Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
LetMyPeopleVote
LetMyPeopleVote's Journal
LetMyPeopleVote's Journal
March 10, 2026
Supreme Court Justices Jackson and Kavanaugh clash over handling of Trump cases
Liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh disagreed about frequent rulings in favor of the Trump administration at a rare joint appearance.
https://x.com/lawrencehurley/status/2031155578890821781
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-justices-jackson-kavanaugh-clash-handling-trump-cases-rcna262622
WASHINGTON — Internal Supreme Court divisions over how the high court has frequently ruled in favor of the Trump administration in emergency situations spilled out into public Monday with liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh locking horns.
The court's conservative majority has on a regular basis blocked lower court rulings that have stymied President Donald Trump's agenda, sparking criticism from within and outside the judiciary.
Jackson, often a vocal dissenter in those cases, forcefully aired her critique of the court's actions in a rare public appearance with Kavanaugh at an event for lawyers and judges held at the federal courthouse in Washington.
Bemoaning the recent increase in such emergency filings — requested to challenge lower court rulings — she suggested that the number of filings would drop if the court were stingier about granting them.....
In the last year, the court has, among other things, allowed Trump to fire thousands of federal workers, assert control over previously independent federal agencies and implement various aspects of his hard-line immigration policy. All those moves, done through the shadow docket, had been blocked by lower courts.
"I just feel like this uptick in the court's willingness to get involved ... is a real unfortunate problem," Jackson said. Among other things, it affects how lower court judges approach cases, as they already have a preliminary sense of how the Supreme Court might approach them on appeal, creating "a warped kind of proceeding," she added.
"It's not serving the court or this country well," Jackson said.
The court's conservative majority has on a regular basis blocked lower court rulings that have stymied President Donald Trump's agenda, sparking criticism from within and outside the judiciary.
Jackson, often a vocal dissenter in those cases, forcefully aired her critique of the court's actions in a rare public appearance with Kavanaugh at an event for lawyers and judges held at the federal courthouse in Washington.
Bemoaning the recent increase in such emergency filings — requested to challenge lower court rulings — she suggested that the number of filings would drop if the court were stingier about granting them.....
In the last year, the court has, among other things, allowed Trump to fire thousands of federal workers, assert control over previously independent federal agencies and implement various aspects of his hard-line immigration policy. All those moves, done through the shadow docket, had been blocked by lower courts.
"I just feel like this uptick in the court's willingness to get involved ... is a real unfortunate problem," Jackson said. Among other things, it affects how lower court judges approach cases, as they already have a preliminary sense of how the Supreme Court might approach them on appeal, creating "a warped kind of proceeding," she added.
"It's not serving the court or this country well," Jackson said.
March 10, 2026
Mike Luckovich-Raise your hand if you think trump is doing a great job
— Mike Luckovich (@mluckovich.bsky.social) 2026-03-10T19:08:53.423Z
March 10, 2026
https://www.rawstory.com/supreme-court-trump-2675949151
Ketanji Brown Jackson airs dirty laundry in public clash with Kavanaugh over helping Trump
Kavanaugh is a really bad SCOTUS justice. It takes a great deal for a SCOTUS justice to air the SCOTUS' dirty laundry in public. I am so glad that Justice Jackson is letting us know what is going on
Supreme Court justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Brett Kavanaugh sparred publicly on Monday over how the court has repeatedly stepped in to aid policies pushed by President Donald Trump.
— Raw Story (@rawstory.com) 2026-03-10T09:40:09Z
https://www.rawstory.com/supreme-court-trump-2675949151
Supreme Court justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Brett Kavanaugh sparred publicly on Monday over how the court has repeatedly stepped in to aid policies pushed by President Donald Trump.
The rare exchange occurred during a joint appearance at a federal courthouse event in Washington, D.C., where the two justices discussed the court’s growing use of emergency rulings – often referred to as the “shadow docket,” according to NBC News.
Jackson, who has frequently dissented in such cases, sharply criticized the high court’s increased willingness to intervene early in legal challenges involving the Trump administration.
“I just feel like this uptick in the court's willingness to get involved ... is a real unfortunate problem," Jackson said.
