Brendan Ballou
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brendanballou.bsky.social
Brendan Ballou
@brendanballou.bsky.social
700 followers 110 following 270 posts
Former DOJ, author of Plunder: Private Equity’s Plan to Pillage America. Contact: plunderthebook@gmail.com
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Reposted by Brendan Ballou
plaintanjane.bsky.social
Lawyers for former FBI Director @jamescomey.bsky.social & @newyorkstateag.bsky.social Letitia Jame challenged the appointment of Lindsay Halligan as interim U.S. attorney. @lawofruby.bsky.social @anthonycoley.bsky.social @brendanballou.bsky.social
Comey, James prosecutions 'send a signal' to those who challenge Trump: Ex-DOJ official
YouTube video by MSNBC
youtu.be
November 13, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Reposted by Brendan Ballou
macfarlanenews.bsky.social
NEW: Ghislaine Maxwell plans to ask Trump to commute prison sentence, House Democrats say

www.cbsnews.com/news/ghislai...
Ghislaine Maxwell plans to ask Trump to commute prison sentence, House Democrats say
Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking co-conspirator, is planning to apply for a commutation of her 20-year prison sentence, House Judiciary Committee Democrats say.
www.cbsnews.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:12 AM
brendanballou.bsky.social
They’re building a paramilitary force loyal to the president but beyond the reach of the law.

www.nytimes.com/2025/01/24/o...
November 10, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Reposted by Brendan Ballou
aoc.bsky.social
😎😎😎😎 GOOD THINGS CAN STILL HAPPEN 😎😎😎😎
November 5, 2025 at 5:22 AM
brendanballou.bsky.social
Mamdani putting up John Lindsay numbers: New Yorkers demand a mayor who is hot.
joshuajfriedman.com Joshua J. Friedman @joshuajfriedman.com · 11d
Mamdani cracks 1M votes, the first NYC mayor to do so since John Lindsay in 1969
Totals by Candidate 11 Zohran Kwame Mamdani 1012850 50.32% 12 Curtis A. Sliwa 144123 7.16% | 13 Irene Estrada 2575 0.13% | 14 Eric L. Adams 6182 0.31%| 15 Joseph Hernandez 1228 0.06% 16 Andrew M. Cuomo 837398 41.61% 17 Jim Walden 2128 0.11% | 18 WRITE-IN 6163 0.31% | 2012647
November 5, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Reposted by Brendan Ballou
kleinman.bsky.social
A common theme of Trump II is an utterly cowardly class of elites while everyday regular people have risen to the occasion
October 30, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Reposted by Brendan Ballou
bencollins.bsky.social
Kat is being federally charged by the FBI for protesting at Broadview.

This is a flagrant political prosecution by the Trump administration, which is trying to prevent free speech and free association.

I am proud of Kat. Her movement is being targeted by the government. She needs your support.
katmabu.bsky.social Kat Abughazaleh @katmabu.bsky.social · 17d
I have been charged in a federal indictment sought by the Department of Justice.

This political prosecution is an attack on all of our First Amendment rights. I’m not backing down, and we’re going to win.
October 29, 2025 at 4:58 PM
brendanballou.bsky.social
The administration is doing this because Jan. 6 is the original sin of this administration: Donald Trump tried to overthrow American democracy, a fact that his supplicants try so hard to erase. I’m so sorry for the prosecutors going through this.
steadystatevets.bsky.social The Steady State @steadystatevets.bsky.social · 17d
Career prosecutors were put on leave, allegedly for stating the truth about J6. The Administration is working overtime to erase history. It’s incumbent upon all of us to document truth, preserve historical record, and stand firm against efforts to replace facts.

abcnews.go.com/US/doj-place...
DOJ places on leave 2 prosecutors who said 'mob' of 'rioters' carried out Jan. 6 attack
Two federal prosecutors have been told they will be put on leave after filing a brief that described the Jan. 6, 2021, attackers a "mob of rioters," sources say.
abcnews.go.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Reposted by Brendan Ballou
lea9223.bsky.social
Sometimes I think people’s political apathy is a defense against how overwhelming everything feels these days, but there are always ways to help. Attend a town hall, join a union, find a mutual aid network, donate to a food bank. Hope isn’t just a feeling, it’s a practice
brendanballou.bsky.social Brendan Ballou @brendanballou.bsky.social · 17d
Also, at the end, I got to share this quote from @lea9223.bsky.social, about the importance of hope, which I think is very moving:
“I’ve come to see optimism as a kind of long term organizing and survival tactic. If we don’t believe that we can make this world better, what are we even doing? “Hope is hardest to maintain on days when our rights and protections are being actively stripped away, but that’s when it’s most important too. “And if nothing gets better in our lifetimes, then we lay the groundwork for future generations to reclaim their rights to public safety, bodily autonomy, and enfranchisement.”
October 29, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Reposted by Brendan Ballou
katmabu.bsky.social
I have been charged in a federal indictment sought by the Department of Justice.

