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ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Eric Columbus
@ericcolumbus.bsky.social
71K followers 780 following 9.1K posts
Senior Editor @lawfaremedia.org. Previously: Obama appointee at DOJ/DHS. Litigator for Speaker Pelosi and Jan. 6 Committee. Yankee Stadium 🌭 vendor. NYC born and bred. Wannabe historian. Dad joker.
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ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Trump fell for a dumb idea from Bill Pulte and reveals to Laura Ingraham — who promptly corrects him — his ignorance about the duration of a typical home mortgage
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
On Saturday evening, Pulte arrived at President Donald Trump's Palm Beach Golf Club with a roughly 3-by-5 posterboard in hand. A graphic of former President Franklin Roosevelt appeared below "30-year mortgage" and one of Trump below "50-year mortgage." The headline was "Great American Presidents. Roughly 10 minutes later, Trump posted the image to Truth Social, according to one of the people familiar, who was with the president at the time. Almost immediately, aides were fielding angry phone calls from those who thought the idea - which would endorse a 50 year payback period for a mortgage - was both bad politics and bad policy, a move that could raise housing costs in the long run, the person said.
November 11, 2025 at 1:09 AM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Interestingly, Trump notes at the end that he’s not pardoning himself:
This pardon does not apply to the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.
November 10, 2025 at 4:50 AM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Here’s the full photo
November 8, 2025 at 5:01 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Once again I must note that one is not humbled by *good* things.
Eric Michael Garcia • @ericmgarcia.bs... • 2d Padilla says "I have received an outpouring and encouragement of support" for running for governor of California. O 18 刀企… Eric Michael Garcia • @ericmgarcia.bsky.social Follow back Padilla is here with his wife. Says he is "humbled by their encouragement." Says Californians have told him to "protect California and the American dream." November 4, 2025 at 3:05 PM 1 repost 1 quote 14 likes 014 刀企… Eric Michael Garcia •@ericmgarcia.bsky…... • 2d "It is with a full heart and even more commitment than ever that I am choosing to not run for governor next year," Padilla says.
November 7, 2025 at 4:38 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Homer Simpson standing on barrels and holding a beer with his raised arm TO SANDWICHES -- THE CAUSE OF AND SOLUTION TO ALL OF LIFE'S PROBLEMS.
November 7, 2025 at 2:53 AM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
I read the article to say only that they don't currently have an OLC opinion, but they're working on that.
The existing OLC opinion includes a list of 24 different cartels and criminal organizations based around Latin America it says the administration is authorized to target, according to one of the sources familiar with the document. But the Trump administration is seeking a separate legal opinion from the Justice Department that would provide a justification for launching strikes against land targets without needing to ask Congress to authorize military force, though no decisions have been made yet to move forward with an attack inside the country, a US official said. “What is true one day may very well not be the next,” said that US official when discussing the current state of the policy, pointing out that Trump has not decided how he will handle Venezuela.
November 7, 2025 at 1:33 AM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
For old times' sake, here's the White House propaganda video of a whole SWAT team arresting Sandwich Guy—who had offered to turn himself in.
x.com/WhiteHouse/s...
White House -- Nighttime Routine: Make DC Safe Again
November 6, 2025 at 7:53 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
DC flag -- three red stars above two horizonal red stripes, except stripes have been replaced by subs
November 6, 2025 at 7:27 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Mitch Sherman @mitchsherman These are the full comments made by Nebraska coach Matt Rhule on mental health in the wake of news Thursday on the death of 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland: "Understanding that none of us know what people are going through, that’s why I think we all should be careful about what we say to people. I think we should be careful about what we tweet about people. I think we should be cognizant of what everyone’s going through. "I told our players, they should take their headphones off in the cafeteria and sit down with somebody and say, ‘How you doing, man? What’s going on with you?’ Because somebody that we’re talking to, we’re saying, ‘What’s wrong with that guy? That guy’s messed up.’ Instead of saying, ‘What’s wrong with them?,’ we should all say, ‘I wonder what happened to them,’ because everyone’s suffering. "I look at these opportunities – everyone’s going through something – they’re going to go on the road together, it’s a chance for us all to come together and be a team and unite together and spend time together. I think it’s a good opportunity for us. "I send my condolences, obviously. It’s just awful, awful, awful news. But you also know at the same time, I’ve given the eulogy for players of mine who’ve had the same thing happen. You never know what people are going through. I will forever, for the rest of my life, think about the time that I saw Adrian Robinson right before he took his own life. I saw him on campus (at Temple). And I was walking this way, and he was way over there. And I said, I need to catch up with Adrian, because he got done playing. And a week later, he left this world. And a month later, I was giving the eulogy. I just wish in my life, I could go back and stop and say, ‘Hey, how you doing?’ It’s on my heart. "I shared with the team, I think it’s a time in this world to be kind to people and at the same time care about people and ask about people. Our generation of kids – my kids – th…
November 6, 2025 at 6:44 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Ok now I need to know this story:
At a hearing in the case last Wednesday, the day after his ruling, Engoron offered "a little bit of New York humor" to break the tension. He repeated an oft-told story about a judge who ended up agreeing with everyone who spoke in his courtroom.
