Harry Litman
@harrylitman.bsky.social
Host & exec prod, "Talking Feds Pod" and "Talking San Diego." FCA Lawyer. Teach con law at UCSD & UCLA. Senior Fellow USC. Former US Atty, Dep Assis AG. Founding Contributor, The Contrarian
All of this has a “Mission Accomplished” feel, and like that precedent, will be seen and evaluated through the prism of what happens over the next few months, not this weekend’s moment of self proclaimed triumphalism.
January 4, 2026 at 7:05 PM
All of this has a “Mission Accomplished” feel, and like that precedent, will be seen and evaluated through the prism of what happens over the next few months, not this weekend’s moment of self proclaimed triumphalism.
From @timothysnyder.bsky.social
"It was striking to hear Donald Trump describe the extraction of Maduro as an “extraordinary military operation,” since this is essentially the same language that Vladimir Putin used in his speech announcing the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. "
"It was striking to hear Donald Trump describe the extraction of Maduro as an “extraordinary military operation,” since this is essentially the same language that Vladimir Putin used in his speech announcing the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. "
January 4, 2026 at 5:12 PM
From @timothysnyder.bsky.social
"It was striking to hear Donald Trump describe the extraction of Maduro as an “extraordinary military operation,” since this is essentially the same language that Vladimir Putin used in his speech announcing the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. "
"It was striking to hear Donald Trump describe the extraction of Maduro as an “extraordinary military operation,” since this is essentially the same language that Vladimir Putin used in his speech announcing the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. "
This is turning into the most elaborate game of wac-a-mole in the history of armed conflict. First fentanyl, next cocaine, next regime change, and now not international lot at all, but US domestic law-enforcement.
And it’s our oil is in there somewhere.
And it’s our oil is in there somewhere.
January 4, 2026 at 4:52 PM
This is turning into the most elaborate game of wac-a-mole in the history of armed conflict. First fentanyl, next cocaine, next regime change, and now not international lot at all, but US domestic law-enforcement.
And it’s our oil is in there somewhere.
And it’s our oil is in there somewhere.
The Barr memo is widely discredited but as I read it, these allegations of “narco terrorism” are irrelevant. We’re just going in to snatch someone who is violating US domestic criminal law.
January 4, 2026 at 9:26 AM
The Barr memo is widely discredited but as I read it, these allegations of “narco terrorism” are irrelevant. We’re just going in to snatch someone who is violating US domestic criminal law.
So it turns out that the Venezuela mission and snatching of Maduro was a law-enforcement not law of war undertaking. That’s the implication of the administration‘s reliance on the 1989 Barr memo. It is a violation of international law, but the memo suggests that’s OK to enforce domestic drug laws.
January 4, 2026 at 9:23 AM
So it turns out that the Venezuela mission and snatching of Maduro was a law-enforcement not law of war undertaking. That’s the implication of the administration‘s reliance on the 1989 Barr memo. It is a violation of international law, but the memo suggests that’s OK to enforce domestic drug laws.
If this is Trump, which seems increasingly likely at this point, that’s quite a lot of breathing space between us and Venezuela.
January 3, 2026 at 7:14 AM
If this is Trump, which seems increasingly likely at this point, that’s quite a lot of breathing space between us and Venezuela.
Explosions over Caracas accompanied by sounds of planes and helicopters.
January 3, 2026 at 7:11 AM
Explosions over Caracas accompanied by sounds of planes and helicopters.
seemed clear that there was no way a court would let him remain free pending trial after they spent 5 years trying to find him. and sure enough, court has just ordered his detention.
Pipe bomber suspect in detention hearing as we speak, argues against detention saying no proof he will commit additional violence plus he has OCD and is on the spectrum. He will be detained. Looking forward to discussing on @cnn-news.bsky.social with #BriannaKeller at 2:10 PM ET.
January 2, 2026 at 9:22 PM
seemed clear that there was no way a court would let him remain free pending trial after they spent 5 years trying to find him. and sure enough, court has just ordered his detention.
As expected, Court detains bomber suspect Brian Cole, holding that he poses a danger and that no combination of release conditions would adequately protect the community.