The court’s conservative majority has repeatedly used emergency orders to block lower court rulings that halted parts of Trump’s agenda, including moves allowing the administration to fire thousands of federal workers, assert control over previously independent agencies, and implement elements of the MAGA administration’s immigration policies.
Jackson warned Monday that the court’s practice could also inadvertently signal to lower courts how the Supreme Court might ultimately rule, creating “a warped kind of proceeding,” according to NBC News....
The public back-and-forth on Monday marked a rare moment between the two sitting justices.
“The justices have aired their disagreements in written opinions, but this was a rare example of two justices entering into a public debate about internal court business,” NBC News reported.
https://x.com/jamesromoser/status/2031143575946244138
The rare exchange occurred during a joint appearance at a federal courthouse event in Washington, D.C., where the two justices discussed the court’s growing use of emergency rulings – often referred to as the “shadow docket,” according to NBC News.
Jackson, who has frequently dissented in such cases, sharply criticized the high court’s increased willingness to intervene early in legal challenges involving the Trump administration.
“I just feel like this uptick in the court's willingness to get involved ... is a real unfortunate problem," Jackson said.
The court’s conservative majority has repeatedly used emergency orders to block lower court rulings that halted parts of Trump’s agenda, including moves allowing the administration to fire thousands of federal workers, assert control over previously independent agencies, and implement elements of the MAGA administration’s immigration policies.
Jackson warned Monday that the court’s practice could also inadvertently signal to lower courts how the Supreme Court might ultimately rule, creating “a warped kind of proceeding,” according to NBC News....
The public back-and-forth on Monday marked a rare moment between the two sitting justices.
“The justices have aired their disagreements in written opinions, but this was a rare example of two justices entering into a public debate about internal court business,” NBC News reported.
https://x.com/jamesromoser/status/2031143575946244138
March 10, 2026
https://newrepublic.com/post/207555/pete-hegseth-billions-dollars-fruit-basket-stands-chairs-crab
Pete Hegseth Blew Billions on Fruit Basket Stands, Chairs, and Crab
And the pigs keep gobbling.
— Heather Thomas (@heatherthomasaf.bsky.social) 2026-03-10T04:02:01.055Z
Pete Hegseth Blew Billions on Fruit Basket Stands, Chairs, and Crab newrepublic.com/post/207555/... via @newrepublic.com
https://newrepublic.com/post/207555/pete-hegseth-billions-dollars-fruit-basket-stands-chairs-crab
Some of the frivolous September purchases made under Secretary Pete Hegseth’s stewardship include a $98,329 Steinway & Sons grand piano for the Air Force chief of staff’s home, $5.3 million for Apple devices such as the new iPad, and an astronomical amount of shellfish, including $2 million for Alaskan king crab and $6.9 million worth of lobster tail. (Lobster tail is apparently a favorite of Hegseth’s Pentagon—the department spent more than $7.4 million total on the luxury item in March, May, June, and October.)
In other pricey food purchases, the government decided to drop $15.1 million for ribeye steak (again, just in September), $124,000 for ice cream machines, and $139,224 on 272 orders of doughnuts.
Weeks later, millions of Americans would lose their SNAP benefits amid the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. More still stand to lose eligibility to the food assistance program thanks to a Republican crusade that added stricter work requirements to the program, piling on paperwork and documentation mandates.
One of the largest bulk expenditures was just for furniture, for which the Pentagon decided to shell out $225 million. That included $12,000 for fruit basket stands, and checks totaling more than $60,000 for Herman Miller recliners. All in all, the agency spent more on furniture in 2025 than it had in over a decade.
In the last five days of September alone, the department blew through $50.1 billion on just grants and contracts. For context, only nine other countries spend that much on the entirety of their defense budget per year. It’s also more than the total military budgets of Canada and Mexico combined.
In other pricey food purchases, the government decided to drop $15.1 million for ribeye steak (again, just in September), $124,000 for ice cream machines, and $139,224 on 272 orders of doughnuts.
Weeks later, millions of Americans would lose their SNAP benefits amid the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. More still stand to lose eligibility to the food assistance program thanks to a Republican crusade that added stricter work requirements to the program, piling on paperwork and documentation mandates.