November 6, 2025 at 5:34 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Always a great sign when your threat to fire leakers leaks
The Washington Free Beacon obtained and reviewed a video of the meeting. "If we see someone leaking, you're fired," Eric Korsvall, the organization's chief operating officer, said during the question and answer portion of the meeting.
November 5, 2025 at 10:41 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Don’t miss my @lawfaremedia.org colleague @mollyroberts.bsky.social ‘s, uh, subskeets!
Molly Roberts @mollyroberts.bsky.so... • 14m Defense begins, "This case, ladies and gentlemen, is about a sandwich. A sandwich that according to Agent Lairmore somehow both exploded on his chest in a spray of mustard and onions but also landed intact on the ground still in its Subway wrapper." 18 $ 97 © 287 Molly Roberts@mollyroberts.bsky.so... • 12m "A sandwich that Lairmore testified he somehow felt through his ballistic armor on his chest, armor that is specifically made strong enough so that it stops a bullet from piercing a soldier's heart." 5 ≥ 25 © 207 刁企… Molly Roberts@mollyroberts.bsky.soc...• 8m Asks, "Would a man genuinely injured, genuinely offended by having a sandwich thrown at him proudly, happily, joyfully" keep a plush sandwich on his shelf and a "Felony Footlong" patch on — yes! — his lunchbox? ≥ 29 O 160 刀企…
November 5, 2025 at 7:20 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Cuomo's best district and why?
Far Rockaway election district 23-029 Cuomo 97.3% Sliwa 1.4% Mamdani 1.0%
November 5, 2025 at 5:09 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Oh no looks like it's death for our Country
Donald J. Trump + @realDonaldTrump Tomorrow's United States Supreme Court case is, literally, LIFE OR DEATH for our Country. With a Victory, we have tremendous, but fair, Financial and National Security. Without it, we are virtually defenseless against other Countries who have, for years, taken advantage of us. Our Stock Market is consistently hitting Record Highs, and our Country has never been more respected than it is right now. A big part of this is the Economic Security created by Tariffs, and the Deals that we have negotiated because of them. Thank you for your attention to this matter! 6.38k ReTruths 22.8k Likes Nov 04, 2025, 4:59 PM
November 5, 2025 at 4:29 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Grace Panetta & @grace_panetta X.com the most fun fact (to me) from this election night: Abigail Spanberger born in Red Bank, NJ, will be governor of Virginia and Mikie Sherrill, born in Alexandria, VA, will be governor of New Jersey 10:16 PM • 11/4/25 • 15K Views
November 5, 2025 at 3:53 AM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Not exactly what the GOP Congress wants to hear from Trump right now!
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump “TRUMP WASN’T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT,” according to Pollsters. 295 ReTruths 992 Likes Nov 04, 2025, 10:05 PM
November 5, 2025 at 3:11 AM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Trump re-nominates Jared Isaacman to head NASA after yanking his nomination in May as it was headed to the Senate floor. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Donald J. Trump @ @ @realDonaldTrump Sean Duffy has done an incredible job as Interim Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This evening, I am pleased to nominate Jared Isaacman, an accomplished business leader, philanthropist, pilot, and astronaut, as Administrator of NASA. Jared's passion for Space, astronaut experience, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of exploration, unlocking the mysteries of the universe, and advancing the new Space economy, make him ideally suited to lead NASA into a bold new Era. Congratulations to Jared, his wife Monica, and their children, Mila and Liv. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT 188 ReTruths 713 Likes 11/4/25, 5:42 PM Donald J. Trump @ € @realDonald Trump After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA. I will soon announce a new Nominee who will be Mission aligned, and put America First in Space. Thank you for your attention to this matter! 4.57k ReTruths 22k Likes 5/31/25, 9:40 PM
November 4, 2025 at 10:53 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
At the sandwich guy trial, the CBP agent inadvertently evokes Grandpa Simpson
Grandpa Simpson telling a story: "So I tied an onion to my belt, which was the style at the time."
November 4, 2025 at 5:55 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
DOJ and USDA: Yes, your honor, we will comply with your order and make partial SNAP payments out of the contingency fund.

TRUMP: No we won't.