This political prosecution is an attack on all of our First Amendment rights. I’m not backing down, and we’re going to win.
October 29, 2025 at 4:55 PM
brendanballou.bsky.social
I spoke at the Society for the Rule of Law (@greggnunziata.bsky.social), a coalition of conservative anti-Trump lawyers. I found it a surprisingly moving experience: these are folks who I disagree with a *lot.* But we're united by a deeper commitment to democracy. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr5v...
Panel VII – "Politics and Prosecutors: How Bad is the Damage to the DOJ and FBI?"
YouTube video by Society for the Rule of Law
www.youtube.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Reposted by Brendan Ballou
macfarlanenews.bsky.social
TOMORROW: DC police officer Daniel Hodges, a hero of the Jan 6 response at the Capitol, will testify at a Senate subcommittee hearing on "Politically Violent Attacks: A Threat to Our Constitutional Order"

Invited witness of Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT)
October 27, 2025 at 7:42 PM
brendanballou.bsky.social
Ultimately, it’s the corruption of this administration that will destroy it. So many people believe that, whatever his flaws, Trump fights for them. When they realize he fights only for a tiny elite that connection may break.

x.com/matthewamill...
Matthew Miller on X: "This would be the most corrupt act in presidential history. No complicated schemes, no outside actors, just a straight up looting of the taxpayers to put $230 million in Trump's pocket. https://t.co/lX0tfgMEL9" / X
This would be the most corrupt act in presidential history. No complicated schemes, no outside actors, just a straight up looting of the taxpayers to put $230 million in Trump's pocket. https://t.co/lX0tfgMEL9
x.com
October 21, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Reposted by Brendan Ballou
macfarlanenews.bsky.social
EXCLUSIVE: Pardoned Jan 6 rioter is charged with threatening to kill Hakeem Jeffries

Let me walk you thru the charging document ====>

www.youtube.com/shorts/xVwhk...
EXCLUSIVE: Pardoned Jan 6 rioters charged with making terroristic threat against Rep Hakeem Jeffries
YouTube video by Scott MacFarlane CBS
www.youtube.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:24 PM
brendanballou.bsky.social
David Zaslav is a one man private equity firm. After merging two companies for no apparent benefit, he collected $50 million in compensation in one year, based on a formula that encouraged cost cutting. He's now set to ride off into the sunset after a yet larger merger.

www.wsj.com/business/med...
Warner Bros. Discovery Explores Sale in Potential Industry Shake-Up
The company said it is exploring a potential sale of all or some of its media holdings, which include the Warner Bros. movie and television studios, HBO and cable networks including CNN and TNT.
www.wsj.com
October 21, 2025 at 4:17 PM
brendanballou.bsky.social
This interview with Jack Smith was surprisingly moving. Especially for anyone who's served in government, the way he talks about the thrill of public service resonates, and feels so wildly dissonant from the attitude of current government officials. youtu.be/DR79GW6SvxE?...
The State of the United States: A Conversation with Jack Smith
YouTube video by UCL Laws
youtu.be
October 14, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Reposted by Brendan Ballou
macfarlanenews.bsky.social
For everyone who is grinding through each day .,.

CBS Mornings captures the joy of the relentless 24/7 news cycle
October 11, 2025 at 1:22 AM
brendanballou.bsky.social
While the traditional guardrails to protect democracy--Congress, the Supreme Court--are failing, ordinary citizens are stepping up. A reason for hope.

news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/g...
Grand Jury Declines to Indict Two Chicago-Area ICE Protesters (3)
Charges were dropped against two Chicago-area protesters accused of assaulting law enforcement agents after a grand jury declined to indict them.
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 9, 2025 at 4:45 AM
brendanballou.bsky.social
I agree with my public defender friends that Democratic senators would benefit from having some defense lawyers coach them on how to do these sorts of cross-examinations. Sens. Hirono and Whitehouse were effective.

