As President Elect Donald Trump gets ready to start his term, he’s facing many legal hurdles. These include lawsuits from his 2024 campaign and an investigation into documents at Mar-a-Lago. These could affect his political future.
New York Attorney General Letitia James says the civil fraud case against Trump won’t be dropped. Trump’s team is appealing this decision1. The Supreme Court has ruled that presidential immunity doesn’t apply to civil cases1.
Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat, has surprisingly called for Trump’s pardon in the hush money case. He compares it to President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter Biden1. Fetterman believes both actions help restore trust in institutions.
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., was nominated by Trump to be U.S. attorney general but later withdrew1. The legal fights are ongoing, with most Democrats not on Truth Social. Sen. Fetterman stands out as the only Democrat on the site1.
- President Elect Donald Trump faces numerous legal challenges as he prepares to take office
- New York Attorney General’s Office refuses to drop civil fraud case against Trump despite inauguration
- Sen. Fetterman joins Truth Social, calls for Trump pardon in hush money case
- Supreme Court’s presidential immunity ruling only applies to criminal offenses, not civil cases
- Ongoing mar-a-lago documents investigation and trump 2024 campaign lawsuits could impact political future
Supreme Court Unlikely to Curb Agency Power in Universal Service Fund Case
The Supreme Court is about to decide on a case about the $8 billion Universal Service Fund. This could change how much power federal agencies have. The case might also affect the non-delegation doctrine, which limits Congress’s power to give tasks to agencies.
Justices Hesitant to Adopt Robust Non-Delegation Approach
Even though some justices want to limit agency power, the court might not go that far. Since 1935, the Supreme Court hasn’t used the non-delegation doctrine to strike down a law2.
The court’s decision could greatly affect the power of federal agencies. These agencies handle complex rules. If the court limits their power, it could change how Congress and the executive branch work together.
Procedural Complexities May Limit Court’s Action
But, the case’s complexity might stop the court from making a big change. The case is about the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) role in the Universal Service Fund. This fund helps low-income people and those in rural areas get better phone and internet services.
| Year | Universal Service Fund Size |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $8.3 billion |
| 2020 | $8.2 billion |
| 2019 | $8.1 billion |
The people suing say Congress didn’t give the FCC clear enough instructions. But the government says Congress gave enough guidance. They also say the FCC’s actions are okay under its authority.
The Supreme Court’s decision will be very important. It could change how agency power works and the role of the non-delegation doctrine in our laws.
Sen. Fetterman Joins Truth Social, Calls for Trump Pardon in Hush Money Case
Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., joined Truth Social, a platform by President-elect Donald Trump. He became one of the few Democratic lawmakers on the site34. Fetterman made his first post, showing support for President Trump in the hush-money case5.
The senator asked for a pardon for Trump in the New York hush money case. He compared it to Hunter Biden’s case, who was pardoned by President Joe Biden45. Fetterman called both cases “bullshit” and said they were politically motivated5.
Senator Compares Trump and Hunter Biden Cases, Claims Political Motivation
Fetterman said both Trump and Hunter Biden cases were politically driven. A Manhattan jury found Trump guilty of 34 felonies for falsifying records related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels5. Hunter Biden was convicted of tax evasion and firearms charges before getting a pardon from President Biden35.
| Case | Defendant | Charges | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hush Money | Donald Trump | 34 felonies for falsifying records | Guilty verdict |
| Tax Evasion and Firearms | Hunter Biden | Tax evasion and firearms-related charges | Pardoned by President Biden |
Fetterman Supports Pardons for Both, Cites Damage to Confidence in Institutions
Fetterman’s post got mixed reactions, with Trump supporters flooding his post with memes and spam5. He faced criticism from progressives and Democrats for supporting Trump and other controversial stances5.
Fetterman expressed frustrations with social media platforms regarding the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He made a personal account on Bluesky, criticizing the media coverage of anonymous trolls on social media4. He believes pardoning both Trump and Hunter Biden would help restore confidence in institutions damaged by politically charged cases.
New York Attorney General’s Office Refuses to Drop Civil Fraud Case Against Trump
The new york attorney general, Letitia James, has made it clear that her office will not back down from the civil fraud case against trump. This is despite his upcoming inauguration. The case accuses the former president of falsifying business documents for financial gain. It is set to move forward, regardless of Trump’s new position.