One of the largest bulk expenditures was just for furniture, for which the Pentagon decided to shell out $225 million. That included $12,000 for fruit basket stands, and checks totaling more than $60,000 for Herman Miller recliners. All in all, the agency spent more on furniture in 2025 than it had in over a decade.
In the last five days of September alone, the department blew through $50.1 billion on just grants and contracts. For context, only nine other countries spend that much on the entirety of their defense budget per year. It’s also more than the total military budgets of Canada and Mexico combined.
March 10, 2026
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/as-too-many-republicans-push-anti-muslim-messaging-gop-leaders-remain-silent
MaddowBlog-As too many Republicans push anti-Muslim messaging, GOP leaders remain silent
It would be easy for any party leader to issue a perfunctory statement saying Republicans are against religious bigotry. That hasn’t happened.
As a growing number of Republican officials push anti-Muslim messages, it’d be easy for a GOP leader to issue a perfunctory statement saying the party is against religious bigotry.
— Steve Benen (@stevebenen.com) 2026-03-10T13:45:52.813Z
But that hasn’t happened — which speaks volumes.
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/as-too-many-republicans-push-anti-muslim-messaging-gop-leaders-remain-silent
Though it might seem like ages ago, as recently as November 2024, Republican candidates actually made gains with Arab and Muslim voters. A year and a half later, there’s a reason the organization that used to be Arab Americans for Trump decided to change its name.
On Monday, for example, Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee published a message to social media that argued, “Muslims don’t belong in American society.” A day earlier, Republican Rep. Randy Fine of Florida, whose track record of peddling Islamophobic rhetoric was already well established, wrote that Americans should “be afraid of Islam” and that Muslims should be expelled from the country.....
Democratic leaders have been quick to condemn the ugly and hateful partisan trend, but GOP leaders have failed entirely to do the same. In the aftermath of Ogles’ online statement, HuffPost reported:
GOP officials appear to be sending an unmistakable signal: In the contemporary Republican Party, anti-Muslim attitudes are, at a minimum, tolerated, if not encouraged. It would be easy for any party leader to issue a perfunctory statement saying Republicans are against religious bigotry, and the fact that this hasn’t happened speaks volumes.
The Bulwark’s Joe Perticone recently wrote, “Almost a decade removed from President Donald Trump’s attempt to ban Muslims from entering the country during his first term — a vile passion project that has been given new life in his second presidency — a growing number of House and Senate Republicans are taking Islamophobia to a new level, actively calling for discrimination against Muslims and even arguing that some should be denaturalized and deported from the United States.”
On Monday, for example, Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee published a message to social media that argued, “Muslims don’t belong in American society.” A day earlier, Republican Rep. Randy Fine of Florida, whose track record of peddling Islamophobic rhetoric was already well established, wrote that Americans should “be afraid of Islam” and that Muslims should be expelled from the country.....
Democratic leaders have been quick to condemn the ugly and hateful partisan trend, but GOP leaders have failed entirely to do the same. In the aftermath of Ogles’ online statement, HuffPost reported:
Ogles’ office did not respond to a request for comment. Neither did Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), nor any of his top lieutenants: Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) and Republican Policy Committee Chair Kevin Hern (R-Okla.).
GOP officials appear to be sending an unmistakable signal: In the contemporary Republican Party, anti-Muslim attitudes are, at a minimum, tolerated, if not encouraged. It would be easy for any party leader to issue a perfunctory statement saying Republicans are against religious bigotry, and the fact that this hasn’t happened speaks volumes.
The Bulwark’s Joe Perticone recently wrote, “Almost a decade removed from President Donald Trump’s attempt to ban Muslims from entering the country during his first term — a vile passion project that has been given new life in his second presidency — a growing number of House and Senate Republicans are taking Islamophobia to a new level, actively calling for discrimination against Muslims and even arguing that some should be denaturalized and deported from the United States.”
March 10, 2026
https://www.ms.now/opinion/jeanine-pirro-biden-autopen-investigation
Jeanine Pirro's failure to indict Biden speaks to something bigger
The Fox News host turned U.S. attorney has had a string of public setbacks in her efforts to prosecute Trump’s enemies.
Jeanine Pirro, the Fox News host turned top federal prosecutor, has endured a string of embarrassing setbacks since January.
