Robert Woll
@robertwoll.bsky.social
Recovering lawyer. Worked for global law firms, 25+ years in Asia, WilmerHale alum, advising Sinotalks LLC (successor to Stanford Law School's China Guiding Cases Project). Interested in comp’ve & int’l law, national security, politics, sports & music.
Reposted by Robert Woll
Turning intel into a loyalty test is a recipe for bad intel.
New from me: Trump turns intel on US strikes on Iran into loyalty test
open.substack.com/pub/diplomat...
open.substack.com/pub/diplomat...
Trump turns Iran strike intel into loyalty test
‘Severely damaged.’ The CIA assesses that “Iran’s nuclear program has been severely damaged by the recent, targeted strikes,” CIA Director John Ratcliffe said.
open.substack.com
June 26, 2025 at 4:36 AM
Turning intel into a loyalty test is a recipe for bad intel.
Reposted by Robert Woll
I rarely post personal things. But I need to talk about my 4-year-old niece, Hope.
She has a rare disease. A drug called elamipretide has helped her survive.
But the FDA recently denied its approval.
Now, her health hangs in the balance.
Please share her story & urge the FDA to reconsider. 🧵
She has a rare disease. A drug called elamipretide has helped her survive.
But the FDA recently denied its approval.
Now, her health hangs in the balance.
Please share her story & urge the FDA to reconsider. 🧵
June 23, 2025 at 9:21 PM
I rarely post personal things. But I need to talk about my 4-year-old niece, Hope.
She has a rare disease. A drug called elamipretide has helped her survive.
But the FDA recently denied its approval.
Now, her health hangs in the balance.
Please share her story & urge the FDA to reconsider. 🧵
She has a rare disease. A drug called elamipretide has helped her survive.
But the FDA recently denied its approval.
Now, her health hangs in the balance.
Please share her story & urge the FDA to reconsider. 🧵
Reposted by Robert Woll
My take on the cruel and all too usual Republican budget: Ignores reality, endangers everyone, and makes safety-net remedies as complicated as possible—knowing and perhaps even intending that the result will be stunted and wrecked lives. @thebulwark.com www.thebulwark.com/p/republican...
The Party of ‘Denihilism’
Republicans are rejecting reality while embracing destruction—just look at the House budget megabill.
www.thebulwark.com
May 23, 2025 at 1:01 PM
My take on the cruel and all too usual Republican budget: Ignores reality, endangers everyone, and makes safety-net remedies as complicated as possible—knowing and perhaps even intending that the result will be stunted and wrecked lives. @thebulwark.com www.thebulwark.com/p/republican...
Reposted by Robert Woll
on.ft.com/4k7qN9W China and US agree to slash tariffs
May 12, 2025 at 7:19 AM
on.ft.com/4k7qN9W China and US agree to slash tariffs
Reposted by Robert Woll
Trump envoy relied on Kremlin interpreter in meetings with Putin to end war in Ukraine www.nbcnews.com/world/russia...
Trump envoy relied on Kremlin interpreter in meetings with Putin to end war in Ukraine
Using the Kremlin’s interpreter was “a very bad idea” that put Witkoff “at a real disadvantage,” Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, told NBC News.
www.nbcnews.com
May 11, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Trump envoy relied on Kremlin interpreter in meetings with Putin to end war in Ukraine www.nbcnews.com/world/russia...
Reposted by Robert Woll
Booksellers have faced censorship and harassment defending the freedom to read. Celebrate your local bookstore and support their ongoing role in safeguarding intellectual freedom.
press.princeton.edu/ideas/bookst...
#BookstoreDay
press.princeton.edu/ideas/bookst...
#BookstoreDay
April 26, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Booksellers have faced censorship and harassment defending the freedom to read. Celebrate your local bookstore and support their ongoing role in safeguarding intellectual freedom.
press.princeton.edu/ideas/bookst...
#BookstoreDay
press.princeton.edu/ideas/bookst...