Attorney General James argues that the presidential immunity ruling only applies to criminal offenses, not civil cases like the trump organization fraud trial. Trump’s team is appealing the ruling. But the case shows no signs of slowing down6.
This civil fraud case is just one of the many legal battles Trump faces. He is still dealing with eight civil cases related to his involvement in the January 6 attack at the U.S. Capitol6. Before his election win, Trump faced a staggering 91 criminal charges across four cases that were not taken to court. He was convicted on 34 criminal counts related to hush-money payments. The sentencing dissolved after his victory6.
The table below highlights some of the key legal challenges surrounding Trump and his associates:
| State | Case | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Fake Elector Conspiracy | 18 Trump associates charged, 2 pleaded guilty6 |
| Georgia | Fake Elector Conspiracy | 18 individuals charged, 4 pleaded guilty6 |
| Wisconsin | Forgery | Trump campaign operative Michael Roman and others charged6 |
| Nevada | Fake Elector Scheme | 21 GOP activists still face prosecution6 |
| Michigan | Felony Charges | 16 GOP electors charged6 |
As the new york attorney general‘s office continues to pursue the civil fraud case against trump, it remains to be seen how the former president’s legal troubles will unfold. One thing is certain: the trump organization fraud trial is far from over. The nation will be watching closely as the case progresses.
Trump’s FTC Chair Pick Andrew Ferguson Raises Questions About Big Tech Antitrust Crackdown
Donald Trump is set to start his second term, and his pick for FTC chair, Andrew Ferguson, is causing a stir. People are wondering how the Trump administration will handle big tech companies. The choice of Ferguson and the departure of Lina Khan have sparked debate.
Some Predict Decreased Pressure on Silicon Valley Giants
Experts think Ferguson’s appointment and Khan’s exit might mean a softer stance on big tech. They believe the Trump administration might be more lenient, which could ease the pressure on giants like Google, Amazon, and Facebook7. This is based on Ferguson’s past and the administration’s business-friendly views.
But, it’s important to remember Trump’s mixed record on antitrust. His team has challenged some mergers but also faced criticism for being too soft on big tech8. Ferguson’s appointment adds more uncertainty to the big tech crackdown.
Former DOJ Official Expects Continued Aggressive Enforcement Approach
Some former DOJ officials think the FTC will still be tough on big tech. They point to ongoing cases against Google and Apple as proof the Trump administration is serious about tackling market power9.
“I expect the FTC to continue its vigorous enforcement efforts against big tech companies that engage in anticompetitive practices. Andrew Ferguson has a strong track record of standing up for consumers and promoting competition.”
The future of the big tech crackdown is still up in the air. Some think there will be less pressure on Silicon Valley, while others believe the FTC will keep pushing hard. Only time will show how Ferguson’s leadership and the administration’s goals will affect the FTC’s actions.
Ferguson Vows to End “Big Tech’s Vendetta Against Competition and Free Speech”
Andrew Ferguson prepares to take the helm as the next chair of the Federal Trade. He has outlined a bold agenda to combat Big Tech’s assault on competition and free speech10. In a pitch document, Ferguson vowed to reverse Lina Khan’s anti-business agenda. He aims to hold tech giants accountable, curb censorship, and protect freedom of speech10.
Ferguson’s appointment signals a significant shift in approach compared to outgoing chair Lina Khan. Khan took a more aggressive stance against mergers during her tenure11. Wall Street anticipates a pro-growth agenda under Ferguson’s leadership, with expectations of increased deal activity and deregulation11. However, it remains to be seen whether Ferguson will maintain the FTC’s aggressive posture towards tech behemoths like Amazon and Meta, following in Khan’s footsteps11.
In his pitch document, Ferguson declared his intention to “end Big Tech’s vendetta against competition and free speech”10. This bold statement underscores his commitment to tackling the perceived abuses of power by Silicon Valley giants. By prioritizing these issues, Ferguson aims to foster a more balanced and equitable digital landscape that encourages innovation and protects the rights of consumers and businesses alike.
“We must ensure that the power of Big Tech is kept in check, allowing for the free exchange of ideas and the growth of healthy competition in the marketplace.”
