American lawyer and former FBI director
The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly transmitting a threat against President Trump through a social media post showing seashells arranged to read “86 47.” The indictment marks a second case against Comey and comes amid broader discourse about political targeting within the DOJ and responses from Trump allies and critics.
The investigation into former CIA director John Brennan has gained momentum, with FBI agents interviewing current and former CIA officers about Brennan’s role in producing a 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment that referenced the Steele dossier. Prosecutors are examining whether Brennan gave false testimony to Congress and how the dossier influenced the report.
A review of fresh court actions shows renewed grand jury activity and ongoing prosecutions across several cases. In Chicago, prosecutors have faced questions about how they handled a grand jury while pursuing charges against protesters; in Arizona, a separate case involving fake electors awaits a grand jury decision; and other venues see judges, prosecutors and defense lawyers navigating new rulings and delays as cases adapt to evolving legal challenges.
Former national security adviser John Bolton has reportedly agreed to plead guilty to illegally retaining sensitive national security documents and will pay a fine exceeding $2 million, according to CNN. He is set for a Maryland rearraignment on June 26. The development follows an 2025 indictment on 18 counts related to mishandling classified material.
The New York Times, The Guardian, CNBC, Al Jazeera and other outlets report that Donald Trump has nominated Todd Blanche to serve as attorney general, moving from acting to permanent head of the Justice Department. The nomination faces a Senate confirmation battle amid scrutiny of Blanche’s ties to the Epstein files, the $1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund and past actions at the DOJ.
The Guardian, Independent, and NY Post report that Donald Trump has nominated Todd Blanche to serve permanently as attorney general. Blanche, who has been acting AG since April, would require Senate confirmation. Reports describe his role in pursuing cases against Trump’s rivals and in high-profile DOJ actions, including a controversial fund related to Trump allies that was later axed.
Vandalism has spread across the grass near the World War II Memorial, with the marking 8647 appearing in brown grass. Park Police and National Guard have responded; grass samples have been collected and the investigation is ongoing. The slogan 8647 is tied to anti-Trump sentiment and is under review by authorities.
U.S. forces have carried out an airstrike that has killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as Niño Guerrero, the leader of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, U.S. and Venezuelan officials have said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump have said the operation targeted a compound in Bolívar state earlier this week and involved coordination with Venezuelan security forces.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has said federal agents have contacted friends, former staff and donors tied to him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and has accused President Donald Trump of ordering a politically motivated investigation as he considers a 2028 presidential run. Multiple outlets report the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California has been handling separate inquiries that began with local whistleblower tips, including probes into the first partner’s taxes and former chief of staff Dana Williamson, who pleaded guilty to federal charges.
Former national security adviser John Bolton has pleaded guilty in a Maryland federal court to illegally retaining classified information. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 28, with a maximum five-year sentence and a $2.25 million fine. He has agreed to debriefing, community service, and forfeiture of his federal pension.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is questioning Todd Blanche, acting attorney general, about his past with Trump, the handling of the Epstein files, and a controversial $1.8 billion fund; Republicans and Democrats press on independence and accountability as the nomination moves forward.
Kathryn Ruemmler has testified before the House Oversight Committee, acknowledging a long relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and saying he used her to legitimize his standing. She has stepped down from Goldman Sachs but remains as senior adviser. Lawmakers are pursuing further depositions and documents as part of a broad probe into Epstein’s network.
Western Washington U.S. attorney Roger Rogoff has been fired by the Trump administration shortly after his confirmation by district judges. Rogoff has filed suit arguing the ouster was unlawful and that judges retain appointment authority until a Senate-confirmed nominee is ready. The Justice Department says the firing is within the President’s authority and accedes to the district’s appointment process.
The Guardian reports deadly ICE incidents amid growing calls to abolish ICE and hold officials to account. Victims’ families urge prosecutions and retroactive liability, signaling a broader push for systemic reform and legal repercussions for those involved.
Comey’s legal team has filed new motions alleging misconduct in the government’s prosecution, calling it vindictive and selective and seeking transcripts and evidence to challenge the indictment. The articles describe alleged malfeasance in how investigators handled the seashells post and related searches, with prosecutors defending the case as a lawful prosecution.
The Senate Homeland Security Committee has voted 8–5 to hold Dr Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he invoked the Fifth Amendment repeatedly during a hearing on pandemic decisions and the origins of COVID‑19. Chairman Rand Paul has authorised sending the committees report to the DC US attorney for possible prosecution and has threatened to certify the citation to the Senate president if the chamber is not in session.
Todd Blanche has been confirmed as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, ending weeks of Republican opposition surrounding the handling of Epstein documents and an anti-weaponization fund. Cassidy voted in favor; Collins and Murkowski opposed. Blanche will lead the DOJ, continuing the department’s alignment with the White House while facing scrutiny from survivors and critics.
The Senate has advanced a 90-6 stopgap that funds the government at current levels through Dec. 11 and blocks the White House from transferring funds to the Border Patrol. It delays a one-month hemp ban and would not include money for early work on Trump’s battleships. The House must still approve the measure before it heads to President Trump’s desk.