Category: FBI Anti-Trump

FBI Director Posts Controversial Arrest Photo of Judge Dugan

The FBI Director Kash Patel recently posted a photo on X showing Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan being taken into custody, which raises significant concerns about adherence to established Justice Department policies. Dugan was arrested on charges of obstructing federal immigration efforts, specifically for allegedly aiding an undocumented immigrant evade arrest. Patel’s caption, “No one is above the law,” underscores a chilling message amidst a climate of intimidation against judicial officials.

According to the Department of Justice’s own guidelines, personnel are prohibited from disclosing photographs of defendants unless it serves a legitimate law enforcement purpose or is already part of the public record. Former Attorney General Eric Holder, who implemented these guidelines during the Obama administration, highlighted that Patel’s post appears to violate these protocols, suggesting the intent was more about intimidation than justice.

Dugan’s attorney, Craig Mastantuono, criticized the FBI’s approach, stating that there was no immediate threat that warranted such a public display. The lack of a genuine safety concern emphasizes that the arrest and subsequent media portrayal serve more to target and intimidate judges who may not align with the current administration’s immigration policies rather than to uphold the law impartially.

This incident illustrates the deeper fractures within the judicial system fostered by the Trump-era rhetoric that often undermines the independence of the judiciary. The implications of such public shaming through social media posts not only affect the individual involved but also send a broader message to others in the judiciary about the potential repercussions of their decisions regarding controversial policies.

The failure of current Attorney General Pam Bondi to clarify or modify this policy following Patel’s post signals a troubling trend that threatens to further politicize the judiciary. Such actions could result in severe consequences for the impartial administration of justice—an alarming reality in the context of ongoing partisan tensions exemplified by Trump’s anti-judiciary vitriol.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/26/politics/patel-wisconsin-judge-photo-violate-conduct/index.html)

FBI Director Kash Patel sparked controversy by posting a photo on X of Wisconsin Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan’s arrest, described as a “perp walk,” which may violate Justice Department policy regarding the treatment of defendants. Dugan was arrested for allegedly obstructing immigration enforcement by helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest, signifying escalating tensions within U.S. immigration law enforcement.

The photo showcased Dugan handcuffed and being escorted by law enforcement officials, accompanied by Patel’s caption stating, “No one is above the law.” Former Attorney General Eric Holder criticized the post, arguing it contradicts DOJ guidelines that discourage the release of such images unless they serve a legitimate law enforcement purpose. Holder emphasized that the post’s intent appears to promote intimidation rather than uphold justice.

Dugan’s arrest raises significant questions about the current direction of the DOJ under the leadership of Attorney General Pam Bondi. Following Patel’s post, there are concerns regarding whether Bondi has revised the department’s photo release policy, which historically aimed to protect the integrity of judicial proceedings and the presumption of innocence.

This incident reflects broader issues surrounding the politicization of the judiciary, particularly under a Republican-led administration that has shown a willingness to manipulate legal proceedings for political gain. The FBI’s action, alongside Patel’s social media activity, demonstrates a troubling trend of undermining judicial fairness and likely aims to intimidate those who oppose the current administration’s harsh immigration policies.

Dugan faces multiple charges of obstruction and concealing an individual from arrest, but initial court proceedings led to her release from detention. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of this case extend beyond Dugan herself, signaling potential dangers to judicial independence and a fair trial in a politicized environment.

FBI Analyst on Leave After Trump Ally’s Targeting List

The FBI has placed analyst Brian Auten on leave, following his inclusion in a list of alleged “deep state” actors compiled by Kash Patel, the current FBI Director. This decision highlights the ongoing politicization of the FBI under a regime loyal to former President Donald Trump, revealing how the agency is being used to target dissenting voices within its ranks.

Auten, a specialist in Russia, was previously recommended for internal discipline by former FBI Director Christopher Wray due to errors related to the investigation into Trump’s ties to Russia. Despite these recommendations, a Justice Department review exonerated FBI staff, confirming they acted without political bias. However, Patel’s characterization of Auten as part of a national embarrassment demonstrates a troubling agenda to undermine accountability within the FBI.

In his 2023 book, “Government Gangsters,” Patel directly condemned Auten, labeling him a conspirator involved in the so-called “Russia Gate” scandal. Patel’s claims, which lack substantial evidence, are indicative of a broader pattern of the Trump-influenced narrative that seeks to delegitimize factual inquiries into electoral misconduct and foreign interference.

This latest action against Auten is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing assault on FBI officials connected to investigations of January 6th insurrectionists and past Trump-related inquiries. Over the past few months, numerous FBI executives were dismissed or coerced into leaving, raising alarms about the operational integrity and independence of one of America’s key law enforcement agencies.