January 2, 2026 at 9:20 PM
As expected, Court detains bomber suspect Brian Cole, holding that he poses a danger and that no combination of release conditions would adequately protect the community.
Transcript and video show that Jim Jordan & co. didn't lay a glove on Jack Smith, who maintained steadfastly that they developed evidence of Trump's guilt BRD and were not pressured from above. Now what? Looking forward to discussing on #DeadlineWhiteHouse w/ guest host #AymanMohyeldin at 4 PM ET.
January 2, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Transcript and video show that Jim Jordan & co. didn't lay a glove on Jack Smith, who maintained steadfastly that they developed evidence of Trump's guilt BRD and were not pressured from above. Now what? Looking forward to discussing on #DeadlineWhiteHouse w/ guest host #AymanMohyeldin at 4 PM ET.
Breathtaking series of constitutional violations and high crimes or misdemeanors. At the heart of the framers’ reasons for creating the Constitution.
Trump’s Tangled Web of Deal-Making, Policy and Riches www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Trump’s Tangled Web of Deal-Making, Policy and Riches www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Trump’s Tangled Web of Deal-Making, Policy and Riches
The president, his family and some of their closest associates have engaged in a sprawling campaign of deals that stretches across industries and the globe.
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 8:15 AM
Breathtaking series of constitutional violations and high crimes or misdemeanors. At the heart of the framers’ reasons for creating the Constitution.
Trump’s Tangled Web of Deal-Making, Policy and Riches www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Trump’s Tangled Web of Deal-Making, Policy and Riches www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
An ultra rare social media post by Trump that is both 1) factual (1st 1/2 only) , & 2) excellent news:
“We are removing the National Guard from Chicago, LA, and Portland, despite the fact that CRIME has been greatly reduced by having these great Patriots in those cities, and ONLY by that fact.”
“We are removing the National Guard from Chicago, LA, and Portland, despite the fact that CRIME has been greatly reduced by having these great Patriots in those cities, and ONLY by that fact.”
December 31, 2025 at 9:51 PM
An ultra rare social media post by Trump that is both 1) factual (1st 1/2 only) , & 2) excellent news:
“We are removing the National Guard from Chicago, LA, and Portland, despite the fact that CRIME has been greatly reduced by having these great Patriots in those cities, and ONLY by that fact.”
“We are removing the National Guard from Chicago, LA, and Portland, despite the fact that CRIME has been greatly reduced by having these great Patriots in those cities, and ONLY by that fact.”
We now have the 8-hour deposition that Smith gave the House behind closed doors. It's largely predictable, but there are a few important points to emphasize. I've recorded a Youtube on it that will be posted shortly at www.youtube.com/@TalkingFeds
Talking Feds with Harry Litman
Welcome to Talking Feds! Talking Feds is a roundtable discussion that brings together prominent former government officials, journalists, and special guests for a dynamic and in-depth analysis of the ...
www.youtube.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:43 PM
We now have the 8-hour deposition that Smith gave the House behind closed doors. It's largely predictable, but there are a few important points to emphasize. I've recorded a Youtube on it that will be posted shortly at www.youtube.com/@TalkingFeds
Big developments in the Abrego case, where the court has turned the focus on whether top officials like Todd Blanche decided to bring the (threadbare) criminal charges in TN and as a form of vindictive prosecution. Going live on Talking Feds Substack w/ @klasfeldreports.com at 4 PM ET w/ the latest.
December 30, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Big developments in the Abrego case, where the court has turned the focus on whether top officials like Todd Blanche decided to bring the (threadbare) criminal charges in TN and as a form of vindictive prosecution. Going live on Talking Feds Substack w/ @klasfeldreports.com at 4 PM ET w/ the latest.
