Melissa Hooper
@melissahooper.bsky.social
lawyer. foreign policy. cares a lot about rule of law. does policy stuff.
All things are delicately interconnected
All things are delicately interconnected
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
How are things going with respect to the discovery before Judge Xinis in Abrego García?
Well, the government describes as a “false premise” that it “has been ordered to facilitate Abrego García’s release.”
(That’s *literally* what #SCOTUS held.)
pacer-documents.s3.amazonaws.com/84/578815/09...
Well, the government describes as a “false premise” that it “has been ordered to facilitate Abrego García’s release.”
(That’s *literally* what #SCOTUS held.)
pacer-documents.s3.amazonaws.com/84/578815/09...
April 22, 2025 at 12:16 PM
How are things going with respect to the discovery before Judge Xinis in Abrego García?
Well, the government describes as a “false premise” that it “has been ordered to facilitate Abrego García’s release.”
(That’s *literally* what #SCOTUS held.)
pacer-documents.s3.amazonaws.com/84/578815/09...
Well, the government describes as a “false premise” that it “has been ordered to facilitate Abrego García’s release.”
(That’s *literally* what #SCOTUS held.)
pacer-documents.s3.amazonaws.com/84/578815/09...
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
Republicans are claiming that noncitizens are voting in federal elections in such high numbers that it is necessary to dramatically reform voter registration processes.
Except that's not true. www.democracydocket.com/analysis/wha...
Except that's not true. www.democracydocket.com/analysis/wha...
What’s Really Behind Republicans' Push for Proof of Citizenship?
Republicans are perpetuating harmful myths to pass proof of citizenship requirements that serve their own ends.
www.democracydocket.com
April 22, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Republicans are claiming that noncitizens are voting in federal elections in such high numbers that it is necessary to dramatically reform voter registration processes.
Except that's not true. www.democracydocket.com/analysis/wha...
Except that's not true. www.democracydocket.com/analysis/wha...
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
I feel like I’m going a little crazy, everyone’s acting like things are normal. None of this is normal, presidents aren’t supposed to ignore the law.
I’m not a lawyer but this is pretty basic stuff
I’m not a lawyer but this is pretty basic stuff
March 21, 2025 at 11:18 PM
I feel like I’m going a little crazy, everyone’s acting like things are normal. None of this is normal, presidents aren’t supposed to ignore the law.
I’m not a lawyer but this is pretty basic stuff
I’m not a lawyer but this is pretty basic stuff
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
At some point normal people are going to notice that Trump is disassembling the federal government, right?
March 21, 2025 at 11:16 PM
At some point normal people are going to notice that Trump is disassembling the federal government, right?
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
This article clears up one important point: Paul Weiss' partners were in on this deal. I had thought (hoped) that this was an example of a misguided leader. Instead, Paul Weiss rank and file partners approved this course. They all bear the shame and responsibility. www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Why Law Firm Paul Weiss Pleaded Its Case With Trump, and Not With a Court
The capitulation by one of the top U.S. firms reflects deep worries that being threatened by the president could lead to financial ruin.
www.wsj.com
March 21, 2025 at 11:48 PM
This article clears up one important point: Paul Weiss' partners were in on this deal. I had thought (hoped) that this was an example of a misguided leader. Instead, Paul Weiss rank and file partners approved this course. They all bear the shame and responsibility. www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
NEW: A North Carolina appeals court heard argument in Jefferson Griffin’s ongoing bid to overturn his state Supreme Court election loss by tossing out 65k ballots.
“It's time for this election to come to an end," said a lawyer for Justice Allison Riggs.
“It's time for this election to come to an end," said a lawyer for Justice Allison Riggs.
‘The Right to Vote Is Not Absolute’: GOP Bid to Steal North Carolina Supreme Court Election Heard by Court of Appeals
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
March 22, 2025 at 12:45 AM
NEW: A North Carolina appeals court heard argument in Jefferson Griffin’s ongoing bid to overturn his state Supreme Court election loss by tossing out 65k ballots.
