Nick Grube
@nickgrube.bsky.social
Reporter for Honolulu Civil Beat. Observer of all things train wreck. Writer of stuff.
The anti-DEI rhetoric worries Case, he said, because real oversight is necessary to fix the program's flaws. Instead, he said Trump and his allies just want to "take it out. "
“It’s basically just a DOGE attack on the 8(a) program." www.civilbeat.org/2026/01/hawa...
“It’s basically just a DOGE attack on the 8(a) program." www.civilbeat.org/2026/01/hawa...
Hawaiʻi Democrat Seeks Federal Review of Native Hawaiian Program
U.S. Rep. Ed Case is walking a thin line between his longstanding concerns about the SBA program and his desire not to join in the Trump administration's anti-DEI campaign.
www.civilbeat.org
January 23, 2026 at 11:44 PM
The anti-DEI rhetoric worries Case, he said, because real oversight is necessary to fix the program's flaws. Instead, he said Trump and his allies just want to "take it out. "
“It’s basically just a DOGE attack on the 8(a) program." www.civilbeat.org/2026/01/hawa...
“It’s basically just a DOGE attack on the 8(a) program." www.civilbeat.org/2026/01/hawa...
epublicans, however, have seized on the scandal and others, in an attempt to dismantle the 8(a) program. Most recently, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described it as a race-based handout that’s a “breeding ground for fraud.” www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/frau...
‘Fraud Magnet’? Senator Wants To Halt SBA Contracts Amid Hawaiʻi Case
In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joni Ernst cited a criminal investigation of Christopher Dawson, accused of hijacking small business funding intended to help Native Hawaiians.
www.civilbeat.org
January 23, 2026 at 11:44 PM
epublicans, however, have seized on the scandal and others, in an attempt to dismantle the 8(a) program. Most recently, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described it as a race-based handout that’s a “breeding ground for fraud.” www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/frau...
The case at the center of his concerns involves a Native Hawaiian defense contractor who is accused of cheating his people out of millions of dollars while spending lavishly on luxury cars, fancy homes and polo. (He even had a horse cloning operation.) www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/hawa...
Lack of Oversight In SBA Program May Take Millions Away From Native Hawaiians
A small business program allowed Christopher Dawson to win big contracts if he promised to uplift Native Hawaiians. Instead, federal prosecutors allege, he used the money to line his own pockets.
www.civilbeat.org
January 23, 2026 at 11:44 PM
The case at the center of his concerns involves a Native Hawaiian defense contractor who is accused of cheating his people out of millions of dollars while spending lavishly on luxury cars, fancy homes and polo. (He even had a horse cloning operation.) www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/hawa...
Hawaiʻi Democratic Rep. Ed Case doesn't agree with the Trump administration's anti-DEI rhetoric, but he says the SBA's 8(a) program is in need of better oversight citing reporting from
@civilbeat.bsky.social and @propublica.org www.civilbeat.org/2026/01/hawa...
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@civilbeat.bsky.social and @propublica.org www.civilbeat.org/2026/01/hawa...
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Hawaiʻi Democrat Seeks Federal Review of Native Hawaiian Program
U.S. Rep. Ed Case is walking a thin line between his longstanding concerns about the SBA program and his desire not to join in the Trump administration's anti-DEI campaign.
www.civilbeat.org
January 23, 2026 at 11:44 PM
Hawaiʻi Democratic Rep. Ed Case doesn't agree with the Trump administration's anti-DEI rhetoric, but he says the SBA's 8(a) program is in need of better oversight citing reporting from
@civilbeat.bsky.social and @propublica.org www.civilbeat.org/2026/01/hawa...
.
@civilbeat.bsky.social and @propublica.org www.civilbeat.org/2026/01/hawa...
.
Reposted by Nick Grube
Must-read story about the SBA 8(a) program: He Spent Funds Meant for Native Hawaiians on Polo and Porsches. The Federal Government Failed to Stop Him.
@nickgrube.bsky.social @civilbeat.bsky.social
@nickgrube.bsky.social @civilbeat.bsky.social
He Spent Funds Meant for Native Hawaiians on Polo and Porsches. The Federal Government Failed to Stop Him.