Overall, the actions being taken today reflect deep-rooted extremism and represent a significant threat to American democracy, as the Trump administration continues to purge those within law enforcement who uphold the rule of law. This consolidation of power, through the weaponization of federal agencies against perceived enemies, underlines the authoritarian grip that Trump—along with his allies like Patel—maintains over the Republican party and its agenda.

(h/t: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/fbi-analyst-targeted-kash-patel-book-placed-leave-brian-auten-rcna200999)

Trump Targets FBI Agents In January 6 Investigations In Authoritarian Purge

The Trump administration is actively targeting FBI agents involved in investigations related to the January 6 insurrection and other inquiries concerning the former president. This initiative, originating from the Department of Justice, orders a detailed list of these agents, raising alarming concerns about the integrity of the justice system under Trump’s agenda.

Known for his penchant for authoritarianism, Trump’s actions resemble the loyalty purges often seen in totalitarian regimes. Just as he previously demanded loyalty from former FBI director James Comey—only to fire him when he refused—Trump is now positioning himself to eliminate anyone within the federal government who might stand in the way of his agenda or question his actions.

In a disturbing move, Trump has proposed Kash Patel, a staunch loyalist with a track record of promoting falsehoods about the 2020 election, as the next FBI director. This nomination underscores the potential for further politicization of an agency that is meant to operate independently, and signifies a dangerous precedent for the rule of law in America.

The retaliatory nature of these actions demonstrates a blatant disregard for democratic principles and the oversight required in a healthy government. Rather than holding individuals accountable for actions that threaten democracy, Trump seeks to undermine those who dare to investigate him and his associates.

Ultimately, the Trump administration’s efforts to purge disloyal officials reflect a broader trend towards authoritarianism within the Republican party, jeopardizing the integrity of democratic institutions and signaling a troubling future for American governance.

(h/t: https://apnews.com/article/trump-fbi-firing-a7b19a5f414ce82c6f6b5f6656000d23)

Trump’s Dangerous Choice for FBI Director Signals Political Reprisal

Donald Trump has announced his intention to appoint Kash Patel as the new director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a move that raises alarms about the potential politicization of the agency. Patel, a known Trump loyalist, has a troubling history of making false claims about the 2020 election being stolen and has called for a purge of those he deems anti-Trump within the Justice Department. This selection signals a dangerous trend where political allegiance supersedes competency, threatening the integrity of one of America’s premier law enforcement agencies.

Patel’s appointment is not just a mere personnel change; it represents a significant shift in how the FBI could operate under his direction. Critics, including former intelligence officers and lawmakers, voice concerns that Patel’s hardline stance and rhetoric against the so-called ‘deep state’ could transform the FBI into a tool for political retribution, targeting those who oppose Trump. Patel has previously expressed intentions to clean out federal bureaucrats, indicating a willingness to reshape the agency to align with Trump’s agenda.

During his time in Trump’s administration, Patel gained notoriety for drafting a memo that falsely accused the FBI of misconduct in their investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Despite the memo’s discredited claims, Patel continues to push conspiracy theories regarding the FBI and its role in undermining Trump. His history of spreading misinformation raises serious questions about his ability to lead an organization that relies on facts and impartiality.

Patel’s past experiences, including his brief tenure in the Trump administration, have led many to conclude he lacks the qualifications necessary for such a high-profile role. Even Trump’s former Attorney General William Barr later criticized Patel for his lack of experience and competence, calling it a serious concern for the FBI’s future. This lack of qualifications combined with Patel’s extreme views suggests a potential for significant damage to the agency’s reputation and functionality.

In summary, Trump’s choice of Kash Patel as FBI director exemplifies a broader pattern of prioritizing loyalty over expertise and threatens to undermine the agency’s commitment to justice. As Patel prepares for Senate confirmation, the implications of his potential leadership will likely provoke a critical examination of the FBI’s mission and independence.

(h/t: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna179736)

Trump’s Dangerous Desire for a Third Term Endangers Democracy

Former President Donald Trump has kicked off his 2024 campaign with incendiary rhetoric, claiming he will pursue a third term due to alleged spying on his 2016 campaign, a baseless assertion contradicted by detailed FBI reports. During a rally in Wisconsin, Trump declared, “We are going to win four more years… and then after that, we’ll go for another four years,” presenting his false narrative as justification for extending his presidency.

Despite the 22nd Amendment explicitly barring any individual from serving more than two terms as president, Trump’s comments reflect a typical defiance of democratic principles. His dismissive attitude toward constitutional limitations signals a troubling desire for autocratic governance, further undermining the democratic values of the United States.

At the same rally, Trump veered into bizarre territory, discussing the economy’s performance before the COVID-19 pandemic with absurd claims about “crummy colleges” and “dumb people.” These ramblings highlight both his lack of coherent policy discussion and a tendency to mislead his supporters, distracting them from crucial issues at hand.

