Eric Tucker, The Associated Press

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Another federal judge expresses skepticism over Trump law firm executive orders

Another federal judge expresses skepticism over Trump law firm executive orders

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Another federal judge in Washington has expressed skepticism on the legality of President Donald Trump's executive order targeting a prominent law firm, saying he was concerned that the clear purpose of the edict was punishment.

Two major law firms urge judges to permanently block Trump's executive orders

Two major law firms urge judges to permanently block Trump's executive orders

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Two major law firms asked separate judges Wednesday to permanently block President Donald Trump's executive orders that were meant to punish them and harm their business operations.

Federal judge expresses deep skepticism over Trump law firm executive order

Federal judge expresses deep skepticism over Trump law firm executive order

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal judge expressed deep skepticism Wednesday over a President Donald Trump executive order targeting a prominent law firm, signaling that she was inclined to grant a request to permanently block its enforcement.

Law firms fighting Trump to ask judges to permanently block executive orders

Law firms fighting Trump to ask judges to permanently block executive orders

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Two major law firms are expected to ask separate judges on Wednesday to permanently block President Donald Trump's executive orders that were designed to punish them and hurt their business operations.

Justice Department sharply criticizes judge who blocked enforcement of an order targeting a law firm

Justice Department sharply criticizes judge who blocked enforcement of an order targeting a law firm

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department is sharply criticizing a judge who halted enforcement of a White House executive order meant to punish a prominent law firm, continuing a pattern of Trump administration attacks on the judiciary over decisions that officials don't like.

Justice Department suggests US agencies are free to disregard judge's order in law firm dispute

Justice Department suggests US agencies are free to disregard judge's order in law firm dispute

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department has suggested to federal agencies that they are free to disregard a judge's ruling that halted enforcement of a White House executive order meant to punish a prominent law firm.

About 500 law firms sign brief challenging Trump's executive orders targeting the legal community

About 500 law firms sign brief challenging Trump's executive orders targeting the legal community

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump's executive orders targeting the legal community pose "a grave threat to our system of constitutional governance and to the rule of law itself," according to a court filing submitted Friday by more than 500 law firms.

Law firms fear Trump orders could affect security clearances of lawyers who are military reservists

Law firms fear Trump orders could affect security clearances of lawyers who are military reservists

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump says his executive orders targeting law firms are being issued in the name of national security, with the White House asserting that the firms don't deserve access to sensitive U.S. government information.

Major international law firm reaches deal with White House, becoming the latest to do so

Major international law firm reaches deal with White House, becoming the latest to do so

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Another major international law firm has reached a deal with President Donald Trump to dedicate at least $100 million in free legal services to causes such as supporting veterans and combating antisemitism, the White House and the law firm announced Tuesday.

A look at the judge who blocked Trump's deportations and is now facing calls for impeachment

A look at the judge who blocked Trump's deportations and is now facing calls for impeachment

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The federal judge who ruled against Donald Trump's deportation plans and is now facing calls for his impeachment is no stranger to politically fraught cases -- including ones involving the president.

Law firm sues over Trump executive order that seeks to suspend security clearances

Law firm sues over Trump executive order that seeks to suspend security clearances

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A law firm targeted by President Donald Trump over its legal services during the 2016 presidential campaign sued the federal government Tuesday over an executive order that seeks to strip its attorneys of security clearances.

Trump targets security clearances of law firm over actions related to 2016 Russia investigation

Trump targets security clearances of law firm over actions related to 2016 Russia investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump said Thursday he was moving to suspend the security clearances of attorneys at a prominent law firm linked to Democratic-funded opposition research during the 2016 presidential campaign into ties between the Republican candidate and Russia.

Trump targets security clearances of law firm entangled in 2016 Russia investigation

Trump targets security clearances of law firm entangled in 2016 Russia investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump said Thursday he was suspending the security clearances of attorneys at a prominent law firm involved in launching since-discredited opposition research during the 2016 presidential campaign into any ties between the Republican candidate and Russia.

FBI committed to bringing home American hostages held in foreign countries, director says

FBI committed to bringing home American hostages held in foreign countries, director says

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The FBI will work to "zero out" the population of Americans detained or held hostage in foreign countries, Director Kash Patel said Thursday at a State Department ceremony honoring the hostage community and their families.

Senate panel advances nomination of Kash Patel, Trump's pick to lead the FBI

Senate panel advances nomination of Kash Patel, Trump's pick to lead the FBI

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines on Thursday to advance the nomination of Kash Patel, Donald Trump's pick for FBI director, pushing past Democratic concerns that he would operate as a loyalist for the president and target perceived adversaries of the White House.