100%. Moreover they’ve got the same prosecutor on it from the NSD whereas they totally warehoused other 1/6 prosecutors and done worse than that to the FBI. It’s just a screaming hypocrisy. In what world is he a dangerous criminal but the 1/6 marauders are heroes? Wait don’t answer that: Trump world
We're nearly a month into criminal case of the Capitol Hill pipe bombs.. and the Justice Dept has avoided using the following terms in filings or arguments:
"Capitol siege"
"Jan 6 riot"
"Effort to overturn the 2020 election"
"Bombs distracted police as rioters approached"
"Capitol siege"
"Jan 6 riot"
"Effort to overturn the 2020 election"
"Bombs distracted police as rioters approached"
December 30, 2025 at 8:45 PM
100%. Moreover they’ve got the same prosecutor on it from the NSD whereas they totally warehoused other 1/6 prosecutors and done worse than that to the FBI. It’s just a screaming hypocrisy. In what world is he a dangerous criminal but the 1/6 marauders are heroes? Wait don’t answer that: Trump world
Pipe bomber suspect in detention hearing as we speak, argues against detention saying no proof he will commit additional violence plus he has OCD and is on the spectrum. He will be detained. Looking forward to discussing on @cnn-news.bsky.social with #BriannaKeller at 2:10 PM ET.
December 30, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Pipe bomber suspect in detention hearing as we speak, argues against detention saying no proof he will commit additional violence plus he has OCD and is on the spectrum. He will be detained. Looking forward to discussing on @cnn-news.bsky.social with #BriannaKeller at 2:10 PM ET.
uggh. thanks, @asharangappa.bsky.social.
and who would get to determine what constitutes "acts of aggression against the United States" for issuance of the letters of marque and reprisal? what is the even ostensible need for this new Wagner Group?
and who would get to determine what constitutes "acts of aggression against the United States" for issuance of the letters of marque and reprisal? what is the even ostensible need for this new Wagner Group?
Heads up that this is authorization for Trump to create his own version of the Wagner Group. Which would bring the number of “armies” at his disposal to four:
*regular armed forces (most regulated)
*ICE (minimally regulated)
*private mercenaries (?)
*MAGA thugs/militias (rogue)
All pardonable
*regular armed forces (most regulated)
*ICE (minimally regulated)
*private mercenaries (?)
*MAGA thugs/militias (rogue)
All pardonable
S.3567
A bill to authorize the President of the United States to ...
SPONSOR: Sen. Mike Lee (R), UT
№ CO-SPONSORS: 0
STATUS: Introduced
LATEST ACTION: Senate - 2025-12-18 Read twice and referred to the Committee on ...
#Republicans
Details at congress.gov
A bill to authorize the President of the United States to ...
SPONSOR: Sen. Mike Lee (R), UT
№ CO-SPONSORS: 0
STATUS: Introduced
LATEST ACTION: Senate - 2025-12-18 Read twice and referred to the Committee on ...
#Republicans
Details at congress.gov
December 30, 2025 at 4:15 AM
uggh. thanks, @asharangappa.bsky.social.
and who would get to determine what constitutes "acts of aggression against the United States" for issuance of the letters of marque and reprisal? what is the even ostensible need for this new Wagner Group?
and who would get to determine what constitutes "acts of aggression against the United States" for issuance of the letters of marque and reprisal? what is the even ostensible need for this new Wagner Group?
"After a year of executive overreach, congressional passivity, and Supreme Court indulgence, federal district courts emerged as the institution that most consistently enforced the rule of law where it actually matters."
Feds of the Year for 2025
In a time of constitutional ravages, one group of feds held the line.
open.substack.com
December 30, 2025 at 12:53 AM
"After a year of executive overreach, congressional passivity, and Supreme Court indulgence, federal district courts emerged as the institution that most consistently enforced the rule of law where it actually matters."
TODAY at 8pm EST/5pm PST I'll be on the
@talkingfeds.bsky.social Substack for our weekly LIVE Q&A for paid subscribers. Subscribe here (bit.ly/TFSubstack) and comment your questions below this post
@talkingfeds.bsky.social Substack for our weekly LIVE Q&A for paid subscribers. Subscribe here (bit.ly/TFSubstack) and comment your questions below this post
Subscribe to Talking Feds Substack
Talking Feds Substack with Harry Litman is a series of dispatches from the front of a constitution in crisis. Harry explains how the maneuvers of Trump and his circle transgress constitutional norms a...
bit.ly
December 29, 2025 at 6:58 PM
TODAY at 8pm EST/5pm PST I'll be on the
@talkingfeds.bsky.social Substack for our weekly LIVE Q&A for paid subscribers. Subscribe here (bit.ly/TFSubstack) and comment your questions below this post
@talkingfeds.bsky.social Substack for our weekly LIVE Q&A for paid subscribers. Subscribe here (bit.ly/TFSubstack) and comment your questions below this post
Reposted by Harry Litman
Here you have it—an ALL NEW @talkingfeds.bsky.social w/ @natashabertrand.bsky.social, @alexhorton.bsky.social & #StevenJLepper.
