Secrets and Laws

Winner winner chicken dinner.

bsky.app/profile/ronf...

So the DOD IG concluded that Hegseth:

✅ endangered our service members;
✅ knowingly shared info that had been classified on Signal;
✅ obstructed the investigation;
✅ violated multiple DOD regulations; and
✅ basically did what Hillary did but A LOT worse.

Total exoneration!

With apologies to the DOD IG, in the appendix he says he did think about looking into Hegseth's use of Signal for other matters, but when Hegseth refused to turn over his phone, the IG just said "okay cool, works for me."

Really unbelievable that an IG would take this stance.

Democrats should be focusing on (a) and (b).

Before applauding the DOD IG too much, it's fairly absurd that he did not:

(a) launch a broader investigation into Hegseth's use of Signal - what else did he compromise?;
(b) take him to task for his non-cooperation; &
(c) try to get the full Signal chats from other agency IGs.

At most, the fact that he had declassification authority would complicate a potential Espionage Act prosecution, but I sorta doubt Trump's Eastern District of Virginia was interested in pursuing that anyway.

There's an entire DOD policy on declassification procedures (enclosure 5 here). Hegseth did none of that.

www.dodig.mil/Portals/48/D...

Information can only be declassified if the declassification authority determines:

(a) it no longer meets the standards for classification; or
(b) the public interest in disclosure outweighs the harm.

Hegseth did neither here. He just recklessly shared it with his Signal bros.

That Hegseth had declassification authority is largely irrelevant in Signalgate for two reasons:

First, it doesn't change the fact that he put US service members in danger.

Second, he never claimed that he exercised that authority, nor followed any processes for doing so.

We’ve had corrupt presidents before (for example: the Nixon-ITT scandal, Clinton’s pardon of Marc Rich, etc.),
but Trump is our first affirmatively pro-corruption, pro-bribery president.
Promoting corruption is Trump’s central policy achievement.

Employees do have 5th Amendment rights, but there are processes in place for addressing that, explained here. Will be interesting to see if the IG pursued anything like that (which would start by seeking a declination from DOJ).

Even then, he couldn't refuse to turn over his phone under the 5th.

Any federal employee who did this would be fired.

Seems like a good time for a reminder that Ratcliffe likely committed perjury when he testified he that he did not reveal classified information in the Signal chat. Perhaps someone should issue a criminal referral on that?

We've known Hegseth shared classified information over Signal, likely at the SECRET level, from the very beginning. See below for a refresher. But it'll be nice to see the DOD IG report confirm that.

On the left: Hegseth's message.

On the right: the applicable CENTCOM classification guide provisions.

This is all very plainly classified at the SECRET level.

They all lied. They should all lose their jobs.

Context:

bsky.app/profile/bloo...

Awkward…

@PeteHegseth on X: The video made by the “Seditious Six” was despicable, reckless, and false. Encouraging our warriors to ignore the orders of their Commanders undermines every aspect of “good order and discipline.” Their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion — which only puts our warriors in danger. Five of the six individuals in that video do not fall under @DeptofWar jurisdiction (one is CIA and four are former military but not “retired”, so they are no longer subject to UCMJ). However, Mark Kelly (retired Navy Commander) is still subject to UCMJ—and he knows that. As was announced, the Department is reviewing his statements and actions, which were addressed directly to all troops while explicitly using his rank and service affiliation—lending the appearance of authority to his words. Kelly’s conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately. 24 Nov 25

This is likely unlawful command influence

I'm shocked -- shocked -- to learn that the guy in charge of the Ukraine peace plan debacle was also in charge of COVID testing and PPE early in the pandemic.

Remember, the FBI reportedly created a spreadsheet of the all the references to Trump in the Epstein files. It's imperative for Democrats to demand that the Trump List be released along with the files. Otherwise you can rest assured that they will redact every reference to him.

The Epstein Cover-Up at the FBI Inside the chaotic review process of the Epstein and Maxwell files at the Bureau

Refresher from @muellershewrote.com:

www.muellershewrote.com/p/the-epstei...

Remember, the FBI reportedly created a spreadsheet of the all the references to Trump in the Epstein files. It's imperative for Democrats to demand that the Trump List be released along with the files. Otherwise you can rest assured that they will redact every reference to him.

NEW: The White House intervened in a DHS investigation.

The target? Sex offender Andrew Tate.

The WH person? Paul “Nazi Streak” Ingrassia.

Who was previously also Tate’s lawyer.

A banger from @robert-faturechi.bsky.social & Avi Asher-Shapiro

www.propublica.org/article/andr...

Which is one reason why the Trump Administration is going through so much effort to stop it (the other being that owning the Libs and ruining the planet gives them pleasure).

We have an entrant! But they made the rookie mistake of announcing their intent with one month to go. Still plenty of time for others to jump in.

bsky.app/profile/pbsn...

And bad base running loses championships.

As I was saying..

Defense wins championships, even in baseball.

DOJ places on leave 2 prosecutors who said 'mob' of 'rioters' carried out Jan. 6 attack Two federal prosecutors have been told they will be put on leave after filing a brief that described the Jan. 6, 2021, attackers a "mob of rioters," sources say.

abcnews.go.com/US/doj-place...

If you work for the Trump/Bondi Justice Department and tell the truth, you will be fired.

Federal judges should take note.