Brutkey

emptywheel
@emptywheel.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy
emptywheel
@emptywheel.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy

John Sauer says that if the US had to pay back all the taxes it illegally collected from consumers, it might ruin the country.

storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...

There is no substitute for the tariffs and deals that President Trump has made. One year ago, the United States was a dead country, and now, because of the trillions of dollars being paid by countries that have so badly abused us, America is a strong, financially viable, and respected country again. If the United States were forced to pay back the trillions of dollars committed to us, America could go from strength to failure the moment such an incorrect decision took effect.
emptywheel
@emptywheel.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy

Even Whiskey Pete doesn't appear to be enjoying this military occupation presser (here, while Trump babbles about Viktor Orbán).

Pete Hegsesth scowling.
emptywheel
@emptywheel.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy

I did a big thread of the savage Jan6ers whom Trump pardoned on Xitter during his presser. This post links many of the charging docs for the assault defendants if you want to make it clear who is/was violent in DC.

www.emptywheel.net/2021/06/25/t...

The Hundred-Plus January 6 Def...

emptywheel
@emptywheel.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy

In Rejecting Bid to Unseal Grand Jury Testimony, Judge Paul Engelmeyer Accuses Todd Blanche of "Diversion"

www.emptywheel.net/2025/08/11/i...

In Rejecting Bid to Unseal Gra...

emptywheel
@emptywheel.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy

In order denying bid to unseal GJ testimony, Judge Engelmeyer lays out what a stunt @DAGToddBlanche's unsealing request was.

storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...

A member of the public familiar with the Maxwell trial record who reviewed the grand jury materials that the Government proposes to unseal would thus learn next to nothing new. The materials do not identify any person other than Epstein and Maxwell as having had sexual contact with a minor. They do not discuss or identify any client of Epstein’s or Maxwell’s. They do not reveal any heretofore unknown means or methods of Epstein’s or Maxwell’s crimes. They do not reveal new venues at which their crimes occurred. They do not reveal new sources of their wealth. They do not explore the circumstances of Epstein’s death. They do not reveal the path of the Government’s investigation.
emptywheel
@emptywheel.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy

When Cory Mills allegedly abused his girlfriend, Eagle Ed Martin did nothing, allowing Mills to allegedly harass ANOTHER woman.

When some teenagers beat up Big Balls, Trump invaded DC's streets.

www.emptywheel.net/2025/08/11/s...

"Strap Up, Cowboy:" Will Donal...

emptywheel
@emptywheel.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy

As always, it's worth tracking and magnifying WHAT is making Trump melt down, rather than the meltdown.

But it's worth noting that Krugman is getting this attention AFTER he left NYT to be able to publish what he wants.

Validates the move.

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:vl7iw2awdpm72srjve3f4fj2/post/3lw4opi6axc2j

emptywheel
@emptywheel.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy

The presentation (at about 36:30) also shows that Jared Kushner's comms -- apparently still doing business w/the WH -- and his group with his family.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFYy...

A screen cap from the White House AI guy to Jared Kushner, saying, "would love to catch up on all things UAE, working with David a lot on what we are doing with UAE."
emptywheel
@emptywheel.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy

Todd Blanche: The sex trafficker said she didn't SEE Trump doing anything bad.

Ghislaine's former cell mate: Um.

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...

Comolli says it was common knowledge among inmates that Maxwell didn't aim to serve her full 20-year sentence and instead had hoped to get a pardon from then US President Joe Biden in exchange for information about Donald Trump in the lead-up to the 2024 election. 'I heard her tell another inmate that she had dirt on Trump and that it was going to get her a pardon from Biden. I guess Biden's camp just didn't want to go down that route.'
emptywheel
@emptywheel.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy

Call your GOP Rep or Senator tomorrow and ask this question.

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bbp2b224lro3bfnzcqwwnkfo/post/3lw3f27puhs2o