Pardons by Trump and Biden reveal distrust of each other and wobbly faith in criminal justice system

Pardons by Trump and Biden reveal distrust of each other and wobbly faith in criminal justice system

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A day that began with the outgoing president's pardon of lawmakers and his own family ended with the incoming president's pardon of supporters who violently stormed the U.S. Capitol four years ago.

Key career officials at Justice Department reassigned to different positions, AP sources say

Key career officials at Justice Department reassigned to different positions, AP sources say

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department has reassigned key senior officials across multiple divisions as part of a leadership shakeup ahead of the expected confirmation of President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, Pam Bondi, multiple people familiar with the matter said Tuesday.

Key career officials at Justice Department reassigned to different positions, AP source says

Key career officials at Justice Department reassigned to different positions, AP source says

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department has reassigned key senior officials across multiple divisions as part of a leadership shakeup ahead of the expected confirmation of President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, Pam Bondi.

Trump moves to revoke clearances of ex-intel officials who signed letter on Hunter Biden laptop

Trump moves to revoke clearances of ex-intel officials who signed letter on Hunter Biden laptop

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump says his administration will move to revoke the security clearances of the more than four dozen former intelligence officials who signed a 2020 letter saying that the Hunter Biden laptop saga bore the hallmarks of a "Russian information operation."

Trump moves to suspend clearances of ex-intel officials who signed letter on Hunter Biden laptop

Trump moves to suspend clearances of ex-intel officials who signed letter on Hunter Biden laptop

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump says his administration will move to suspend the security clearances of the more than four dozen former intelligence officials who signed a 2020 letter saying that the Hunter Biden laptop saga bore the hallmarks of a "Russian information operation."

US must not become complacent to a growing terrorism threat, a Counterterrorism Center official says

US must not become complacent to a growing terrorism threat, a Counterterrorism Center official says

McLEAN, Va. (AP) -- Brett Holmgren got woken up early on New Year's Day by alerts that a driver had plowed into a crowd of revelers in New Orleans.

Biden speaks with relatives of Americans held by Taliban, but deal to bring them home still elusive

Biden speaks with relatives of Americans held by Taliban, but deal to bring them home still elusive

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Joe Biden spoke Sunday with relatives of three Americans the U.S. government is looking to bring home from Afghanistan, but it was unclear from the call if a deal to bring them back that is now on the table could be completed before the he leaves office next week.

Special counsel Jack Smith has resigned after submitting his Trump report, Justice Department says

Special counsel Jack Smith has resigned after submitting his Trump report, Justice Department says

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Special counsel Jack Smith has resigned from the Justice Department after submitting his investigative report on President-elect Donald Trump, an expected move that comes amid legal wrangling over how much of that document can be made public in the days ahead.

Judge who blocked release of Trump report was 'plainly' wrong, special counsel tells appeals court

Judge who blocked release of Trump report was 'plainly' wrong, special counsel tells appeals court

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department has asked a federal appeals court to move swiftly in reversing a judge's order that had blocked the agency from releasing any part of special counsel Jack Smith's investigative report on President-elect Donald Trump.

FBI must be independent and above the partisan fray, outgoing director says in farewell address

FBI must be independent and above the partisan fray, outgoing director says in farewell address

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The FBI must remain independent, above the partisan fray and "committed to upholding the rule of law," outgoing Director Christopher Wray said in a farewell address just days before his expected retirement at the conclusion of the Biden administration following more than seven years on the job.

Judge temporarily blocks release of special counsel report on Trump cases as court fight simmers

Judge temporarily blocks release of special counsel report on Trump cases as court fight simmers

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked the public release of special counsel Jack Smith's report on investigations into Donald Trump as an appeals court weighs a challenge to the disclosure of a much-anticipated document just days before the president-elect reclaims office.

Judge temporarily blocks release of special counsel report on Trump cases amid simmering court fight

Judge temporarily blocks release of special counsel report on Trump cases amid simmering court fight

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal judge has temporarily blocked the public release of special counsel Jack Smith's report on investigations into President-elect Donald Trump as an appeals court weighs a challenge.

New Orleans attack came at a time of political heat, and transition, for the FBI

New Orleans attack came at a time of political heat, and transition, for the FBI

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Joining law enforcement officials to update the public in the hours after a man killed 14 people and injured dozens of others in New Orleans, Louisiana's junior Republican senator, John Kennedy, implored the FBI to "catch these people" -- and then added one more eyebrow-raising request of the federal government.