— Emma Jean Kitty (@emmajeankitty.bsky.social) 2026-03-07T23:47:14.159Z
Jeanine Pirro’s failure to indict Biden speaks to something bigger
www.ms.now/opinion/jean...
https://www.ms.now/opinion/jeanine-pirro-biden-autopen-investigation
It’s been a rough start to the year for the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington. Jeanine Pirro, the Fox News host turned top federal prosecutor, has endured a string of embarrassing setbacks since January. According to the most recent reports, Pirro’s office shelved its effort to indict former President Joe Biden for his use of an autopen to sign executive actions while in office. Her office reportedly couldn’t assemble anything even resembling a criminal case.
The autopen inquiry, such as it was, was just the latest collapsed effort from Pirro to punish President Donald Trump’s enemies. Her failures are a sign that even as the Justice Department has fallen under the White House’s control, the law still doesn’t automatically bend to his will. And Trump’s vendettas remain stalled out. The limits to his power have become a little clearer......
The U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia has jurisdiction over federal crimes committed within Washington, making it an obvious choice of venue for this fishing expedition. Pirro’s predecessor, acting U.S. attorney Ed Martin, opened an investigation into Biden last spring, according to The New York Times, and it continued after Pirro was confirmed to her role in August. But the probe reportedly suffered, the Times reports, because:
It’s hard to tell whether the autopen case never making it to a grand jury makes it more or less of an embarrassment than other recent fiascos. Last month, federal prosecutors from Pirro’s office failed to persuade a grand jury to indict six Democratic members of Congress on charges of seditious conspiracy. Their alleged crime: filming a video in which lawmakers reminded members of the military and intelligence community that they have an obligation not to follow illegal orders. Speaking of those lawmakers and their video, Trump said in an interview last year that “in the old days, if you said a thing like that, that was punishable by death.” The grand jury’s refusal to indict, though, is a good sign its members disagree.....
It is for the best that Pirro’s efforts have languished. It is good that the justice system continues to rely on facts and evidence. But her failure to deliver on carrying out Trump’s vindictive agenda can’t overshadow the fact that she felt the need to try at all — and will likely try again.
The autopen inquiry, such as it was, was just the latest collapsed effort from Pirro to punish President Donald Trump’s enemies. Her failures are a sign that even as the Justice Department has fallen under the White House’s control, the law still doesn’t automatically bend to his will. And Trump’s vendettas remain stalled out. The limits to his power have become a little clearer......
The U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia has jurisdiction over federal crimes committed within Washington, making it an obvious choice of venue for this fishing expedition. Pirro’s predecessor, acting U.S. attorney Ed Martin, opened an investigation into Biden last spring, according to The New York Times, and it continued after Pirro was confirmed to her role in August. But the probe reportedly suffered, the Times reports, because:
Investigators were never quite clear what crime, if any, had been committed by the Biden administration’s use of the autopen.
It was also unclear whether investigators should focus their attention on the actions of Mr. Biden’s aides or on Mr. Biden himself, given that the United States Supreme Court, in a landmark ruling in 2024, granted broad immunity to presidents for most acts undertaken as part of their official duties.
In recent months, prosecutors determined that despite Mr. Trump’s desire to seek vengeance against Mr. Biden and his aides, there was no credible case to bring, the people said. The prosecutors never brought a potential indictment before a grand jury.
It’s hard to tell whether the autopen case never making it to a grand jury makes it more or less of an embarrassment than other recent fiascos. Last month, federal prosecutors from Pirro’s office failed to persuade a grand jury to indict six Democratic members of Congress on charges of seditious conspiracy. Their alleged crime: filming a video in which lawmakers reminded members of the military and intelligence community that they have an obligation not to follow illegal orders. Speaking of those lawmakers and their video, Trump said in an interview last year that “in the old days, if you said a thing like that, that was punishable by death.” The grand jury’s refusal to indict, though, is a good sign its members disagree.....
It is for the best that Pirro’s efforts have languished. It is good that the justice system continues to rely on facts and evidence. But her failure to deliver on carrying out Trump’s vindictive agenda can’t overshadow the fact that she felt the need to try at all — and will likely try again.
