why Shumer is just talking about writing new legislation. Seems there are already laws in place.
I’m thinking that they want to put forward reasonable legislation so the whole country sees the republicans shut it down and support lawlessness. They can’t really get anything through right now, but they can illustrate to our terrified population exactly who is responsible for this
Maybe because the Democrats, as a party, would not be considered an aggrieved party and have no standing. Why Sen. Schumer is doing it? Because, obviously the laws, as they exist, are not offering enough protection. Unfortunately, as the minority party, the bill will never get to the floor. Still, the effort has to be made and those who vote on its never making it to the floor will be on record as being against the rules that exist.
Yes, they are creating a record.
Of course it would be Thomas who swears Bondi in. How fitting!
I was happy to see that over 50,000 people went to the Capitol in Olympia, WA today to protest against what Trump and Musk are doing. I expect to see more protests in Seattle and in the western part of the state.
Lawrence O'Donnell so very eloquently took Thomas to the woodshed tonight for going to the WH and swearing in Bondi. It was satisfying to watch as he told of the abject shame Thomas has heaped upon himself.
I watched that this morning. It was great! I like the way Lawrence lays it on the line. Have you watched his segment on Stupid? It’s great, too.
I was there!
Thanks for demonstrating!
That's super!!!! Thank you!!!
Oh Joyce, I hope you can get a good nights sleep, it’s been so painful to already see how many beings around the world are suffering from the abominable closure of USAID. Samantha Power’s tenure there ending is a real disaster. She has been a true hero with her legacy for human rights and their dignity for many decades.
Joyce,
Who will enforce the Court Orders? If DT ignores the courts rulings, then what?
Rest well.
Jennifer from California
Scary times but each night reading your comments Joyce helps me sleep easier another night. Thank you!
How can it be that we right thinking people allow ourselves to be duped every time? Each idiotic proposal distracts from the real issues and causes another backlash ‘tempest in a teapot’. All certainly stupid, but crafty like a fox.It seems to work every time.
That must please them no end.
Let’s not please them.
Unconstitutional, illegal and stupid ideas deserve no clamor. Let’s not play along.
Do we believe the gay, trans or migrant communities care what the tGulf of Mexico is named? Do you? Should we freak out over the false threats to take over Canada or Mexico or Greenland or Panama or Gaza or the next one? Do we think the Supreme Courts will allow deporting naturalized US citizens along with their ‘illegal alien’ relatives? Hopefully not.
How about maintaining the balcony view? It’s always clearer than the one from the dance floor.
Let’s all try and keep our eye on the prize: our Democracy.
Michael, once the “right” person gets harmed, there will be a lot more traction and the numbers aboard the steamroller will grow and hopefully we can right the ship.
I thoroughly agree. Let him keep over reaching and the victims will reach critical mass.
Thank you, Joyce. 🌸
Joyce, I need to get to sleep earlier than 3am! Last night, I found myself literally shaking after reading Heather’s Letter where she stated that Musk and his young boys got into Login.gov where veterans benefits are and payments made to them. I almost threw up because it has taken 54 YEARS for my husband to get the funds that he has deserved since serving in Vietnam in the 60’s. Took a melatonin and turned on the heating pad to warm up my shoulders.
A couple of great things happened today. People came out in droves at their states Capitol buildings to protest Musk’s unlawful and frenetic moves. Senators are on the floor right now stating why Russel Vought must not be the OMB director. They plan on being there all night. But the absolute best was where Reps. Judy Chu (CA) and Gwen Moore (Wis) stormed through Mike Johnson’s door as he was getting ready to speak with the guy who gave Musk the Treasury Bldg.’s keys, Scott Bessent.
I was up all night too, just so worried about my beloved country and our future.
Me too.