“It's time for this election to come to an end," said a lawyer for Justice Allison Riggs.
“It's time for this election to come to an end," said a lawyer for Justice Allison Riggs.
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
very minimal upside: maybe this embarassment will make clear to other firms that you cannot negotiate with trump
UPDATE: I obtained a copy of the firm-wide email and attachment that Brad Karp, the chairman of Paul Weiss, sent to employees on Thursday evening.
The documents detail the agreement Karp reached with the White House before Trump rescinded his executive order targeting the firm.
The documents detail the agreement Karp reached with the White House before Trump rescinded his executive order targeting the firm.
March 21, 2025 at 5:28 PM
very minimal upside: maybe this embarassment will make clear to other firms that you cannot negotiate with trump
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
I spoke with Rachel Cohen, the Skadden Arps associate whose resignation letter went viral. Her message for those in positions of power who are still staying mum:
“Their silence is not only not going to protect them, it is going to kill people.”
www.nbcnews.com/politics/tru...
“Their silence is not only not going to protect them, it is going to kill people.”
www.nbcnews.com/politics/tru...
March 22, 2025 at 12:34 AM
I spoke with Rachel Cohen, the Skadden Arps associate whose resignation letter went viral. Her message for those in positions of power who are still staying mum:
“Their silence is not only not going to protect them, it is going to kill people.”
www.nbcnews.com/politics/tru...
“Their silence is not only not going to protect them, it is going to kill people.”
www.nbcnews.com/politics/tru...
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
California Congressman Darrell Issa (R) filed a lawsuit challenging the Golden State's mail-in ballot receipt deadline, which permits ballots mailed back by Election Day to be counted if received by officials up to 7 days later.
Issa v. Weber
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
March 22, 2025 at 1:15 AM
California Congressman Darrell Issa (R) filed a lawsuit challenging the Golden State's mail-in ballot receipt deadline, which permits ballots mailed back by Election Day to be counted if received by officials up to 7 days later.
Death result of USAID shutdown in Burma
Pe Kha Lau was hospitalised for 3 years and dependent on oxygen.
She fell ill Saturday and asked to return to the hospital. Her daughter told Reuters through tears, “I had to tell her that there is no hospital."
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
Pe Kha Lau was hospitalised for 3 years and dependent on oxygen.
She fell ill Saturday and asked to return to the hospital. Her daughter told Reuters through tears, “I had to tell her that there is no hospital."
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
Burmese refugee dies after discharge from shut US-funded clinic, says family
A Burmese refugee with lung problems died after she was discharged from a U.S.-funded hospital on the Myanmar-Thai border that was ordered to close as a result of U.S. President Donald Trump's freeze on foreign aid, her family said.
www.reuters.com
February 10, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Death result of USAID shutdown in Burma
Pe Kha Lau was hospitalised for 3 years and dependent on oxygen.
She fell ill Saturday and asked to return to the hospital. Her daughter told Reuters through tears, “I had to tell her that there is no hospital."
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
Pe Kha Lau was hospitalised for 3 years and dependent on oxygen.
She fell ill Saturday and asked to return to the hospital. Her daughter told Reuters through tears, “I had to tell her that there is no hospital."
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
🚫🗣️ "Hungarian authorities should immediately drop misdemeanor charges against two journalists who were arrested in a parking lot as they waited to question Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and detained for three hours, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday."
More: cpj.org/2025/02/hung...
More: cpj.org/2025/02/hung...
February 3, 2025 at 7:49 PM
🚫🗣️ "Hungarian authorities should immediately drop misdemeanor charges against two journalists who were arrested in a parking lot as they waited to question Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and detained for three hours, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday."
More: cpj.org/2025/02/hung...
More: cpj.org/2025/02/hung...
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
💰🇺🇸🇦🇪 Hungary's government hopes Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will join a €12.3B “mini-Dubai” project in Budapest, led by Emirati billionaire Mohammed Alabbar. The plan called "Grand Budapest" features a 500m skyscraper—it would be the EU’s tallest.