A small business program allowed Christopher Dawson to win big contracts if he promised to uplift Native Hawaiians. Instead, federal prosecutors allege, he used the money to line his own pockets.
www.propublica.org
January 23, 2026 at 2:38 AM
Must-read story about the SBA 8(a) program: He Spent Funds Meant for Native Hawaiians on Polo and Porsches. The Federal Government Failed to Stop Him.
@nickgrube.bsky.social @civilbeat.bsky.social
@nickgrube.bsky.social @civilbeat.bsky.social
And while Dawson died in 2024, his former defense lawyer said that when he was in charge he always complied with SBA requests for information, and followed the advice of “fully informed” accountants and attorneys. www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/hawa...
Lack of Oversight In SBA Program May Take Millions Away From Native Hawaiians
A small business program allowed Christopher Dawson to win big contracts if he promised to uplift Native Hawaiians. Instead, federal prosecutors allege, he used the money to line his own pockets.
www.civilbeat.org
December 12, 2025 at 10:19 PM
And while Dawson died in 2024, his former defense lawyer said that when he was in charge he always complied with SBA requests for information, and followed the advice of “fully informed” accountants and attorneys. www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/hawa...
Dawson’s companies, meanwhile, have been trying to salvage their contracting advantages. They fired Dawson and have pushed back against Ernst’s claims to the Defense Department that their firms won awards while under "active federal investigation"
December 12, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Dawson’s companies, meanwhile, have been trying to salvage their contracting advantages. They fired Dawson and have pushed back against Ernst’s claims to the Defense Department that their firms won awards while under "active federal investigation"
Scandals like the one involving Christopher Dawson now threaten a program that was designed to uplift Native Hawaiians. As one congressional staffer warned nearly 20 years ago:
“We cannot afford to have a few ill-informed or ill-motivated NHOs to screw it up for everybody.”
“We cannot afford to have a few ill-informed or ill-motivated NHOs to screw it up for everybody.”
December 12, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Scandals like the one involving Christopher Dawson now threaten a program that was designed to uplift Native Hawaiians. As one congressional staffer warned nearly 20 years ago:
“We cannot afford to have a few ill-informed or ill-motivated NHOs to screw it up for everybody.”
“We cannot afford to have a few ill-informed or ill-motivated NHOs to screw it up for everybody.”
At stake are billions of dollars in federal contracts, many of which go to Native-owned companies that then use their profits to serve their communities.
But as @civilbeat.bsky.social & @propublica.org reported earlier this week, that doesn't always happen. www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/hawa...
But as @civilbeat.bsky.social & @propublica.org reported earlier this week, that doesn't always happen. www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/hawa...
Lack of Oversight In SBA Program May Take Millions Away From Native Hawaiians
A small business program allowed Christopher Dawson to win big contracts if he promised to uplift Native Hawaiians. Instead, federal prosecutors allege, he used the money to line his own pockets.
www.civilbeat.org
December 12, 2025 at 3:19 PM
At stake are billions of dollars in federal contracts, many of which go to Native-owned companies that then use their profits to serve their communities.
But as @civilbeat.bsky.social & @propublica.org reported earlier this week, that doesn't always happen. www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/hawa...
But as @civilbeat.bsky.social & @propublica.org reported earlier this week, that doesn't always happen. www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/hawa...
Taking on the SBA's 8(a) program is part of a broader GOP effort to end diversity, equity and inclusion in federal government.
As Kelly Loeffler, Trump's SBA administrator, said, "Like every other government program rooted in DEI the 8(a) Program is rife with grift and fraud."
As Kelly Loeffler, Trump's SBA administrator, said, "Like every other government program rooted in DEI the 8(a) Program is rife with grift and fraud."
December 12, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Taking on the SBA's 8(a) program is part of a broader GOP effort to end diversity, equity and inclusion in federal government.
As Kelly Loeffler, Trump's SBA administrator, said, "Like every other government program rooted in DEI the 8(a) Program is rife with grift and fraud."
As Kelly Loeffler, Trump's SBA administrator, said, "Like every other government program rooted in DEI the 8(a) Program is rife with grift and fraud."