March 10, 2026
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/justice-departments-ed-martin-faces-disciplinary-proceedings-from-the-d-c-bar
MaddowBlog-Justice Department's Ed Martin faces disciplinary proceedings from the D.C. Bar
Last month, Martin was demoted and sidelined within the administration. If he thought that was the worst of his troubles, he’s now learning otherwise.
Last month, Ed Martin was demoted and sidelined within the administration.
— Steve Benen (@stevebenen.com) 2026-03-10T17:23:22.930Z
But if he thought that was the worst of his troubles, he’s now learning otherwise.
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/justice-departments-ed-martin-faces-disciplinary-proceedings-from-the-d-c-bar
Over the past year or so, far-right activist Ed Martin has served in a variety of capacities on Donald Trump’s team, including a failed tenure as the director of the Justice Department’s “Weaponization Working Group” and his ongoing work as the president’s pardon attorney...
While federal prosecutors tend to focus resources on matters of law enforcement (since that is their job), Martin decided to launch a bizarre attack on academic freedom, targeting a private Catholic institution for unexplained reasons, telling the law school dean that Georgetown graduates would be locked out of potential jobs in the U.S. attorney’s office if the university taught or used “diversity, equity and inclusion” — which went undefined in his letter.
One year later, MS NOW confirmed that Martin is facing an ethics investigation from the D.C. Bar over his wildly unnecessary campaign against Georgetown Law.
Bloomberg Law also reported on the developments:
Martin, a key figure in the “Stop the Steal” movement in 2020, hasn’t yet commented on the investigation, though it’s worth emphasizing that this is not his only ongoing headache. MS NOW also reported in the fall that a federal grand jury is investigating whether Martin illegally shared sensitive grand jury information while the administration targeted some of the president’s perceived political enemies.
Last month, Martin was demoted and sidelined within the administration, but if he thought that was the worst of his troubles, he’s now learning otherwise. Watch this space.
While federal prosecutors tend to focus resources on matters of law enforcement (since that is their job), Martin decided to launch a bizarre attack on academic freedom, targeting a private Catholic institution for unexplained reasons, telling the law school dean that Georgetown graduates would be locked out of potential jobs in the U.S. attorney’s office if the university taught or used “diversity, equity and inclusion” — which went undefined in his letter.
One year later, MS NOW confirmed that Martin is facing an ethics investigation from the D.C. Bar over his wildly unnecessary campaign against Georgetown Law.
Bloomberg Law also reported on the developments:
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel — the enforcement arm for the local DC Bar — alleges that Martin violated ethics rules in early 2025 by making threats against Georgetown University Law Center. … According to a petition from the office, Martin violated the local rules for lawyers by demanding that Georgetown Law change what it teaches students. […]
The office also alleges that Martin attempted to interfere with its investigation of his conduct related to Georgetown Law.
Martin, a key figure in the “Stop the Steal” movement in 2020, hasn’t yet commented on the investigation, though it’s worth emphasizing that this is not his only ongoing headache. MS NOW also reported in the fall that a federal grand jury is investigating whether Martin illegally shared sensitive grand jury information while the administration targeted some of the president’s perceived political enemies.
Last month, Martin was demoted and sidelined within the administration, but if he thought that was the worst of his troubles, he’s now learning otherwise. Watch this space.
March 10, 2026
https://www.rawstory.com/trump-tariffs-2675907921
Judge slaps Trump admin with huge interest for unpaid tariff refunds: 'Clock is ticking'
A judge has ruled on a firm date for Donald Trump's administration to refund companies affected by tariffs shot down last month by the Supreme Court.
— Raw Story (@rawstory.com) 2026-03-09T16:40:43.461Z
https://www.rawstory.com/trump-tariffs-2675907921
A judge has ruled on a firm date for Donald Trump's administration to refund companies affected by tariffs shot down last month by the Supreme Court.
Judge Richard Eaton of the U.S. Court of International Trade says the president's team must issue an update on the processing of refunds by March 12. A further processing deadline is set for April 20, The Hill reported. An immediate compliance order has also been issued by Eaton, who says taxpayers will feel the burden by the end of the year should the admin not fulfil its refund obligations.
Eaton said, "These duties must now be refunded with interest, and the clock is ticking. Further interest is accumulating every day, with approximately $650 million accruing per month.