Trump’s behavior is consistent with his history of exaggeration and deviation from the truth, as evidenced by his repeated claims of receiving a “Man of the Year” award in Michigan, a story that has been thoroughly debunked. Such fabrications reflect not only a disregard for factual integrity but an assault on the very trust necessary for a functioning democracy.

Moreover, Trump’s ongoing baseless claims about election rigging set a dangerous precedent, further eroding public trust in the electoral process and contributing to a culture of violence and division among his supporters. This rhetoric is part of a larger strategy utilized by Trump and the Republican Party to maintain control, often at the expense of democratic norms and the rule of law.

(h/t: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-third-term-because-they-spied-on-him-1045743/)

Trump quotes Ralph Waldo Emerson, Suggesting He’s a ‘King’

The tweets of Donald J. Trump are sometimes inane, sometimes scary, and sometimes baffling. On Saturday he made two that are the latter. Only a few days after inexplicably sharing a clip from Curb Your Enthusiasm that clearly mocked his supporters, the president decided to post something even more Mad Libs-weird: He quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Technically he was quoting someone else quoting Emerson: a piece from his dreaded New York Times that dropped back in early February. The headline was, alas, not exactly flattering: “While Stained in History, Trump Will Emerge From Trial Triumphant and Unshackled.” The article itself, by Peter Baker, wasn’t complimentary about the president’s newfound confidence after getting impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate. Perhaps Trump didn’t read the whole thing. But he did single out one passage.

“Ralph Waldo Emerson seemed to foresee the lesson of the Senate Impeachment Trial of President Trump. ‘When you strike at the King, Emerson famously said, “you must kill him.’ Mr. Trump’s foes struck at him but did not take him down,” the tweet read. “A triumphant Mr.Trump emerges from the biggest test of his presidency emboldened, ready to claim exoneration, and take his case of grievance, persecution and resentment to the campaign trail.” He then cited Baker, at-ed the NYT, and added one of his greatest go-tos: “The Greatest Witch Hunt in American History!

Trump’s out-of-context (but still far from positive) tweeting read as a boast, even if he was quoting a publication he routinely demonizes. The fact that the president was quoting someone quoting Emerson truly weirded some people out.

Others were horrified. After all, he was essentially referring to himself as a king, not a president.

Some pointed out that Trump had been reduced to quoting the “failing” (though actually thriving) New York Times.

[Uproxx]

Trump called the FBI ‘scum’ and hit out at the report that discredited his theory the Russia probe was a deep-state plot at a wild Pennsylvania rally

President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday night lashed out at the FBI, calling staff of the agency “scum.”

He also doubled down on discredited conspiracy theories following the release of a report that undermined the president’s claims that the Russia probe was a “deep state” plot meant to damage his presidency.

Trump repeated claims the FBI had “spied” on his 2016 campaign. The report, released the day before by the Justice Department’s inspector general, Michael Horowitz, had found such a characterization to be groundless.

“When the FBI uncovered evidence showing that we did absolutely nothing wrong, which was right at the beginning, they hid that exonerating, you know that, they hid it,” Trump said.

That comment seemed to refer to a finding in the report that there were significant “omissions” in the FBI’s application for a wiretap of Carter Page, a Trump campaign official.

“They hid it so nobody could see it and they could keep this hoax going on for two more years,” Trump said. “They knew right at the beginning.”

The report in fact found that the Russia investigation was launched on the basis of multiple contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russians.

“The FBI also sent multiple undercover human spies to surveil and record people associated with our campaign,” the president said.

“Look how they’ve hurt people. They’ve destroyed the lives of people that were great people, that are still great people. Their lives have been destroyed by scum. OK, by scum.”

While Trump and his allies have often characterized the FBI’s surveillance as “spying,” the long-anticipated report found that the FBI followed its rules in opening an investigation into contacts between Russia and Trump officials and concluded that top officials were not driven by “political bias or improper motivation” in doing so.

It did, however, did find an improper handling of applications for surveillance warrants, such as Page’s.

Attorney General William Barr has criticized the report’s conclusions, a highly unusual move. Barr has tasked the Pennsylvania prosecutor John Durham with conducting a separate investigation into the origins of the Russia inquiry.

“I look forward to Bull Durham’s report, that’s the one I look forward to,” Trump said, referring to the 1988 baseball movie starring Kevin Costner in a riff on Durham’s name.

“And this report was great by the IG, especially since he was appointed by President Barack Hussein Obama,” Trump said. Using Obama’s middle name is often associated with a movement by the far right to falsely suggest Obama is Muslim.

[Business Insider]

Trump appears to do bizarre impression of FBI agent having sex

Donald Trump appeared to perform an impression of former FBI agent Peter Strzok and attorney Lisa Page having sex while the president was in the middle of a speech during a rally in Minnesota on Thursday.