Case 1:25-cv-13165-IT Document 48 Filed 11/03/25 Page 2 of 4 Defendants provide the following response to the Court's order, dated October 31, 2025, stating: "No later than Monday, November 3, 2025, Defendants shall advise the court whether they will authorize at least reduced SNAP benefits for November and, if so, their timeline for determining whether to authorize only reduced SNAP benefits using the Contingency Funds or to authorize full SNAP benefits using both the Contingency Funds and additional available funds." Doc No. 26 at 15. In that Order, the Court, "clarified that Defendants are required to use those Contingency Funds as necessary for the SNAP program." Id at 14 (emphasis removed). Nearly simultaneously, a court in the District of Rhode Island issued an oral ruling ordering Federal Defendants to use the entire long-term emergency fund for benefits and to consider using other sources of funds. See Rhode Island State Council Of Churches et al. v. Rollins at al., 1:25-er-569 (D. R.I.). The attached declaration, which was also filed in the District of Rhode Island litigation, represents the U.S. Department of Agriculture's ("USDA") response to the two Court orders. USDA is making all of the Contingency Funds available to the States for a partial payment. The declaration includes details on how USDA will fulfill its obligation to expend the full amount of SNAP contingency funds today by generating the table required for States to calculate the benefits available for each eligible household in that State. 7 CFR. 271.7(d)(1); Supp. Declaration of Patrick A. Penn, 2-6, 24-31. USDA will therefore have made the necessary funds available and have authorized the States to begin disbursements once the table is issued. The declaration also explains why USDA has chosen not to deplete other vital programs to fully fund this month's SNAP benefits. USDA stands ready to assist States as they implement this process. Dated: November 3, 2025 Respectfully submitted, STANLEY … Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump SNAP BENEFITS, which increased by Billions and Billions of Dollars (MANY FOLD!) during Crooked Joe Biden’s disastrous term in office (Due to the fact that they were haphazardly “handed” to anyone for the asking, as opposed to just those in need, which is the purpose of SNAP!), will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT 2.22k ReTruths 7.61k Likes Nov 04, 2025, 11:06 AM
November 4, 2025 at 5:37 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
For Election Day, please take a moment to read all six items on this ten-foot high sign on a church a few blocks from my house.
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR WHO MAY NOT Look like you Think like you Love like you Speak like you Pray like you Vote like you LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR NO EXCEPTIONS AUGUSTANA LUTHERAN CHURCH Comunidad de Santa Maria AUGUSTANADC.ORG
November 4, 2025 at 3:42 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Today marks the first time an attorney general has tried to use 28 USC 508, 509, and 515 to appoint someone to prosecute a defendant who once used those very statutes to appoint the man who is now his defense counsel.
Office of the Deputy Attorney General Washington, D.C. 20530 December 30, 2003 The Honorable Patrick J. Fitzgerald United States Attorney 219 S. Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60604 Dear Patrick, By the authority vested in the Attorney General by law, including 28 U. S .C. §§ 509, 510, and 515, and in my capacity as Acting Attorney General pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 508, I hereby delegate to you all the authority of the Attorney General with respect to the Department's investigation into the alleged unauthorized disclosure of a CIA employee's identity, and I direct you to exercise that authority as Special Counsel independent of the supervision or control of any officer of the Department. /s/ James B. Comey James B. Comey Acting Attorney General
November 4, 2025 at 12:55 AM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Interesting:
The pilot program that includes Ms. Massarone is run by the Center for Addiction Science, Policy and Research, or CASPR, a nonprofit organization studying GLP-1 drugs for addiction. The group, which is not funded by pharmaceutical companies, wants to spur F.D.A. approval for such use, which the industry has shown little interest in pursuing. (The maker of Ozempic has one trial aimed at treating alcohol-related liver disease but said explicitly that it isn’t focused on addiction.) Without formal approval as an addiction medicine, the drugs will remain unaffordable because insurance won’t cover them. For now, Open Doors provides the medication for free through support from CASPR, in hopes that the results will spur government and the pharmaceutical industry to take on the research.
November 3, 2025 at 4:15 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
How is Rubio a "longtime friend" of Belichick? Are all famous people friends with each other?
Belichick first sent word of his interest in the UNC job through political allies. He reached out to a longtime friend, then-Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who then contacted Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, hoping to light a fire in Chapel Hill in support of Belichick. "Rubio follows the sports world pretty closely, and he called me and said, 'There's a chance Belichick would come to Chapel Hill,'" Tillis told ESPN. "He said, 'He wants a school with a great academic reputation, and he wants to try to build a program to bring them a national championship. I said, 'Well, let me go [make some calls].'"
November 2, 2025 at 2:44 PM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Max Scherzer, who has one brown eye and one blue eye, with a K in one eye and a backwards K in the other eye
November 2, 2025 at 1:44 AM
ericcolumbus.bsky.social
Trump threatens to attack [spins wheel] Nigeria
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, "guns-a-blazing," to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities. I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST! 1.67k ReTruths 6.72k Likes 11/1/25, 4:43 PM
November 1, 2025 at 9:00 PM