Judge Richard Eaton of the U.S. Court of International Trade says the president's team must issue an update on the processing of refunds by March 12. A further processing deadline is set for April 20, The Hill reported. An immediate compliance order has also been issued by Eaton, who says taxpayers will feel the burden by the end of the year should the admin not fulfil its refund obligations.
Eaton said, "These duties must now be refunded with interest, and the clock is ticking. Further interest is accumulating every day, with approximately $650 million accruing per month.
March 10, 2026
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/team-trump-says-and-does-all-the-wrong-things-as-russia-helps-iran-during-the-u-s-war
MaddowBlog-Team Trump says (and does) all the wrong things as Russia helps Iran during the U.S. war
As Russia provides intelligence that could put Americans at risk, the White House responds by easing Russian oil sanctions.
Problem: Team Trump shrugging with indifference as Russia provides Iran with intelligence that could put Americans at risk.
— Steve Benen (@stevebenen.com) 2026-03-09T19:13:44.138Z
Bigger problem: Team Trump providing Russia with sanctions relief as it provides Iran with intelligence that could put Americans at risk.
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/team-trump-says-and-does-all-the-wrong-things-as-russia-helps-iran-during-the-u-s-war
MS NOW reported over the weekend that Russia has provided Iran with information that could help Iranian forces strike American ships, aircraft and bases in the region, according two U.S. officials, one whom said point-blank, “Russia is providing intelligence help to Iran.”
The Associated Press and The Washington Post had related reports, with the latter noting, “The assistance … signals that the rapidly expanding conflict now features one of America’s chief nuclear-armed competitors with exquisite intelligence capabilities.” On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” host Kristen Welker pressed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on this, and he made no effort to deny the accuracy of the reporting, emphasizing that Iran’s “strategic partnership” with Russia is “not a secret.”.....
If we were to stop here, it would be a striking story about a Republican administration that has expressed little more than indifference to serious allegations. But as it turns out, Team Trump isn’t just shrugging its shoulders about Russia’s aid to Iran during the war, it’s also taking steps that would benefit Russia as it aids Iran during the war. Reuters reported:
(It’s worth noting for context that Trump has publicly boasted about getting India to stop buying Russian oil, including at a White House press conference in late February. So much for that idea.)....
Around the same time, on “Meet the Press,” Welker asked the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations about why the Republican administration would choose to help Russia right now.
“I wouldn’t characterize it that way,” Waltz replied.
.....This hasn’t gone unnoticed on Capitol Hill.
“Russia is our adversary,” Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska told MS NOW last week. “They hate us and what the U.S. stands for. The White House has had a moral blindness when it comes to Putin and Russia.”
Republican Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, a former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, added, “This is an intolerable escalation by the Kremlin — one they must come to deeply regret. I call on the administration to impose swift and severe consequences for this blatant attempt to endanger American lives.”
The White House appears to have come to the opposite conclusion.
The Associated Press and The Washington Post had related reports, with the latter noting, “The assistance … signals that the rapidly expanding conflict now features one of America’s chief nuclear-armed competitors with exquisite intelligence capabilities.” On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” host Kristen Welker pressed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on this, and he made no effort to deny the accuracy of the reporting, emphasizing that Iran’s “strategic partnership” with Russia is “not a secret.”.....
If we were to stop here, it would be a striking story about a Republican administration that has expressed little more than indifference to serious allegations. But as it turns out, Team Trump isn’t just shrugging its shoulders about Russia’s aid to Iran during the war, it’s also taking steps that would benefit Russia as it aids Iran during the war. Reuters reported:
Trump administration officials on Sunday defended a decision to temporarily lift some sanctions on Russian oil and predicted that a sharp increase in gasoline prices resulting from the Iran war would last only weeks.
Appearing on multiple TV talk shows, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said a waiver issued last week to allow Indian purchases of Russian oil would alleviate pressure on the global market.
(It’s worth noting for context that Trump has publicly boasted about getting India to stop buying Russian oil, including at a White House press conference in late February. So much for that idea.)....
Around the same time, on “Meet the Press,” Welker asked the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations about why the Republican administration would choose to help Russia right now.
“I wouldn’t characterize it that way,” Waltz replied.
WELKER: Why is Trump helping Russia in this moment?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2026-03-08T14:17:27.030Z
WALTZ:I wouldn't characterize it that way
WELKER: How else would you describe easing oil sanctions?