Hungary Anticipates Trump’s Son-in-Law Joining Budapest Skyscraper Project - VSquare.org
Hungary's government is anticipating Jared Kushner’s future involvement in a controversial €12.3 billion "mini-Dubai" real estate project in Budapest, led by Emirati billionaire Mohammed Alabbar. The ...
vsquare.org
February 4, 2025 at 11:40 AM
💰🇺🇸🇦🇪 Hungary's government hopes Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will join a €12.3B “mini-Dubai” project in Budapest, led by Emirati billionaire Mohammed Alabbar. The plan called "Grand Budapest" features a 500m skyscraper—it would be the EU’s tallest.
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
THREAD: Heads up fellow feds #AltGov the Stalinist purge is getting worse at #USAID. Latest outrage: radical unelected bureaucrat Pete Marocco threatens to put USAID personnel on military planes and return them to US immediately #SaveUSAID abcnews.go.com/Politics/liv...
State Department moving to evacuate USAID staff worldwide: Sources
abcnews.go.com
February 4, 2025 at 10:15 PM
THREAD: Heads up fellow feds #AltGov the Stalinist purge is getting worse at #USAID. Latest outrage: radical unelected bureaucrat Pete Marocco threatens to put USAID personnel on military planes and return them to US immediately #SaveUSAID abcnews.go.com/Politics/liv...
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
"A core principle of the civil service is that you cannot be fired or dismissed or reassigned as a matter of political retaliation. That is exactly what is happening." @raskin.house.gov #USAID #forkoff
February 3, 2025 at 7:03 PM
"A core principle of the civil service is that you cannot be fired or dismissed or reassigned as a matter of political retaliation. That is exactly what is happening." @raskin.house.gov #USAID #forkoff
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
Former senior #USAID, @agawande.bsky.social tells FOX News on purge:
"It’s insane"
“A gift to our enemies"
"Ebola outbreak...Bird flu has broken out in 49 countries. Our efforts to contain them have all been shut down.”
"USAID was funding the treatment for 20 million people with HIV worldwide"
"It’s insane"
“A gift to our enemies"
"Ebola outbreak...Bird flu has broken out in 49 countries. Our efforts to contain them have all been shut down.”
"USAID was funding the treatment for 20 million people with HIV worldwide"
February 3, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Former senior #USAID, @agawande.bsky.social tells FOX News on purge:
"It’s insane"
“A gift to our enemies"
"Ebola outbreak...Bird flu has broken out in 49 countries. Our efforts to contain them have all been shut down.”
"USAID was funding the treatment for 20 million people with HIV worldwide"
"It’s insane"
“A gift to our enemies"
"Ebola outbreak...Bird flu has broken out in 49 countries. Our efforts to contain them have all been shut down.”
"USAID was funding the treatment for 20 million people with HIV worldwide"
Yes. This. Wonder why Russian media is so gleeful? ⬇️
February 5, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Yes. This. Wonder why Russian media is so gleeful? ⬇️
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
Just Security is doing important work. This is must-read, especially for federal workers.
www.justsecurity.org/107094/defer...
www.justsecurity.org/107094/defer...
Beware the "Deferred Resignation" Offer: A Legally Dubious Proposal for Federal Employees
The deferred resignation proposal sent to federal workers is fraught with practical and legal issues that present uncertainty for employees.
www.justsecurity.org
January 30, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Just Security is doing important work. This is must-read, especially for federal workers.
www.justsecurity.org/107094/defer...
www.justsecurity.org/107094/defer...
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
@justsecurity.org does it again. Helping us navigate the litigation landscape. Share widely.
www.justsecurity.org/107087/track...
www.justsecurity.org/107087/track...
Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions
A public resource tracking the legal challenges to the Trump administration's executive orders and actions.
www.justsecurity.org
January 29, 2025 at 10:39 PM
@justsecurity.org does it again. Helping us navigate the litigation landscape. Share widely.
www.justsecurity.org/107087/track...
www.justsecurity.org/107087/track...