Jack Smith finalizing Trump investigation report that could be released as early as Friday

Jack Smith finalizing Trump investigation report that could be released as early as Friday

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Special counsel Jack Smith said Tuesday that his team was finalizing a two-volume report on its investigations into President-elect Donald Trump and that at least one volume of it could be released by the Justice Department as early as Friday.

New Orleans attack came as the FBI was facing political heat and bracing for a transition

New Orleans attack came as the FBI was facing political heat and bracing for a transition

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Joining law enforcement officials to update the public in the hours after a man killed 14 people and injured dozens of others in New Orleans, Louisiana's junior Republican senator, John Kennedy, implored the FBI to "catch these people" -- and then added one more eyebrow-raising request of the federal government.

FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign before Trump takes office in January

FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign before Trump takes office in January

WASHINGTON (AP) -- FBI Director Christopher Wray told bureau workers Wednesday that he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden's term in January, an announcement that came a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump said he would nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the job.

FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign at the end of Biden's term in January

FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign at the end of Biden's term in January

WASHINGTON (AP) -- FBI Director Christopher Wray told bureau workers Wednesday he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden's term in January, an announcement that came a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump said he would nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the job.

FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign at end of Biden's term in January

FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign at end of Biden's term in January

WASHINGTON (AP) -- FBI Director Christopher Wray said Wednesday he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden's term in January, an announcement that came a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the job.

Trump's FBI pick has plans to reshape the bureau. This is what Kash Patel has said he wants to do

Trump's FBI pick has plans to reshape the bureau. This is what Kash Patel has said he wants to do

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Kash Patel has been well-known for years within Donald Trump's orbit as a loyal supporter who shares the president-elect's skepticism of the FBI and intelligence community. But he's receiving fresh attention, from the public and from Congress, now that Trump has picked him to lead the FBI.

Trump says he'll nominate Kash Patel as FBI director to remake the agency. Here's what happens next

Trump says he'll nominate Kash Patel as FBI director to remake the agency. Here's what happens next

President-elect Donald Trump's stunning announcement on Saturday night that he will nominate Kash Patel as FBI director sets the stage for a fresh round of turbulence at a law enforcement agency tasked with protecting the homeland and investigating federal crimes.

Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the Senate

Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Matt Gaetz withdrew Thursday as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for attorney general following continued scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation's chief federal law enforcement officer.

Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general

Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Matt Gaetz has withdrawn as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for attorney general following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation.

Trump interviewing candidates for FBI chief, Vance says in later-deleted social media post

Trump interviewing candidates for FBI chief, Vance says in later-deleted social media post

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President-elect Donald Trump is interviewing candidates for the role of FBI director, incoming Vice President JD Vance said Tuesday in the clearest indication yet that the new administration is looking to replace current director Christopher Wray.

Trump's Pentagon pick paid woman after sex assault allegation but denies wrongdoing, his lawyer says

Trump's Pentagon pick paid woman after sex assault allegation but denies wrongdoing, his lawyer says

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault to head off the threat of a baseless lawsuit, according to Hegseth's lawyer.

Gaetz pick shows value Trump places on loyalty  -  and retribution  -  as he returns to Washington

Gaetz pick shows value Trump places on loyalty - and retribution - as he returns to Washington

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Donald Trump has had few defenders in Congress as reliable as Matt Gaetz, who has thundered at one prosecutor after another for perceived bias against the president-elect and emphatically amplified the Republican's rallying cry that the criminal investigations into him are "witch hunts."

What to know about John Ratcliffe, Trump's pick for CIA director

What to know about John Ratcliffe, Trump's pick for CIA director

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he would appoint John Ratcliffe to serve as CIA director in his new administration.

Trump's election may usher in leadership change at FBI

Trump's election may usher in leadership change at FBI

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Donald Trump lavished Christopher Wray with praise when he named him FBI director in 2017, introducing him as an "impeccably qualified individual" and a "model of integrity."

Trump's election likely to usher in leadership change at FBI

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Donald Trump lavished Christopher Wray with praise when he named him FBI director in 2017, introducing him as an "impeccably qualified individual" and a "model of integrity."

FBI thwarts Iranian murder-for-hire plan targeting Donald Trump

FBI thwarts Iranian murder-for-hire plan targeting Donald Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department unsealed criminal charges Friday in a thwarted Iranian plot to kill President-elect Donald Trump before this week's presidential election.

Justice Department brings criminal charges in Iranian murder-for-hire plan targeting Donald Trump

Justice Department brings criminal charges in Iranian murder-for-hire plan targeting Donald Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department on Friday disclosed an Iranian murder-for-hire plot to kill Donald Trump, charging a man who said he had been tasked by a government official before this week's election with assassinating the Republican president-elect.