Republicans have seized upon a scandal involving a Native Hawaiian defense contractor to target a civil rights era program meant to help disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal marketplace. www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/frau... (A collab w/ @civilbeat.bsky.social & @propublica.org)
‘Fraud Magnet’? Senator Wants To Halt SBA Contracts Amid Hawaiʻi Case
In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joni Ernst cited a criminal investigation of Christopher Dawson, accused of hijacking small business funding intended to help Native Hawaiians.
civilbeat.org
December 12, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Republicans have seized upon a scandal involving a Native Hawaiian defense contractor to target a civil rights era program meant to help disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal marketplace. www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/frau... (A collab w/ @civilbeat.bsky.social & @propublica.org)
Reposted by Nick Grube
At a congressional hearing in 2019, Linda McMahon, then head of @SBAgov, lavished praise on a Native Hawaiian defense contractor as a shining example of a federal program designed to uplift Indigenous people. But there’s a lot more to the story. 👇 @nickgrube.bsky.social @civilbeat.bsky.social
He Spent Funds Meant for Native Hawaiians on Polo and Porsches. The Federal Government Failed to Stop Him.
A small business program allowed Christopher Dawson to win big contracts if he promised to uplift Native Hawaiians. Instead, federal prosecutors allege, he used the money to line his own pockets.
www.propublica.org
December 10, 2025 at 11:45 PM
At a congressional hearing in 2019, Linda McMahon, then head of @SBAgov, lavished praise on a Native Hawaiian defense contractor as a shining example of a federal program designed to uplift Indigenous people. But there’s a lot more to the story. 👇 @nickgrube.bsky.social @civilbeat.bsky.social
Chris Dawson built an empire off a program that gave him massive no-bid contracts in exchange for the promise of uplifting Native Hawaiians. He’s now accused of cheating it to line his own pockets.
Check out my latest with @propublica.org and @civilbeat.bsky.social www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/hawa...
Check out my latest with @propublica.org and @civilbeat.bsky.social www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/hawa...
Lack of Oversight In SBA Program May Take Millions Away From Native Hawaiians
A small business program allowed Christopher Dawson to win big contracts if he promised to uplift Native Hawaiians. Instead, federal prosecutors allege, he used the money to line his own pockets.
www.civilbeat.org
December 10, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Chris Dawson built an empire off a program that gave him massive no-bid contracts in exchange for the promise of uplifting Native Hawaiians. He’s now accused of cheating it to line his own pockets.
Check out my latest with @propublica.org and @civilbeat.bsky.social www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/hawa...
Check out my latest with @propublica.org and @civilbeat.bsky.social www.civilbeat.org/2025/12/hawa...
Reposted by Nick Grube
A must-read story about the SBA’s failure to oversee a no-bid program for Native businesses and the grift that followed.
He Spent Funds Meant for Native Hawaiians on Polo and Porsches. The Federal Government Failed to Stop Him. by @nickgrube.bsky.social @civilbeat.bsky.social
He Spent Funds Meant for Native Hawaiians on Polo and Porsches. The Federal Government Failed to Stop Him. by @nickgrube.bsky.social @civilbeat.bsky.social
He Spent Funds Meant for Native Hawaiians on Polo and Porsches. The Federal Government Failed to Stop Him.
A small business program allowed Christopher Dawson to win big contracts if he promised to uplift Native Hawaiians. Instead, federal prosecutors allege, he used the money to line his own pockets.
www.propublica.org
December 10, 2025 at 1:54 PM
A must-read story about the SBA’s failure to oversee a no-bid program for Native businesses and the grift that followed.
He Spent Funds Meant for Native Hawaiians on Polo and Porsches. The Federal Government Failed to Stop Him. by @nickgrube.bsky.social @civilbeat.bsky.social
He Spent Funds Meant for Native Hawaiians on Polo and Porsches. The Federal Government Failed to Stop Him. by @nickgrube.bsky.social @civilbeat.bsky.social
Reposted by Nick Grube
Trump has indefinitely withdrawn federal funding for:
• Investigating child sexual abuse and internet crimes against kids;
• Responding to reports of missing children;
• Preventing youth violence
New, @propublica.org
• Investigating child sexual abuse and internet crimes against kids;
• Responding to reports of missing children;
• Preventing youth violence
New, @propublica.org
The Trump Administration’s War on Children
The administration is quietly putting America’s children at risk by cutting funds and manpower for investigating child abuse, enforcing child support payments, providing child care and much more.
www.propublica.org
April 23, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Trump has indefinitely withdrawn federal funding for:
• Investigating child sexual abuse and internet crimes against kids;
• Responding to reports of missing children;
• Preventing youth violence
New, @propublica.org
• Investigating child sexual abuse and internet crimes against kids;
• Responding to reports of missing children;
• Preventing youth violence
New, @propublica.org
Reposted by Nick Grube
Exclusive: The Merit Systems Protection Board is one of the only avenues for fired federal workers to challenge dismissals. I spoke with Raymond Limon, the former MSPB vice chair who retired on Friday, about the "unprecedented" moment we're in.
www.scrippsnews.com/...
