It's good to see Trump being treated much like any other criminal defendant, and not be let off the hook for his repeated and dangerous violations of the gag order in his New York prosecution.
citizensforethics.org/news/analysis/…

Don't let this important evidence established by the New York prosecution fly under the radar: 'Trump focused on campaign, not family, in ‘catch and kills,’ witness says'--in other words the hush money was to help win the election, not protect his family.
washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/…

As the Supreme Court considers immunity for former presidents, they should consider the implications to the rule of law. The last thing we need is less accountability, even as former aides report Donald Trump having mused about executing perceived enemies.
thedailybeast.com/barr-trump-bro…

NEW: Citizens for Ethics today called on the Federal Election Commission and Election Assistance Commission to quickly hire permanent inspectors general to help ensure the integrity of these agencies which both have crucial roles to play in to this year's election.
citizensforethics.org/legal-action/l…

On this day in history:

A former president of the United States was held to be in Criminal Contempt for 'willful disobedience of a court's lawful mandate' by attacking witnesses and jurors in a criminal proceeding.

Court's finding based on beyond a reasonable doubt.

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As a prosecutor, I had defendants who never would have gone to prison for their underlying crimes but did because they intimidated witnesses. Donald Trump was lucky to get off today with a modest fine and a warning, but Judge Merchan sent a clear message.

As a former corruption prosecutor, I can say with confidence that the kind of intimidation Donald Trump engaged in, particularly when in direct violation of a gag order, would not be tolerated from a normal defendant. Judge Merchan’s action is not only standard, but restrained.

Regardless of the party or candidate, it is extremely problematic that the Federal Election Commission has loosened restrictions on how federal campaigns and political committees can coordinate. Outside groups should not act as an extension of a campaign. politico.com/news/2024/04/2…

That some of those who interfered in the 2020 election are still in positions of political power sends a dangerous message: that such behavior is not just acceptable, but desirable. apnews.com/article/trump-…

No one should be able to cherry pick the judge they face. Judge shopping creates perceptions of unequal treatment under the law, rather than ensuring impartiality. Citizens for Ethics is proud to support Rep. Sherrill’s bill to close judge shopping loopholes. newjerseyglobe.com/congress/sherr…

NEW from Citizens for Ethics: Donald Trump repeatedly violated the gag order in his New York case. It will be important for him to face the same consequences as any other defendant. He tries to influence cases through intimidation and will until he is stopped.
citizensforethics.org/news/analysis/…

The presidential immunity case before the Supreme Court today is not hard legally. They clearly won’t find that Donald Trump has absolute immunity. The key will be to issue a decision quickly so that a case of great importance to the American people can move forward this year.

NEW from Citizens for Ethics: Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to grant absolute immunity for actions taken as president. That would be different from virtually all other strong democracies worldwide, several of which have prosecuted former presidents.
citizensforethics.org/news/analysis/…

Institution after institution has passed on the chance to hold Donald Trump accountable.

But now, 12 members of a jury in New York are in the position to ensure that his epic and dangerous crime wave will finally draw consequences.
salon.com/2024/04/22/the…

NEW: There is real evidence that Donald Trump engaged in repeated criminal conduct—a presidential crime spree. This New York trial is a crucial chance to for a jury to ensure real accountability and protect us from future crimes. I explain in Salon. salon.com/2024/04/22/the…

The Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act would be a critical step in the right direction for the integrity of the Supreme Court, and Citizens for Ethics was proud to endorse it.