LIVE: Popok Gives URGENT UPDATE on Breaking Legal news | 1/13/2026
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Ten senior Department of Justice leaders and prosecutors resigned or were fired due to alleged political interference by the Trump administration.
- ❖Joe Thompson, the US Attorney in Minneapolis, and his lieutenants resigned after being ordered to criminally investigate Becca Good, the grieving widow of Renee Good, who was killed by an ICE agent.
- ❖Six major leaders in the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ resigned after Harit Dylan, the division leader, refused to investigate the ICE agent, Jonathan Ross, involved in Renee Good's death.
- ❖Robert K. McBride, the de facto US Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, was fired for refusing to prosecute James Comey while also managing the office.
- ❖California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced his 54th lawsuit against the Trump administration, specifically challenging an improper condition on funding that targets transgender Americans.
- ❖AG Bonta also secured a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration's attempt to withhold $10 billion in child welfare and social services funding from five blue states based on unsubstantiated fraud allegations.
- ❖A criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell, initiated by the Trump administration, backfired, leading to widespread support for Powell from international central bankers and Senate Republicans, who vowed to block Trump's Fed nominees.
- ❖Senator Mark Kelly filed a federal lawsuit against Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump for allegedly calling for his hanging and accusing him of war crimes after Kelly participated in a video reminding service members of their constitutional oath.
Insights
1Mass Resignations at DOJ Over Political Interference
At least 10 senior Department of Justice officials, including US Attorney Joe Thompson and his two lieutenants in Minneapolis, resigned. Thompson's resignation was reportedly due to an order from 'Main Justice' to criminally investigate Becca Good, the widow of Renee Good, who was killed by an ICE agent. This order was seen as an attempt to create a narrative supporting the ICE agent and framing Becca Good as a 'left-wing agitator.' Separately, six senior prosecutors in the Civil Rights Division also resigned after their leader, Harit Dylan, refused to investigate the ICE agent involved in Renee Good's death, despite video evidence.
Host Michael Popac's reporting on the resignations of Joe Thompson and his lieutenants, and the Civil Rights Division prosecutors, citing alleged orders and refusals to investigate.
2State Attorneys General Lead Legal Fortress Against Trump Administration
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced his 54th lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging an improper condition on state funding that requires states to 'erase' the existence of transgender Americans. This lawsuit, filed in the District of Rhode Island, alleges violations of the separation of powers and the Administrative Procedures Act. Bonta also secured a temporary restraining order in New York, blocking the Trump administration's attempt to withhold $10 billion in critical safety net funding from five blue states (New York, Illinois, California, Minnesota, Colorado) based on unsubstantiated fraud allegations.
AG Rob Bonta's statements regarding the 54th lawsuit concerning transgender rights and the temporary restraining order on child welfare funding.
3Jay Powell Investigation Backfires, Unites Allies
A criminal investigation opened against Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell, reportedly leaked by the Trump administration, regarding alleged cost overruns and perjury related to a building renovation. This move, intended to force Powell's resignation, instead prompted a strong public defense from Powell, who framed it as an attack on the Fed's independence. This led to a rallying of support from more than 20 international central bankers and Senate Republicans on the Banking Committee, who vowed to block any of Trump's Federal Reserve nominees until the investigation is dropped, effectively securing Powell's position.
Jay Powell's public statement (, ) and Popac's analysis of the political backlash and Senate Republican response.
4Senator Mark Kelly Sues Over Alleged Threats and Chilling of Speech
Senator Mark Kelly filed a federal lawsuit against Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump. This action followed Trump's social media posts suggesting Kelly 'should be hanged' and Hegseth's claims of 'war crimes' after Kelly participated in a video reminding military service members of their constitutional oath to defy illegal orders. Kelly's lawsuit aims to stop the censure and criminal charges, asserting that his First Amendment rights and legislative oversight powers are being compromised by the executive branch.
Senator Mark Kelly's statements about his lawsuit and the reasons for filing it, citing threats and accusations from Trump and Hegseth.
Bottom Line
The coordinated legal strategy among Democratic Attorneys General demonstrates a robust, multi-state 'legal fortress' capable of consistently challenging and often overturning federal executive actions deemed unlawful or politically motivated.
This collective action provides a significant counter-balance to executive overreach, particularly when the federal Department of Justice is perceived as compromised, ensuring a continued defense of civil liberties and state sovereignty.
This model of inter-state legal collaboration could be expanded to address other national issues where federal action is lacking or perceived as detrimental, creating a powerful decentralized legal advocacy network.
The backlash against the criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell highlights the deep-seated institutional value placed on the independence of the Federal Reserve, even by political actors who might otherwise align with the executive.
Attacks on key independent institutions like the Fed can trigger unexpected alliances across the political spectrum, as the perceived threat to economic stability and global financial trust outweighs partisan loyalties.
Understanding these 'red lines' for institutional independence can inform strategies for defending other critical government functions from political interference, by identifying and mobilizing diverse stakeholders who prioritize stability and rule of law.
Lessons
- Monitor local and state legal actions: Pay attention to lawsuits filed by state Attorneys General as they often serve as a primary defense against federal executive overreach.
- Support independent institutions: Recognize and advocate for the independence of critical government bodies like the Federal Reserve, as their autonomy is crucial for stability and fair governance.
- Stay informed on civil liberties: Be aware of how federal actions, particularly those involving law enforcement agencies like ICE, can impact First Amendment rights and due process for citizens.
Notable Moments
Joe Thompson, US Attorney in Minneapolis, and his two lieutenants resigned rather than criminally investigate Becca Good, the grieving widow of Renee Good.
This act of defiance by career prosecutors against a direct order from 'Main Justice' underscores a severe ethical crisis and political pressure within the Department of Justice.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell publicly defended the Fed's independence against a criminal investigation, leading to widespread support from central bankers and Senate Republicans.
Powell's unexpected public stand demonstrated the resilience of institutional independence and exposed a significant miscalculation by the executive branch regarding the political cost of attacking the Fed.
Quotes
"I count 10 senior Department of Justice leaders and prosecutors resigning or being fired related to the Trump administration's attempts to either prosecute political rivals or critics or to cover up the stench of yet another scandal."
"What young mother shows up and decides they're going to throw their car in front of ICE officers who are enforcing legitimate law? You've got to be a little brainwashed to get to that point..."
"We have shown time and time again for California, it's been 54 times in less than a year, that when we fight, we win."
"The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public rather than following the preferences of the president."
"I had to file this lawsuit because I need to be standing up for all Americans, not just myself."
Q&A
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