First, former President Donald Trump’s legal troubles continue to escalate, with a landmark defeat in the E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse case and an intensifying Georgia election interference probe. As the Fulton County District Attorney’s office draws closer to Trump, the potential for severe legal consequences grows. Meanwhile, Trump continues to perpetuate false narratives about the 2020 election, as demonstrated in a recent CNN town hall. Finally, the indictment of freshman Republican Congressman George Santos on 13 counts, including fraud and money laundering, has sparked critical discussions about integrity in public service.
Here’s what you need to know for the weekend:
Main Points for the Weekend:
1. Trump’s Legal Troubles Escalate: Landmark Loss in Carroll Case with Georgia Election Interference Probe on the Horizon
Former President Donald Trump’s legal challenges are intensifying, marked by a landmark defeat in the E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse case and looming criminal and civil threats in Washington, Manhattan, and Atlanta. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has named 16 “fake” GOP electors as subjects of an ongoing investigation into possible criminal interference in Georgia’s 2020 election. Willis’s investigation seems to be closing in on Trump as multiple allies involved in his alleged attempt to overturn the election result have accepted immunity deals, suggesting a precarious legal future for the former president.
- Top point to make: Given the myriad legal cases surrounding former President Trump, it can be understandably challenging to stay abreast of each development. There’s a certain temptation to allow the sheer volume of cases, and how they fit into an election, to overshadow the underlying narrative. However, it’s crucial to maintain a clear perspective on the actual issues at hand. These cases are not a “witch hunt” – they are not punishment for the former President’s ideology or political party. Trump is under investigation and facing potential accountability for alleged breaches of the law. It’s a fundamental principle of our democracy that no individual, regardless of their past or present position, is above the law. This isn’t a matter of political partisanship; it’s a matter of upholding our country’s values and the rule of law. Trump, like any citizen, is subject to the same level of scrutiny under our judicial system. We should afford the courts the space and time they need to carry out their work thoroughly and impartially, ensuring justice is served based on the merits of the case, rather than allowing the narrative to be dominated by external factors and discussions.
- If you read one thing: Politico, 5/9/23: Trump’s defeat in Carroll case presages more legal peril: Now is the season of former President Donald Trump’s discontent. A federal jury’s finding that Donald Trump sexually abused E. Jean Carroll in the mid 1990s is a historic rebuke of a former president and frontrunner for the 2024 GOP nomination. But it’s also a prologue. Legal threats in Washington, Manhattan and Atlanta — both criminal and civil — are crystallizing in ways Trump has skirted for his entire political life. And the story of his bid to regain the presidency is likely to be defined by his attempts to stave off criminal liability for things he did the last time he occupied the White House.
2. Trump Deflects and Distorts in Town Hall: Continues Election Lies
In his first media appearance following a $5 million legal defeat to E. Jean Carroll for sexual abuse and defamation, former President Donald Trump launched a torrent of denials, lies, and evasions during a CNN town hall in New Hampshire.The town hall quickly became a platform for Trump’s continued propagation of false narratives about the 2020 election, despite repeated fact-checking interjections from moderator Kaitlan Collins. Despite Collins’ persistent corrections and reminders, Trump stuck to his baseless claims about election rigging and evaded responsibility for the January 6 insurrection, revealing a concerning persistence of disinformation and denial in the face of legal and factual adversity.
- Top point to make: As institutions tasked with informing the public, media outlets must exercise caution and discretion when it comes to amplifying false claims about the 2020 election or any other topic. Providing a platform for blatant disinformation not only undermines the integrity of our democratic processes but also erodes public trust in journalism itself. While it is essential to present diverse perspectives, these should be grounded in fact and truth, not baseless assertions. In an era where fake news can quickly gain traction, the media must remain steadfast in its commitment to truth, impartiality, and journalistic integrity.
- If you read one thing: Guardian, 5/10/23: Trump repeats conspiracy theories and election lies in CNN town hall: Donald Trump appeared at a CNN town hall on Wednesday night to unleash a litany of lies about the 2020 election and E Jean Carroll’s lawsuit, just one day after a New York jury found the former president liable for sexual abuse and defamation.The town hall turned combative as soon as it began, with Trump reiterating his lies about the 2020 election as Collins repeatedly interjected. Pressed by Collins on whether he would acknowledge Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election, Trump refused to do so. When Collins later asked if he would accept the results of the 2024 election regardless of the outcome, Trump replied, “Yeah, if I think it’s an honest election, absolutely.”
3. Freshman Congressman George Santos Faces 13-Count Federal Indictment for Fraud and Other Charges
Republican Congressman George Santos has been taken into federal custody following the unsealing of a 13-count indictment against him. The charges, which include wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making materially false statements to the House of Representatives, paint a picture of a congressman who, according to federal authorities, misled his donors, the House, and state unemployment officials among others. Santos, who has previously courted controversy with his pattern of lies and fabrications, surrendered to federal authorities and is expected to make a court appearance in Central Islip, Long Island. His arrest and the subsequent unsealing of the indictment marks a dramatic escalation in his legal troubles. Republicans are divided about supporting him.
- Top point to make: While it may be a common trope to claim that all politicians are corrupt, real instances of corruption and deceit, such as those allegedly displayed by Congressman George Santos, inflict significant damage on public trust in our democracy. When those elected to serve are embroiled in scandal and facing criminal charges, it detracts from their ability to effectively represent their constituents and undermines the very fabric of our democratic institution. Indeed, holding Santos accountable for his actions – as determined by the court – is not a partisan issue, but a matter of principle and integrity in public service. The calls from some Republicans for his removal demonstrate a commendable commitment to these values over party allegiance.
- If you read one thing: Washington Post, 5/10/23: Rep. George Santos pleads not guilty to 13 counts of financial crimes: Rep. George Santos, the freshman Republican congressman whose myriad falsehoods became both a scandal and a national punchline, was charged with a host of financial crimes in court papers unsealed Wednesday, including defrauding his donors, using their money for his personal benefit and wrongfully claiming unemployment benefits. Santos, 34, surrendered to federal authorities in the morning at the Alfonse M. D’Amato Federal Courthouse in this hamlet on Long Island. The freshman congressman, who announced his reelection bid last month, was arraigned before a magistrate judge, told to relinquish his passports and ordered released on $500,000 bond.
Expert Voices
Michael Podhorzer, former political director of the AFL-CIO: The Federalist Society majority on the Supreme Court is “what has enabled MAGA to so quickly take over the institutions in red nation. … They don’t actually hear cases anymore. They look for opportunities to legislate. … It’s the only functioning legislative body in the country.” Roosevelt Institute / The New Republic Podcast: How To Save a Country
Daniel Ziblatt, political scientist and Eaton professor of government at Harvard University: “CNN putting Donald Trump on the air for hours before an adoring and applauding crowd is recklessness on an unbelievable scale.” Tweet
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, professor of history and Italian studies at New York University: “CNN became a party to Trump’s need to psychologically “undo” his defeat by getting the audience to applaud him *for being an assaulter.* The more approval authoritarians get, the more they feel emboldened to be even more lawless. This is why this “town hall” was so dangerous.” Tweet
Marc Elias, founder of Democracy Docket: “In 2020, Donald Trump lied about the outcome of the election. He and his allies filed 65 lawsuits to overturn and undermine the outcome. I am proud that my legal team and I beat them in 64 of those cases. That is not opinion. It is a fact.” Tweet