www.msnbc.com/ana-cabrera-...
Dem Sen slams Bondi for answering questions with 'irrelevant far-right internet talking points'
Senators questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi about FBI firings, Tom Homan, the Epstein files, and more today at a Judiciary Committee hearing. MSNBC Senior Capitol Hill Correspondent Ali Vitali and ...
www.msnbc.com
October 7, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Reposted by Brendan Ballou
kenwhite.bsky.social
It’s important to flood social media and news channels with news about how ICE lies, so that potential jurors see it.
October 6, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Reposted by Brendan Ballou
jamalgreene.bsky.social
Now might be a good time for Democrats to remind people that when they return to power they will not hesitate to prosecute people who murder civilians.
September 30, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Reposted by Brendan Ballou
chrisgeidner.bsky.social
For those following along at home, we've now reached the "DOJ is losing unopposed motions at the DC Circuit" level.
chrisgeidner.bsky.social Chris Geidner @chrisgeidner.bsky.social · Sep 29
Today in "DOJ gets dinged by a federal court," the DC Circuit just denied DOJ's unopposed motion to reschedule the Nov. 24 oral argument in the AP access case b/c DOJ ignored the DC Circuit rules, under which DOJ should have informed the court about availability issues in July or early August.
ORAL ARGUMENT SCHEDULED NOVEMBER 24, 2025 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIRCUIT ASSOCIATED PRESS, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. TAYLOR BUDOWICH, et al., Defendants-Appellants. No. 25-5109 UNOPPOSED MOTION TO RESCHEDULE ORAL ARGUMENT Pursuant to Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 34(b) and D.C. Circuit Rule 34(g), the government respectfully requests that the Court reschedule oral argument to avoid a conflict with government counsel's pre-existing international travel plans. Plaintiff does not oppose the motion, and the parties are available on any of the following alternative dates: (1) November 10 or 14; (2) November 17, 18, or 19; (3) December 3, 4, or 5; or (4) December 8, 9, 10, or 11. USCA Case #25-5109 Document #2137523 Filed: 09/29/2025 United States Court of Appeals FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIRCUIT Page 1 of 1 No. 25-5109 September Term, 2025 1:25-cv-00532-TNM Filed On: September 29, 2025 [2137523] Associated Press, Appellee V. Taylor Budowich, in his official capacity as White House Deputy Chief of Staff, et al., Appellants ORDER Upon consideration of the government's unopposed motion to reschedule oral argument, it is ORDERED that the motion be denied. This case remains scheduled for oral argument on November 24, 2025. Arguing counsel are reminded of their obligation to promptly notify the court of any dates of unavailability to appear for oral argument. The notice should be filed as soon as possible after the briefing schedule issues and updated if a potential scheduling conflict arises later, or if there is any change in availability. See D.C. Circuit Handbook of Practice and Internal Procedures as 49 (2011). Per Curiam FOR THE COURT: Clifton B. Cislak, Clerk BY: /s/ Michael C. McGrail Deputy Clerk ORAL ARGUMENT A. NOTIFICATION (See Fed. R. App. P. 34(b); D.C. Cir. Rule 34(c).) The Clerk's Office ordinarily gives notice of the date for oral argument after the briefs have been filed. Generally, the members of the panel of judges who will hear the case are not named in the order setting the date for oral argument. The composition of the merits panel will be posted on the Court's website, usually 30 days before the date of oral argument, and will not be disclosed before that time. The Clerk's Office does not confer with counsel regarding availability before the calendaring order is released but will take into account any scheduling conflicts identified by arguing counsel. See supra Part X.D. The calendaring order will contain an electronic link to Form 71 - a memorandum that provides important information on the requirements and logistics for oral argument. Subsequently, in the order allocating the amount of argument time, there will be an electronic link to Form 72, which counsel must complete and file no less than 7 days before oral argument, giving the name of the attorney or attorneys who will present the argument to the Court. B. POSTPONEMENTS (See Fed. R. App. P. 34(b); D.C. Cir. Rule 34(g).) Once a case has been calendared, the Clerk's Office cannot change the argument date, and the Court will not ordinarily reschedule it. Any request to reschedule must be made by motion, which will be presented 49 to a panel of the Court for disposition. The Court disfavors motions to postpone oral argument and will grant them only upon a showing of "extraordinary cause." Unless the panel that grants a motion to postpone argument is prepared to retain the case and hear it outside its normal sitting period, the case will have to be rescheduled for the first available date on the calendar - possibly months later than the original date. Accordingly, it is in counsel's interest to avoid seeking to postpone argument. D. SCHEDULING CASES FOR ARGUMENT Most appeals screened by the Legal Division are classified as "Regular Merits" cases. Normally, the Clerk's Office sets a briefing schedule in these cases after all pending motions have been resolved. Thereafter, the parties are notified by separate order of the date and time of oral argument. Scheduling is done by a computer program, which automatically checks for known recusals and makes certain that the case mix both for a specific date and for that week's sitting is acceptable. As a general rule, once they become ready, cases are calendared in order of age, with the oldest cases set first. Typically, the argument date will be a minimum of 45 days after briefing is completed. Arguing counsel should advise the Clerk's Office by letter, filed electronically, of any dates counsel will be unavailable to appear for oral argument. The notification should be filed as soon as possible and updated if a potential scheduling conflict later arises or if there is any change in availability. To the extent possible, the Clerk's Office will endeavor to schedule oral argument to avoid conflicts that have been brought to the Court's attention in advance. Counsel will not be notified of the argument date until it is established by Court order. See infra Part XI. A. Notification, B. Postponements.
September 29, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Reposted by Brendan Ballou
gloteal.bsky.social
Pres.Trump is escalating the pressure on the DOJ to go after his political opponents. Fmr federal prosecutor @brendanballou.bsky.social joins Michel Martin to discuss how far this campaign could go
youtu.be/CpudvY-yHhw?...
Trump Pressures DOJ to Target Political Enemies: "Unprecedented” | Amanpour and Company
YouTube video by Amanpour and Company
youtu.be
September 26, 2025 at 4:13 PM
brendanballou.bsky.social
Where our expected guardrails against autocracy are failing, I do think people are stepping up: in grand juries, in lawsuits, and in protests. There are reasons to hope.

youtu.be/CpudvY-yHhw?...
Trump Pressures DOJ to Target Political Enemies: "Unprecedented” | Amanpour and Company
YouTube video by Amanpour and Company
youtu.be
September 26, 2025 at 1:23 PM