#BookstoreDay
Reposted by Robert Woll
I wrote this week about how Trump’s threats and unpredictability risk pushing Europe and China closer together. A similar dynamic is playing out between India and China, despite decades of distrust.👇🏼
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
India edges closer to China, hedging against Trump’s unpredictability
Despite decades of distrust, India has become increasingly receptive to overtures from China.
www.washingtonpost.com
April 19, 2025 at 7:32 AM
I wrote this week about how Trump’s threats and unpredictability risk pushing Europe and China closer together. A similar dynamic is playing out between India and China, despite decades of distrust.👇🏼
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Reposted by Robert Woll
Deeply concerning: US citizen lawyer getting detained and his phone searched on reentering the U.S. at Customs. www.freep.com/story/news/l...
Lawyer for U-M protester detained at airport after spring break trip with family
Dearborn lawyer says feds tried to seize his cellphone at Detroit Metro Airport as he returned from spring break trip with his family.
www.freep.com
April 8, 2025 at 1:49 AM
Deeply concerning: US citizen lawyer getting detained and his phone searched on reentering the U.S. at Customs. www.freep.com/story/news/l...
Reposted by Robert Woll
A #BlueskyLullaby for tonight: Lines from Paul Simon's "American Tune"—what he calls his most political song—have stuck in my head of late. He wrote it as a solo number, but the best recording was from his 1981 reunion w/ Art Garfunkel in Central Park. See you around.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvSu...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvSu...
American Tune (Live at Central Park, New York, NY - September 19, 1981)
YouTube video by Simon & Garfunkel - Topic
www.youtube.com
April 6, 2025 at 4:57 AM
A #BlueskyLullaby for tonight: Lines from Paul Simon's "American Tune"—what he calls his most political song—have stuck in my head of late. He wrote it as a solo number, but the best recording was from his 1981 reunion w/ Art Garfunkel in Central Park. See you around.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvSu...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvSu...
Reposted by Robert Woll
Justice Department lawyer put on leave for being candid with the court.
It is important for judges and adversaries to understand that this is no longer the Justice Department they know, one that might confess error and exercise discretion. It is Trump's personal law firm
It is important for judges and adversaries to understand that this is no longer the Justice Department they know, one that might confess error and exercise discretion. It is Trump's personal law firm
Erez Reuveni argued on behalf of the Justice Department during Friday’s hearing in the Abrego Garcia case.
Reuveni has reportedly been placed on leave.
Here’s one exchange with the judge that may have contributed to his ouster:
Reuveni has reportedly been placed on leave.
Here’s one exchange with the judge that may have contributed to his ouster:
April 6, 2025 at 7:02 AM
Justice Department lawyer put on leave for being candid with the court.
It is important for judges and adversaries to understand that this is no longer the Justice Department they know, one that might confess error and exercise discretion. It is Trump's personal law firm
It is important for judges and adversaries to understand that this is no longer the Justice Department they know, one that might confess error and exercise discretion. It is Trump's personal law firm
Reposted by Robert Woll
A moment of serious concern for America’s Five Eyes partners:
“The director of the powerful wiretapping and cyberespionage service, the National Security Agency, was fired Thursday…The firings were advocated for by far-right activist Laura Loomer” www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
“The director of the powerful wiretapping and cyberespionage service, the National Security Agency, was fired Thursday…The firings were advocated for by far-right activist Laura Loomer” www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
National Security Agency chief ousted after far-right activist urged his removal
Gen. Timothy Haugh, the director of the NSA, the powerful wiretapping and cyberespionage service, was fired Thursday, according to U.S. officials.
www.washingtonpost.com
April 4, 2025 at 6:38 AM
A moment of serious concern for America’s Five Eyes partners:
“The director of the powerful wiretapping and cyberespionage service, the National Security Agency, was fired Thursday…The firings were advocated for by far-right activist Laura Loomer” www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
“The director of the powerful wiretapping and cyberespionage service, the National Security Agency, was fired Thursday…The firings were advocated for by far-right activist Laura Loomer” www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Reposted by Robert Woll
Just going to repost my essay "Decapitation Strike" essay from November. We are living through it now.
snyder.substack.com/p/decapitati...
snyder.substack.com/p/decapitati...
Decapitation Strike
Preserving America from Trump's Appointments
snyder.substack.com
March 25, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Just going to repost my essay "Decapitation Strike" essay from November. We are living through it now.
snyder.substack.com/p/decapitati...
snyder.substack.com/p/decapitati...
Reposted by Robert Woll
(WaPo) - The Social Security Administration website crashed four times in 10 days this month, blocking millions of retirees and disabled Americans from logging in to their online accounts ..
@washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
@washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
March 25, 2025 at 11:54 AM
(WaPo) - The Social Security Administration website crashed four times in 10 days this month, blocking millions of retirees and disabled Americans from logging in to their online accounts ..
@washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
@washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Robert Woll
I honestly don't understand how so many Americans, who won the biggest birth lottery there is, became such self-pitying whiners. But Donald Trump became their voice and their vengeance.
March 23, 2025 at 6:23 AM
I honestly don't understand how so many Americans, who won the biggest birth lottery there is, became such self-pitying whiners. But Donald Trump became their voice and their vengeance.
Reposted by Robert Woll
“‘It was so cowardly and despicable,’” said the Perkins associate. “‘They hung us out to dry. If the big firms had stuck together, I think we would have gotten through this. There’s strength in numbers.’”
‘Disgusted’ and ‘Betrayed’—Legal World Shaken by Trump’s Extortion
The decision by Paul Weiss to settle with the president has sent shockwaves through the firm and the broader legal community.
www.thebulwark.com
March 21, 2025 at 9:14 PM
“‘It was so cowardly and despicable,’” said the Perkins associate. “‘They hung us out to dry. If the big firms had stuck together, I think we would have gotten through this. There’s strength in numbers.’”
Reposted by Robert Woll
Do you get it yet, law firms?
What’s happening isn’t an isolated threat to Paul Weiss or Covington or Perkins Coie.
It’s an existential threat to the independence of the legal profession.
You’re a fool if you think you won’t be next.
Say something. Do something.
What’s happening isn’t an isolated threat to Paul Weiss or Covington or Perkins Coie.
It’s an existential threat to the independence of the legal profession.
You’re a fool if you think you won’t be next.
Say something. Do something.
March 22, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Do you get it yet, law firms?
What’s happening isn’t an isolated threat to Paul Weiss or Covington or Perkins Coie.
It’s an existential threat to the independence of the legal profession.
You’re a fool if you think you won’t be next.
Say something. Do something.
What’s happening isn’t an isolated threat to Paul Weiss or Covington or Perkins Coie.
It’s an existential threat to the independence of the legal profession.
You’re a fool if you think you won’t be next.
Say something. Do something.
Reposted by Robert Woll
I don’t see how, unless our entire profession stands shoulder-to-shoulder in unity, we successfully push back against this effort to break our profession and our democracy.
Cowering & compromising won’t work. He is attacking us for the success of our work.
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Cowering & compromising won’t work. He is attacking us for the success of our work.
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court
MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY SUBJECT: Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court Lawyers
www.whitehouse.gov
March 22, 2025 at 5:32 PM
I don’t see how, unless our entire profession stands shoulder-to-shoulder in unity, we successfully push back against this effort to break our profession and our democracy.
Cowering & compromising won’t work. He is attacking us for the success of our work.
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Cowering & compromising won’t work. He is attacking us for the success of our work.
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Reposted by Robert Woll
Tonight, hours after the Paul Weiss news broke, an associate at Skadden Arps sent a firm-wide email:
"Please consider this email my two week notice, revocable if the firm comes up with a satisfactory response to the current moment...We do not have time. It is now or it is never..."
"Please consider this email my two week notice, revocable if the firm comes up with a satisfactory response to the current moment...We do not have time. It is now or it is never..."
March 21, 2025 at 6:20 AM
Tonight, hours after the Paul Weiss news broke, an associate at Skadden Arps sent a firm-wide email:
"Please consider this email my two week notice, revocable if the firm comes up with a satisfactory response to the current moment...We do not have time. It is now or it is never..."
"Please consider this email my two week notice, revocable if the firm comes up with a satisfactory response to the current moment...We do not have time. It is now or it is never..."
Reposted by Robert Woll
A leader emerges. Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber: “The Trump administration’s recent attack on Columbia University puts all of that at risk, presenting the greatest threat to American universities since the Red Scare of the 1950s. Every American should be concerned.”
The Cost of the Government’s Attack on Columbia
American universities have given the country prosperity and security. The Trump administration’s attack on academic freedom endangers all of that.
www.theatlantic.com
March 19, 2025 at 12:12 PM
A leader emerges. Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber: “The Trump administration’s recent attack on Columbia University puts all of that at risk, presenting the greatest threat to American universities since the Red Scare of the 1950s. Every American should be concerned.”