Despite the anticipated changes in merger enforcement, experts predict that the FTC will continue to closely scrutinize the practices of dominant tech platforms11. The agency’s ongoing antitrust cases against companies like Google and Facebook are expected to proceed, with Ferguson likely to maintain a watchful eye on potential anticompetitive behavior.
| Key Priorities | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Holding Big Tech accountable | Increased scrutiny of anticompetitive practices |
| Stopping censorship | Protection of free speech rights online |
| Fighting wokeness | Pushback against perceived political bias |
As Ferguson assumes his role as FTC chair, having been sworn in as a commissioner in April10, all eyes will be on his actions. With a focus on fostering competition and protecting free speech, Ferguson’s tenure promises to be a pivotal chapter in the ongoing debate over the power and influence wielded by Silicon Valley’s giants.
FTC’s Ongoing Antitrust Cases Against Meta and Amazon
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking on tech giants Meta and Amazon. Led by former chair Lina Khan, the FTC has blocked big deals and sued these companies for unfair competition12.
The Meta case is from Trump’s time. It says Meta has too much power in the personal networking services market. This case shows Meta is under close watch for its dominance and possible unfair practices.
Meta Case Alleges Illegal Monopolization of Personal Networking Services Market
The FTC is looking at Meta for allegedly controlling too much of the personal networking services market. They want to check if Meta’s big size and influence are hurting competition and choices for users.
Amazon Case Brought During Khan’s Tenure
The Amazon case started when Lina Khan was FTC chair. Khan, who is tough on Big Tech, helped start this case. It focuses on Amazon’s big market share and possible unfair business practices12.
The FTC’s ongoing battles with Meta and Amazon are big deals for the tech world. The results of these cases will shape the future of competition online.
DOJ’s Big Tech Competition Cases Against Google and Apple
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has been taking on big tech cases against Google and Apple. In the google antitrust case, Judge Mehta said Google’s success comes from its top-notch search engine and constant innovation13. But, Google’s long contracts with Apple and Mozilla hurt competitors13.
The DOJ wants Google to sell its Chrome browser and Android system. They also want Google to share data and search results with others13. Some see this as too much government control and a threat to innovation13.
Experts worry that too much government control can stifle innovation. They point to the U.S. telecom industry as an example13. There’s a debate in the Republican party about how to handle Google, with some accusing bias13. The goal is to find a balance between competition and innovation13.
Google has introduced Gemini 2.0, a new AI that can understand images and remember conversations14. Google CEO Sundar Pichai says Gemini 2.0 will help you understand the world better and take action for you14. The Gemini project was first shown a year ago15.
| Product | Features | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Gemini 2.0 | AI overviews in search results, enhanced conversational abilities, advanced math problem-solving, code production | Some features available through search and mobile apps, wider release next year |
| Project Astra | Universal AI agent with enhanced conversational abilities | Testing with an undisclosed number of people |
| Project Mariner | Chrome extension for online searches and result sifting | In testing phase |
Google will start making some Gemini 2.0 features available soon. These will include search and mobile apps, with more coming next year14. You can get the Gemini Advanced subscription for $20 a month15.
Apple has also added AI to its iPhones, competing with Google’s AI14. The apple antitrust probe is still going on. Both companies are facing legal challenges and making new tech advancements.
The US Department of Justice may require Google to sell or spin off Chrome due to antitrust concerns, but Google has expressed its resistance to such measures.
The case in Washington D.C. will start next spring15. If Google is broken up, the appeal could take years15. The legal battles have big implications for consumers, innovation, and government’s role in tech.
Trump Legal Battle: Latest Updates on Court Cases
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, his administration faces many legal challenges. F.B.I. Director Christopher A. Wray plans to leave before Trump starts. Wray has managed the F.B.I. and its budget for over seven years1617.
Wray’s time as F.B.I. director began in 2017, after Trump fired James B. Comey. Both Wray and Comey had their 10-year terms cut short due to disagreements with Trump16.
Trump has been critical of the F.B.I., especially after a rally shooting in Butler, Pa16. His allies have also criticized Wray for the Russia investigation and other issues16.
Trump Administration’s Record on Merger Enforcement Challenges
Despite the challenges, Trump’s first term saw a lot of merger enforcement actions. The DOJ and FTC brought 118 challenges between 2017 and 2019.
| Fiscal Year | Merger Enforcement Challenges |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2018 | 41 |
| 2019 | 39 |
Mixed Messages on Consequences for Google in Antitrust Case
Trump has mixed views on Google’s antitrust case. He suggests punishment without forcing Google to sell parts of its business. This raises questions about the new administration’s tech policies.