Mr Trump slammed his hand on the podium and shouted “I love you, Lisa,” and “I love you too, Peter” before moaning “Lisa, I love you, Lisa! Lisa! Oh, God, I love you Lisa!”

The president had previously called Mr Strzok a “sick loser” amid investigations by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian meddling in US elections. Mr Mueller removed Mr Strzok from his team after discovering anti-Trump text messages between Mr Strzok and Ms Page, who had an affair.

The president has falsely claimed that the texts had been deleted and has frequently argued that the messages amount to “corruption” within an investigation that followed Hillary Clinton’s loss in the 2016 presidential election.

At his Minnesota rally, Mr Trump continued to mock the text messages: “And if she doesn’t win, Lisa, we’ve got an insurance policy, Lisa: we’ll get that son of a bitch out.”

[The Independent]

Media

Trump accuses NYT reporter of breaking the law by alerting FBI to Kushner meetings with Russians

President Donald Trump accused a New York Times reporter of breaking the law by tipping off the FBI to developments in the Russia investigation.

Times reporter Michael Schmidt alerted the FBI’s assistant director for public affairs in March 2017 that he and some colleagues had found out Jared Kushner and Michael Flynn had met in December 2016 with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak, who then set up a meeting between Trump’s son-in-law and a Russian banker.

Schmidt’s email was then forwarded to FBI special agent Peter Strzok, who was leading the bureau’s Russia investigation, and Jonathan Moffa, an FBI counterintelligence officer, reported the Washington Examiner.

Trump reacted with a pair of tweets suggesting that Schmidt had fed false information to the FBI.

“Just revealed that the Failing and Desperate New York Times was feeding false stories about me, & those associated with me, to the FBI,” Trump tweeted. “This shows the kind of unprecedented hatred I have been putting up with for years with this Crooked newspaper. Is what they have done legal?”

[Raw Story]

Trump calls into Sean Hannity’s show, revives debunked wiretapping claim

Fox News host Sean Hannity dedicated most of his show on Wednesday night to another phone interview with President Donald Trump.

While most of the talking points were familiar to anyone who bothered to tune into Trump’s reelection kickoff speech Tuesday night or any of his other recent interviews on Fox News, Trump did let slip that he still believes his phones were wiretapped during the 2016 campaign.

Repeating his claim that intelligence agencies were “spying” on his campaign, Trump said, “We will have to find out if they were listening on my calls, that would be the ultimate. If they spied on my campaign, and they may have, it will be one of the great revelations in history of this country.”

Trump assured Hannity, who often pushes baseless conspiracy theories himself, that Attorney General William Barr was working very hard to investigate whether there was any wrongdoing during the lengthy investigations into Trump’s campaign. At no point did the conversation address the fact that six Trump campaign officials were indicted as a result of the special counsel Robert Mueller’s nearly two-year long investigation, five of whom pleaded guilty, nor did it address the many outside investigations referred by the special counsel’s office.

Two months into Trump’s administration, he declared on Twitter, without any evidence, that “Obama had my ‘wires tapped’ in Trump Tower just before the victory.” Former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer even suggested at the time that British intelligence may have wiretapped the Trump Tower phones at President Barack Obama’s request.

Since then, the Department of Justice has said on at least two different occasions that it has no records of such wiretapping while Trump was a candidate.

Trump said earlier this year that his 2017 wiretapping claim was based “just on a little bit of a hunch and a little bit of wisdom maybe.” He appeared to believe that because the brazen accusation received so much attention, that actually proved that he was onto something.

“It blew up because they thought maybe I was wise to them,” he said, speaking to Hannity at the time, once again without presenting any evidence to back his claim. “Or they were caught. And that’s why. If they weren’t doing anything wrong it would’ve just gotten by, nobody would’ve cared about it.”

In his interview with Hannity, Trump reiterated Spicer’s claim that “other countries were involved.” Admitting it was pure speculation, he said, “I think perhaps, just based on what I’m seeing, they used other countries because they didn’t want to get caught doing what they were doing in this country.”

It is true that U.S. investigators wiretapped Carter Page and Paul Manafort, former officials on Trump’s campaign, to investigate potential wrongdoing and their connections with foreign governments. But Trump seems to think that there was some greater conspiracy that targeted him directly, and he expects Barr to find proof that he was the real victim.

“I think he’s a very honorable gentleman who wants to do the right thing,” Trump said Wednesday night.

[ThinkProgress]

Reality

Trump’s DOJ admitted in a “court filing notes two separate instances in which the Trump administration has rubbished the claims made by its own executive.”

The DOJ also admitted it has “no records related to wiretaps as described by the March 4, 2017 tweets” in a September 2017 court filing.

Trump said earlier this year that his 2017 wiretapping claim was based “just on a little bit of a hunch and a little bit of wisdom maybe.” He appeared to believe that because the brazen accusation received so much attention, that actually proved that he was onto something.

Media

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