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
The "How You Can Protect Democracy" guide is filled with concrete actions you can take to protect, nurture and improve our democracy.
Thank you to those who've shared their own actions and feedback on how to improve the guide! protectdemocracy.org/how-to-prote...
Thank you to those who've shared their own actions and feedback on how to improve the guide! protectdemocracy.org/how-to-prote...
How You Can Protect Democracy
29 concrete actions you can take right now to protect democracy.
protectdemocracy.org
January 30, 2025 at 1:00 AM
The "How You Can Protect Democracy" guide is filled with concrete actions you can take to protect, nurture and improve our democracy.
Thank you to those who've shared their own actions and feedback on how to improve the guide! protectdemocracy.org/how-to-prote...
Thank you to those who've shared their own actions and feedback on how to improve the guide! protectdemocracy.org/how-to-prote...
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
"Security agents" pulling an independent watchdog out of government after being illegally fired.
What would you say if you saw it in another country?
What would you say if you saw it in another country?
(Reuters) - Security agents escorted the inspector general of the U.S. Department of Agriculture out of her office on Monday after she refused to comply with her firing by the Trump administration, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
www.reuters.com/world/us/usd...
www.reuters.com/world/us/usd...
Exclusive: USDA inspector general escorted out of her office after defying White House
Security agents escorted the inspector general of the U.S. Department of Agriculture out of her office on Monday after she refused to comply with her firing by the Trump administration, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
www.reuters.com
January 29, 2025 at 9:35 PM
"Security agents" pulling an independent watchdog out of government after being illegally fired.
What would you say if you saw it in another country?
What would you say if you saw it in another country?
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
A federal employee calls bullshit on Musk’s “fork in the road” garbage. Extremely satisfying: slate.com/news-and-pol...
I Just Got Trump’s “Buyout” Offer at My Job. Let Me Tell You How That’s Going.
The new Trump administration’s effort to both get a grip on and dismantle the federal workforce has also been a dystopian farce.
slate.com
January 29, 2025 at 9:30 PM
A federal employee calls bullshit on Musk’s “fork in the road” garbage. Extremely satisfying: slate.com/news-and-pol...
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
SCOOP: the very first interview w/ one of the fired IG‘s about the Friday night massacre
A great get for us at @contrariannews.org & our partnership w/ @harrylitman.bsky.social & @talkingfeds.bsky.social
Check it out 👇
open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
A great get for us at @contrariannews.org & our partnership w/ @harrylitman.bsky.social & @talkingfeds.bsky.social
Check it out 👇
open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
BREAKING: Inspector General Mark Greenblatt in conversation with Harry Litman
Inspector General Greenblatt explains the outrageous "Friday night purge" of nearly 20 IGs, and what comes next
open.substack.com
January 26, 2025 at 11:18 PM
SCOOP: the very first interview w/ one of the fired IG‘s about the Friday night massacre
A great get for us at @contrariannews.org & our partnership w/ @harrylitman.bsky.social & @talkingfeds.bsky.social
Check it out 👇
open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
A great get for us at @contrariannews.org & our partnership w/ @harrylitman.bsky.social & @talkingfeds.bsky.social
Check it out 👇
open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
Reposted by Melissa Hooper
Donald Trump has promised retribution. When you hear that a Trump foe is under investigation, be skeptical. When you read about anonymous leaks against pro-democracy leaders, consider that it may be part of an effort to discredit their work. www.democracydocket.com/opinion/10-t...
Ten Things We Can All Do to Protect Democracy
From Marc | The most common question I receive is how everyday citizens can help in the fight for democracy.
www.democracydocket.com
January 27, 2025 at 3:09 AM
Donald Trump has promised retribution. When you hear that a Trump foe is under investigation, be skeptical. When you read about anonymous leaks against pro-democracy leaders, consider that it may be part of an effort to discredit their work. www.democracydocket.com/opinion/10-t...