Daily Update | April 16, 2019
Mackenzie Walz // 4/16/19 //
The DOJ is expected to release a redacted version of Robert Mueller’s report on the Russia investigation on Thursday. Since the State Department altered its foreign affairs manual last year to give diplomats greater discretion to deny visas on public-charge grounds, denials on this ground have increased. The Department of Interior opened an investigation into President Trump’s recently confirmed Secretary, David Bernhardt, for potential ethics violations and conflicts of interest. The Supreme Court continues to fault capital defendants for the states’ sloppy death penalty policies and litigation tactics, rather than holding the states accountable.
IMMIGRATION
Since the State Department altered its foreign affairs manual last year to give diplomats greater discretion to deny visas on public-charge grounds, denials on this ground have increased (Reuters).
Three Democratic committee chairmen assert the Trump Administration lacks the legal authority to transfer migrants to sanctuary cities (NBC News).
JUSTICE & SAFETY
President Trump’s unpredictability during trade negotiations has some businesses and officials concerned that he is undermining the U.S.'s authority and role in global trade (NYT).
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Turkish Government’s sponsorship of the Conference on US-Turkey Relations may implicate the Emoluments Clause if this sponsorship consists of payments to the Trump Hotel where it is being held (CREW).
The Department of Interior opened an investigation into President Trump’s recently confirmed Secretary, David Bernhardt, for potential ethics violations and conflicts of interest (The Hill).
REGULATION
The Administration’s successful deregulation, particularly in areas of public health and the environment, may have significant societal impacts for years to come (Notice & Comment).
CHECKS & BALANCES
Congress’ request for President Trump’s tax returns is lawful and, if the Administration continues to refuse to comply, Congress can issue a subpoena and have it enforced in court, contends Brianne Gorod for Take Care.
FEDERALISM
The Supreme Court continues to fault capital defendants for the states’ sloppy death penalty policies and litigation tactics, rather than holding the states accountable, discusses Leah Litman for Take Care.
REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
Congress should impeach President Trump, regardless of Mueller’s report, because he lacks the virtue the Founding Fathers deemed paramount in a president, argues Jeffrey Engel for The Washington Post.
RUSSIAN INTERFERENCE
The DOJ is expected to release a redacted version of Robert Mueller’s report on the Russia investigation on Thursday (CNN; WaPo).
- Slate identifies seven things to look for when reading the redacted report.
- Just Security explains some of the rules governing Barr’s redaction process.
Tags:
Immigration Conflicts Checks & Balances Federalism Regulation Justice & Safety Removal from Office Russian Interference