As Trump’s administration forms, we’ll see more about their legal priorities. Guilfoyle is nominated for the U.S. ambassador to Greece17. A task force has suggested changes to the Secret Service after attempts on Trump’s life17. Senator Tom Cotton blocked a shield law for reporters17, and Representative Nancy Mace was attacked on Capitol grounds17.
Trump plans to investigate and possibly prosecute his enemies16. His stance on antitrust, press freedom, and investigations will be watched closely.
Trump Nominee Gail Slater to Lead DOJ Antitrust Division
President Donald Trump has nominated Gail Slater, a former FTC lawyer, to lead the Justice Department’s antitrust division. This move could greatly affect the legal fights against Big Tech companies. Slater has a lot of experience in antitrust law and plans to keep fighting against big firms that harm smaller companies and Americans.
The nomination is timely, especially with the DOJ’s case against Google. Some people are worried about the proposed fixes, like making Google sell its Chrome browser and Android OS. They also fear Google might not be able to make new AI products, which is important for the US to stay competitive13.
If Slater gets the job, she’ll have to decide how to handle the DOJ’s current plans. She might choose to make the fixes less strict to help Google keep innovating and competing13.
Political Pressures and Industry Rivalries
Gail Slater’s nomination is also under scrutiny due to political and industry rivalries. Some Republicans think Google is unfair to conservatives and want it to be punished13. Media rivals of Big Tech might also push for action against them to get an edge in advertising13.
| DOJ’s Proposed Remedies | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|
| Force Google to sell Chrome browser and Android OS | Hinder Google’s ability to develop AI products |
| Require Google to share proprietary data and search results | Transform antitrust enforcement into economic micromanagement |
There’s a growing need for a better solution from the DOJ to ensure fair competition. This should not harm America’s tech lead or turn antitrust into economic planning13. Gail Slater’s strategy in fighting big tech abuses will be watched closely as she deals with the complex world of antitrust law and the changing tech scene.
Robust Deregulation Expected, but Laissez-Faire Attitude May Not Extend to Antitrust Realm
President-elect Donald Trump is set to bring big changes, especially in deregulation. But, experts think his hands-off style might not apply to antitrust enforcement. The Trump team has shown it’s serious about keeping the market fair, even against Big Tech.
During Trump’s first term, the DOJ and FTC challenged 118 mergers18. In Biden’s first term, they challenged 108 mergers18. This shows Trump’s antitrust efforts were similar to his predecessor’s.
When FTC chair Lina Khan left, tech stocks soared. The Nasdaq Composite jumped 1.7%, and Alphabet’s shares hit a new high, up 4.6%18. Yet, the FTC blocked a $24 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, showing they’re still tough on antitrust18.
Trump faced legal troubles, including being found guilty on 34 counts19 and a $454 million fraud judgment19. But, experts say his immunity won’t erase the guilty verdict19. The DA is looking at other options, like delaying sentencing19.
As the world changes, it’s unclear how Trump will mix deregulation with antitrust enforcement. Some think Silicon Valley will face less pressure, while others predict a tough stance on fair competition.
Check out the latest global updates to stay informed.
Conclusion
As President Elect Donald Trump faces many legal hurdles, the future of antitrust and big tech regulation is uncertain. The New York Attorney General’s office says it won’t drop the fraud case against Trump, which he is appealing20. This case claims Trump used fake business documents for money20.
Trump’s pick for FTC Chair, Andrew Ferguson, has sparked debate about Silicon Valley’s future. Yet, some former DOJ officials believe the tough enforcement will keep going. Ferguson has promised to stand up for free speech and fair competition against big tech.
The FTC is already taking on Meta and Amazon, and the DOJ is going after Google and Apple. These cases will show if Trump’s team will push for big tech regulation.
Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, wants pardons for Trump and Hunter Biden. He says it’s to restore trust in government20. Fetterman has also praised Trump’s pick for U.S. attorney general, Rep. Matt Gaetz20. This could mean bipartisan efforts to tackle these big issues.
The next few months will be key in Trump’s legal battles and the future of antitrust and big tech. The tech world and politics are watching closely, waiting to see what happens next.
FAQ
What legal battles is President Elect Donald Trump currently facing?
Is the Supreme Court likely to curb agency power in the Universal Service Fund case?
Why did Sen. John Fetterman join Truth Social and call for a pardon for President Elect Donald Trump?
Will the New York Attorney General’s office drop its civil fraud case against Trump?
What questions have been raised by Trump’s pick for FTC chair, Andrew Ferguson?