We examine the damage Trump has done to the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth’s tenure, and the dangerous logic behind new uses of U.S. military power. bit.ly/MilitaryTF
We examine the damage Trump has done to the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth’s tenure, and the dangerous logic behind new uses of U.S. military power. bit.ly/MilitaryTF
December 29, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Here you have it—an ALL NEW @talkingfeds.bsky.social w/ @natashabertrand.bsky.social, @alexhorton.bsky.social & #StevenJLepper.
We examine the damage Trump has done to the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth’s tenure, and the dangerous logic behind new uses of U.S. military power. bit.ly/MilitaryTF
We examine the damage Trump has done to the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth’s tenure, and the dangerous logic behind new uses of U.S. military power. bit.ly/MilitaryTF
Here you have it—an ALL NEW @talkingfeds.bsky.social w/ @natashabertrand.bsky.social, @alexhorton.bsky.social & #StevenJLepper.
We examine the damage Trump has done to the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth’s tenure, and the dangerous logic behind new uses of U.S. military power. bit.ly/MilitaryTF
We examine the damage Trump has done to the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth’s tenure, and the dangerous logic behind new uses of U.S. military power. bit.ly/MilitaryTF
December 29, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Here you have it—an ALL NEW @talkingfeds.bsky.social w/ @natashabertrand.bsky.social, @alexhorton.bsky.social & #StevenJLepper.
We examine the damage Trump has done to the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth’s tenure, and the dangerous logic behind new uses of U.S. military power. bit.ly/MilitaryTF
We examine the damage Trump has done to the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth’s tenure, and the dangerous logic behind new uses of U.S. military power. bit.ly/MilitaryTF
Trump’s imprint on the Pentagon comes into focus—lawlessness, dangerous legal theories, and U.S. military actions raising alarms at home and abroad. Bright & early Mon., Talking Feds closes out 2025 with a deep dive into what’s at stake.
December 28, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Trump’s imprint on the Pentagon comes into focus—lawlessness, dangerous legal theories, and U.S. military actions raising alarms at home and abroad. Bright & early Mon., Talking Feds closes out 2025 with a deep dive into what’s at stake.
Does he possibly not get it?
Kennedy Center’s Christmas Eve Jazz Show Canceled After Trump Name Added to Building www.nytimes.com/2025/12/24/u...
Kennedy Center’s Christmas Eve Jazz Show Canceled After Trump Name Added to Building www.nytimes.com/2025/12/24/u...
Kennedy Center’s Christmas Eve Jazz Show Canceled After Trump Name Added to Building
www.nytimes.com
December 25, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Does he possibly not get it?
Kennedy Center’s Christmas Eve Jazz Show Canceled After Trump Name Added to Building www.nytimes.com/2025/12/24/u...
Kennedy Center’s Christmas Eve Jazz Show Canceled After Trump Name Added to Building www.nytimes.com/2025/12/24/u...
All the more important with Judge Cannon’s having bottled up volume 2. A genuine outrage how the administration is fighting the public release of anything having to do with the real facts of Trump’s crimes
Jack Smith is calling for the House Judiciary Committee to release the recording of his full closed-door deposition before the panel.
"Doing so will ensure that the American people can hear the facts directly from Mr. Smith, rather than through second-hand accounts."
"Doing so will ensure that the American people can hear the facts directly from Mr. Smith, rather than through second-hand accounts."
December 24, 2025 at 10:40 PM
All the more important with Judge Cannon’s having bottled up volume 2. A genuine outrage how the administration is fighting the public release of anything having to do with the real facts of Trump’s crimes