1/10
www.scrippsnews.com/...
1/10
Exclusive: Former MSPB official says 'strong evidence' Trump acting 'illegally' in firing workers
In an exclusive interview with Scripps News, a former official overseeing government employment disputes says there is "strong evidence" that President Trump acted "illegally" in mass federal layoffs.
www.scrippsnews.com
March 6, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Exclusive: The Merit Systems Protection Board is one of the only avenues for fired federal workers to challenge dismissals. I spoke with Raymond Limon, the former MSPB vice chair who retired on Friday, about the "unprecedented" moment we're in.
www.scrippsnews.com/...
1/10
www.scrippsnews.com/...
1/10
Reposted by Nick Grube
During Trump's first administration, the Western states were the hotspot for fighting his policies in court.
This time, it's shaping up to be New England, even though its one of the smallest circuits.
Here's why:
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/24/n...
This time, it's shaping up to be New England, even though its one of the smallest circuits.
Here's why:
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/24/n...
New England has become a hotbed of anti-Trump litigation. It’s not a coincidence. - The Boston Globe
It’s a change from President Trump’s first term in office, when lawsuits against his policies were heavily clustered on the West Coast.
www.bostonglobe.com
February 24, 2025 at 6:04 PM
During Trump's first administration, the Western states were the hotspot for fighting his policies in court.
This time, it's shaping up to be New England, even though its one of the smallest circuits.
Here's why:
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/24/n...
This time, it's shaping up to be New England, even though its one of the smallest circuits.
Here's why:
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/24/n...
Reposted by Nick Grube
Behind the scenes of the state Supreme Court race, a 'turf war' simmers between Wisconsin GOP and Turning Point
"There’s a war. It’s a quiet war. Nobody’s really paying attention to the war. But there’s a war going on."
www.jsonline.com/story/news/p...
"There’s a war. It’s a quiet war. Nobody’s really paying attention to the war. But there’s a war going on."
www.jsonline.com/story/news/p...
Behind the scenes of the Supreme Court race, a 'turf war' simmers between Wisconsin GOP and Turning Point
Behind the scenes of a tough race for Wisconsin Supreme Court, a turf battle is playing out in the GOP as the group Turning Point seeks influence.
www.jsonline.com
February 24, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Behind the scenes of the state Supreme Court race, a 'turf war' simmers between Wisconsin GOP and Turning Point
"There’s a war. It’s a quiet war. Nobody’s really paying attention to the war. But there’s a war going on."
www.jsonline.com/story/news/p...
"There’s a war. It’s a quiet war. Nobody’s really paying attention to the war. But there’s a war going on."
www.jsonline.com/story/news/p...
Reposted by Nick Grube
New: 46 Senate Republicans led by John Thune have proposed to eliminate the estate tax.
Elon Musk's heirs would benefit more than any other, as he's worth ~$400 billion. A 40% tax on that would be close to $160 billion, though there is a whole industry devoted to helping the rich bypass the tax.
Elon Musk's heirs would benefit more than any other, as he's worth ~$400 billion. A 40% tax on that would be close to $160 billion, though there is a whole industry devoted to helping the rich bypass the tax.
February 15, 2025 at 4:10 AM
New: 46 Senate Republicans led by John Thune have proposed to eliminate the estate tax.
Elon Musk's heirs would benefit more than any other, as he's worth ~$400 billion. A 40% tax on that would be close to $160 billion, though there is a whole industry devoted to helping the rich bypass the tax.
Elon Musk's heirs would benefit more than any other, as he's worth ~$400 billion. A 40% tax on that would be close to $160 billion, though there is a whole industry devoted to helping the rich bypass the tax.
Reposted by Nick Grube
I spoke with former VA IG Mike Missal after he was fired by Trump a week ago along with the IGs at 17 other agencies.