What ongoing antitrust cases does the FTC have against Meta and Amazon?
What Big Tech competition cases is the Department of Justice pursuing?
Who has Trump nominated to lead the DOJ’s antitrust division, and what is their stance on Big Tech?
Is the Trump administration expected to take a laissez-faire approach to antitrust enforcement?
Source Links
- https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/fetterman-joins-truth-social-calls-for-trump-to-be-pardoned-in-bulls-hush-money-case-senator-john-fetterman-trump-media-new-york-trial-pardon – Fetterman joins Truth Social, calls for Trump to be pardoned in ‘bulls***’ hush money case
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/2-500-old-shipwreck-anchors-192311966.html – 2,500-year-old shipwreck and anchors discovered off coast of Sicily
- https://www.fox4beaumont.com/news/nation-world/fetterman-joins-truth-social-calls-for-trump-to-be-pardoned-in-bulls-hush-money-case-senator-john-fetterman-trump-media-new-york-trial-pardon – Fetterman joins Truth Social, calls for Trump to be pardoned in ‘bulls***’ hush money case
- https://community.triblive.com/news/3692338 – Fetterman joins Truth Social and says a pardon is ‘appropriate’ for Trump’s hush money case
- https://www.dailydot.com/debug/john-fetterman-trump-hush-money-truth-social/ – John Fetterman calls for Trump pardon in Truth Social debut, cementing progressive pariah status
- http://socket.newrepublic.com/post/189273/trump-time-magazine-person-year – Trump to Be Named Time Person of the Year—and He’s Already Celebrating
- https://www.aol.com/gop-rep-mike-lawler-dem-004750193.html – GOP Rep. Mike Lawler and Dem Mondaire Jones neck-and-neck in crucial NY house race: poll
- https://www.aol.com/2024-election-results-don-t-042929795.html – 2024’s election results don’t just resemble Trump’s 2016 win over Hillary Clinton. They’re almost identical
- https://www.aol.com/nevada-democratic-sen-jacky-rosen-174828119.html – Nevada Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen narrowly wins against GOP Army vet Sam Brown
- https://punjabtimes.com.au/2024/12/11/trumps-pick-for-ftc-chair-promises-to-go-after-censorship-from-tech-companies/ – Trump’s pick for FTC chair promises to go after ‘censorship’ from tech companies
- https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/11/business/dealbook/ftc-trump-ferguson-khan.html – Andrew Ferguson, the F.T.C.’s Next, More Deal-Friendly Chair
- https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/dec/11/trump-says-hell-name-andrew-ferguson-head-of-ftc-and-kimberly-guilfoyle-as-ambassador-to-greece/ – Trump says he’ll name Andrew Ferguson head of FTC and Kimberly Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece | Chattanooga Times Free Press
- https://www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2024/12/12/the_dojs_misguided_overreach_with_google_is_an_opportunity_for_trump_1077699.html – The DOJ’s Misguided Overreach With Google Is An Opportunity for Trump
- https://m.economictimes.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/google-forges-ahead-with-its-next-generation-of-ai-technology-while-fending-off-a-breakup-threat/articleshow/116223244.cms – Google forges ahead with its next generation of AI technology while fending off a breakup threat
- https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/google-forges-ahead-next-generation-153224775.html – Google forges ahead with its next generation of AI technology while fending off a breakup threat
- https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/12/11/us/trump-news – FBI Director Christopher Wray to Step Down Before Trump Takes Office: Live Updates
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-news-cabinet-department-justice-live-updates-b2662560.html?page=2 – Trump taps son’s fiance Kimberly Guilfoyle for diplomat job: Live
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/big-tech-hopes-trumps-new-ftc-boss-will-be-friendlier-not-everyone-is-so-sure-185353168.html – Big Tech hopes Trump’s new FTC boss will be friendlier. Not everyone is so sure.
- https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/10/politics/trump-hush-money-business-fraud-new-york/index.html – Manhattan DA and state AG say Trump’s criminal and civil cases in New York should not be dismissed because he’s president | CNN Politics
- https://www.abc3340.com/news/nation-world/fetterman-joins-truth-social-calls-for-trump-to-be-pardoned-in-bulls-hush-money-case-senator-john-fetterman-trump-media-new-york-trial-pardon – Fetterman joins Truth Social, calls for Trump to be pardoned in ‘bulls***’ hush money case
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Last modified: January 4, 2025