Reposted by Robert Woll
NEW—The Art of the Bogus Peace Deal:
"This is a time for Ukraine supporters in the United States and in the rest of the free world to stand firm against any push for a 'peace' that amounts to Ukraine's capitulation."
www.thebulwark.com/p/the-art-of...
"This is a time for Ukraine supporters in the United States and in the rest of the free world to stand firm against any push for a 'peace' that amounts to Ukraine's capitulation."
www.thebulwark.com/p/the-art-of...
The Art of the Bogus Peace Deal
Trump-Putin phone call creates confusion, not goodwill.
www.thebulwark.com
March 19, 2025 at 8:26 AM
NEW—The Art of the Bogus Peace Deal:
"This is a time for Ukraine supporters in the United States and in the rest of the free world to stand firm against any push for a 'peace' that amounts to Ukraine's capitulation."
www.thebulwark.com/p/the-art-of...
"This is a time for Ukraine supporters in the United States and in the rest of the free world to stand firm against any push for a 'peace' that amounts to Ukraine's capitulation."
www.thebulwark.com/p/the-art-of...
Reposted by Robert Woll
Scientists have just cured pancreatic cancer in some patients with personalized mRNA vaccines. Pancreatic cancer. And this Trump administration wants to throw it all away.
They’re throwing away a cure for cancer.
They’re throwing away a cure for cancer.
Exclusive: NIH officials have advised scientists to remove reference to mRNA vaccines from their grant applications, in expectation the Trump administration intends to abandon most research in the field.
By @arthurallen202.bsky.social
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
By @arthurallen202.bsky.social
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Scientists Say NIH Officials Told Them To Scrub mRNA References on Grants - KFF Health News
Two senior scientists say National Institutes of Health officials advised them to remove references to mRNA vaccines in grant applications, and they fear the Trump administration will abandon a promis...
kffhealthnews.org
March 17, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Scientists have just cured pancreatic cancer in some patients with personalized mRNA vaccines. Pancreatic cancer. And this Trump administration wants to throw it all away.
They’re throwing away a cure for cancer.
They’re throwing away a cure for cancer.
Reposted by Robert Woll
We're only seven weeks in. It's a lead-pipe lock that before this is over, we'll have a confrontation between a D governor and Trump over the state's National Guard.
Take that to the bank.
Take that to the bank.
I am begging blue state governors to have lunch this week with your adjutant general of the National Guard.
Cannot stress enough how important this relationship is going to be in the near future.
Cannot stress enough how important this relationship is going to be in the near future.
March 17, 2025 at 1:12 AM
We're only seven weeks in. It's a lead-pipe lock that before this is over, we'll have a confrontation between a D governor and Trump over the state's National Guard.
Take that to the bank.
Take that to the bank.
Reposted by Robert Woll
Two days later, everyone at VOA has reportedly been fired.
REPORTER: What about the president's plan to expel Palestinians out of Gaza?
TRUMP: Nobody is expelling any Palestinians. Who are you with?
REPORTER: I'm with Voice of America, sir.
TRUMP: Oh, no wonder.
TRUMP: Nobody is expelling any Palestinians. Who are you with?
REPORTER: I'm with Voice of America, sir.
TRUMP: Oh, no wonder.
March 15, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Two days later, everyone at VOA has reportedly been fired.
Reposted by Robert Woll
We are used to talking about Trump and Musk as autocratic and fascistic; we say a lot about how they are trampling on the Constitution, undermining American democracy, kissing up to dictators, and making the world more dangerous.
But we should also say much more often and openly that they are evil.
But we should also say much more often and openly that they are evil.
"You never forget the sight of children starving to death."
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Opinion | Musk Said No One Has Died Since Aid Was Cut. That Isn’t True. (Gift Article)
A journey through the front lines of global poverty shows that when the world’s richest men slash aid for the world’s poorest children, the result is sickness, starvation and death.
www.nytimes.com
March 16, 2025 at 1:12 AM
We are used to talking about Trump and Musk as autocratic and fascistic; we say a lot about how they are trampling on the Constitution, undermining American democracy, kissing up to dictators, and making the world more dangerous.
But we should also say much more often and openly that they are evil.
But we should also say much more often and openly that they are evil.