The dis-Missal (sorry) came after he led investigations that ID'd $37.6 billion in savings and exposed patient harm related to the new EHR, likely averting more harm to veterans.
The dis-Missal (sorry) came after he led investigations that ID'd $37.6 billion in savings and exposed patient harm related to the new EHR, likely averting more harm to veterans.
Chief VA watchdog who helped expose flawed computer system in Spokane speaks out after being fired by Trump
WASHINGTON – A year after the Inland Northwest became the testing ground for a new computer system that promised to revolutionize veterans’ health care, leaders at the Department of Veterans Affairs h...
www.spokesman.com
January 31, 2025 at 2:15 PM
I spoke with former VA IG Mike Missal after he was fired by Trump a week ago along with the IGs at 17 other agencies.
The dis-Missal (sorry) came after he led investigations that ID'd $37.6 billion in savings and exposed patient harm related to the new EHR, likely averting more harm to veterans.
The dis-Missal (sorry) came after he led investigations that ID'd $37.6 billion in savings and exposed patient harm related to the new EHR, likely averting more harm to veterans.
This thing lives in my house
January 31, 2025 at 12:20 PM
This thing lives in my house
A lot has been said about the fringe religious sect that's a through line of Tulsi Gabbard's personal and political life. But the only person to bring it up during her confirmation hearing was ... Tulsi Gabbard. www.civilbeat.org/2025/01/tuls... @civilbeat.bsky.social
Tulsi Gabbard Met With Bipartisan Skepticism In Confirmation Hearing - Honolulu Civil Beat
Senators quizzed Trump's pick for Director of National Intelligence on her past support for leaker Edward Snowden and for meeting with Syrian dictator Basha al-Assad.
www.civilbeat.org
January 31, 2025 at 2:50 AM
A lot has been said about the fringe religious sect that's a through line of Tulsi Gabbard's personal and political life. But the only person to bring it up during her confirmation hearing was ... Tulsi Gabbard. www.civilbeat.org/2025/01/tuls... @civilbeat.bsky.social
Gabbard has called for charges against Snowden to be dropped and that he be pardoned. theintercept.com/2025/01/29/g...
Tulsi Gabbard Once Called for an Edward Snowden Pardon. Will She Flip-Flop Now?
Gabbard is a rare Washington politician who defended the NSA whistleblower. But she has also changed positions and even political parties.
theintercept.com
January 30, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Gabbard has called for charges against Snowden to be dropped and that he be pardoned. theintercept.com/2025/01/29/g...
"Edward Snowden broke the law."
Tulsi Gabbard has repeated this statement no less than seven times during her DNI confirmation hearing today, but that hasn't been enough for lawmakers here who say they want her to call him a traitor.
(Fun fact: Both former Hawaii residents.)
Tulsi Gabbard has repeated this statement no less than seven times during her DNI confirmation hearing today, but that hasn't been enough for lawmakers here who say they want her to call him a traitor.
(Fun fact: Both former Hawaii residents.)
January 30, 2025 at 5:28 PM
"Edward Snowden broke the law."
Tulsi Gabbard has repeated this statement no less than seven times during her DNI confirmation hearing today, but that hasn't been enough for lawmakers here who say they want her to call him a traitor.
(Fun fact: Both former Hawaii residents.)
Tulsi Gabbard has repeated this statement no less than seven times during her DNI confirmation hearing today, but that hasn't been enough for lawmakers here who say they want her to call him a traitor.
(Fun fact: Both former Hawaii residents.)
The Science of Identity Foundation that Tulsi Gabbard grew up in isn't just a fringe religious sect (or cult, as former members say). It also has deep connections to shady business dealings that she apparently tried to hide, per the @wsj.com www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
As a Rising Political Star, Gabbard Paid to Mask Her Sect’s Ties to Alleged Scheme
Years before Tulsi Gabbard became Trump’s pick to coordinate U.S. spy agencies, she tried to evade unwanted scrutiny.
www.wsj.com
January 29, 2025 at 3:05 PM
The Science of Identity Foundation that Tulsi Gabbard grew up in isn't just a fringe religious sect (or cult, as former members say). It also has deep connections to shady business dealings that she apparently tried to hide, per the @wsj.com www.wsj.com/politics/pol...