WALTZ: It's common sense to allow oil sitting on ships to go to India
WELKER: Russia will be getting that money as it wages its war in Ukraine
.....This hasn’t gone unnoticed on Capitol Hill.
“Russia is our adversary,” Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska told MS NOW last week. “They hate us and what the U.S. stands for. The White House has had a moral blindness when it comes to Putin and Russia.”
Republican Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, a former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, added, “This is an intolerable escalation by the Kremlin — one they must come to deeply regret. I call on the administration to impose swift and severe consequences for this blatant attempt to endanger American lives.”
The White House appears to have come to the opposite conclusion.
March 10, 2026
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/gop-member-becomes-an-independent-narrowing-the-house-republicans-edge-again
MaddowBlog-GOP member becomes an independent, narrowing House Republicans' edge again
With Rep. Kevin Kiley going independent, the House GOP majority is down to 217 votes — in a chamber where 218 is a majority.
When 2026 got underway, there were 220 House Republicans.
— Steve Benen (@stevebenen.com) 2026-03-09T20:07:33.811Z
Then MTG resigned.
Then Doug LaMalfa died unexpectedly.
Now Kevin Kiley has left the GOP to become an independent, creating a 217-214-1 chamber.
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/gop-member-becomes-an-independent-narrowing-the-house-republicans-edge-again
In the House, independent members are quite rare. In fact, in recent years, there are only two examples: former Rep. Paul Mitchell of Michigan, who left the Republican Party to become an independent in 2020, and former Rep. Justin Amash, another former Michigan Republican who became a Libertarian the same year.
This rarefied company now numbers three. The Hill reported:
Kiley had already indicated that he intended to run for re-election as an independent, instead of a GOP incumbent, though there have still been questions as to his party affiliation between now and Election Day.....
At that point, the GOP had 218 House members to the Democrats’ 214, which, as a matter of legislative arithmetic, meant Republican leaders could only afford to lose one vote in any major floor fight. But with Kiley becoming an independent, the House Republican majority is now down to 217 votes — in a chamber where 218 is a majority.
To be sure, House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana probably isn’t panicking, or at least not any more than usual, for the simple fact that Kiley has vowed to continue to caucus with the GOP (a necessary move to maintain his current committee assignments).
That said, Kiley will likely be looking for new ways to prove his independent bona fides in the coming weeks and months, which suggests Republican leaders shouldn’t count on his support. What’s more, as more members retire or lose primary fights, attendance is likely to make matters even more difficult for GOP leaders hoping to pass anything meaningful between now and the midterm elections.
By any fair measure, 2025 was exceedingly difficult for Johnson and his party. Every day seems to bring fresh reasons to believe 2026 will be worse.
This rarefied company now numbers three. The Hill reported:
Rep. Kevin Kiley (Calif.) announced Monday that he will formally leave the Republican Party this week to become an independent. […]
‘I will be the sole independent member of the House of Representatives,’ Kiley told reporters Monday during a virtual press conference.
Kiley had already indicated that he intended to run for re-election as an independent, instead of a GOP incumbent, though there have still been questions as to his party affiliation between now and Election Day.....
At that point, the GOP had 218 House members to the Democrats’ 214, which, as a matter of legislative arithmetic, meant Republican leaders could only afford to lose one vote in any major floor fight. But with Kiley becoming an independent, the House Republican majority is now down to 217 votes — in a chamber where 218 is a majority.
To be sure, House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana probably isn’t panicking, or at least not any more than usual, for the simple fact that Kiley has vowed to continue to caucus with the GOP (a necessary move to maintain his current committee assignments).
That said, Kiley will likely be looking for new ways to prove his independent bona fides in the coming weeks and months, which suggests Republican leaders shouldn’t count on his support. What’s more, as more members retire or lose primary fights, attendance is likely to make matters even more difficult for GOP leaders hoping to pass anything meaningful between now and the midterm elections.
By any fair measure, 2025 was exceedingly difficult for Johnson and his party. Every day seems to bring fresh reasons to believe 2026 will be worse.
Profile Information
Member since: Mon Apr 5, 2004, 04:58 PMNumber of posts: 178,656