US officials say video falsely depicting voter fraud in Georgia linked to 'Russian influence actors'

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A video that purports to show election fraud in Georgia by a man who claims to be from Haiti is fake and the work of "Russian influence actors," U.S. intelligence officials said Friday.

Judge in case of Trump assassination attempt in Florida declines to recuse herself

Judge in case of Trump assassination attempt in Florida declines to recuse herself

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The federal judge presiding over the criminal case of a man charged with trying to assassinate former President Donald Trump declined Tuesday to recuse herself, saying a defense request that she do so was without merit.

Judge in case of attempted Trump assassination in Florida declines to step aside

Judge in case of attempted Trump assassination in Florida declines to step aside

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The federal judge presiding over the criminal case of a man charged with trying to assassinate former President Donald Trump declined Tuesday to recuse herself, saying a defense request that she do so was without merit.

Trump's lawyers urge appeals court to uphold dismissal of classified documents case

Trump's lawyers urge appeals court to uphold dismissal of classified documents case

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Lawyers for former President Donald Trump have urged a federal appeals court to uphold the dismissal of the classified documents case against him, saying a judge was correct in ruling that the prosecutor who brought the charges was illegally appointed.

The RNC is rebuilding its legal operation after Trump allies' failed effort to undo the 2020 race

The RNC is rebuilding its legal operation after Trump allies' failed effort to undo the 2020 race

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The last time Donald Trump ran for president, the lawyers most directly involved in his efforts to overturn the election wound up sanctioned, criminally prosecuted or even sued for millions of dollars.

Judge in Trump election case orders prosecutors to look for, produce info from Pence documents probe

Judge in Trump election case orders prosecutors to look for, produce info from Pence documents probe

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The federal judge overseeing the election interference case against Donald Trump directed prosecutors Wednesday to search for and provide to the former president's lawyers any Justice Department information related to a separate investigation into Mike Pence's handling of classified documents.

Judge in Trump election case directs prosecutors to turn over info related to Pence documents probe

Judge in Trump election case directs prosecutors to turn over info related to Pence documents probe

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The federal judge overseeing the election interference case against Donald Trump directed prosecutors Wednesday to search for and provide to the former president's lawyers any Justice Department information related to a separate investigation into Mike Pence's handling of classified documents.

Trump-Putin ties are back in the spotlight after new book describes calls

Trump-Putin ties are back in the spotlight after new book describes calls

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A new book's assertion that former President Donald Trump may have had as many as seven private phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin since leaving the White House has refocused attention on their politically fraught relationship and on Trump's sustained dialogue with world leaders as he seeks a return to power.

FBI arrests Afghan man who officials say planned Election Day attack in the US

FBI arrests Afghan man who officials say planned Election Day attack in the US

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The FBI has arrested an Afghan man who officials say was inspired by the Islamic State and was plotting an Election Day attack targeting large crowds in the U.S., the Justice Department said Tuesday.

Prosecutors: Trump 'resorted to crimes' after losing 2020 election in failed bid to cling to power

Prosecutors: Trump 'resorted to crimes' after losing 2020 election in failed bid to cling to power

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Donald Trump "resorted to crimes" in a failed bid to cling to power after losing the 2020 election, federal prosecutors said in a newly unsealed court filing that argues that the former president is not entitled to immunity from prosecution.

Iranian operatives charged in the US with hacking Donald Trump's presidential campaign

Iranian operatives charged in the US with hacking Donald Trump's presidential campaign

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department unsealed criminal charges Friday against three Iranian operatives suspected of hacking Donald Trump's presidential campaign and disseminating stolen information to media organizations.

The FBI says Iran tried to send hacked files to Democrats. It's another sign of foreign meddling

The FBI says Iran tried to send hacked files to Democrats. It's another sign of foreign meddling

WASHINGTON (AP) -- When the FBI said this week that Iran had tried to provide Democrats with material stolen from Donald Trump's campaign, it was only the latest allegation of foreign interference with the U.S. election.

The US is preparing criminal charges in Iran hack targeting Trump, AP sources say

The US is preparing criminal charges in Iran hack targeting Trump, AP sources say

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department is preparing criminal charges in connection with an Iranian hack that targeted Donald Trump's presidential campaign in a bid to shape the outcome of the November election, two people familiar with the matter said Thursday.

AP sources: Justice Department, FBI preparing criminal charges in Iran hack targeting Trump campaign

AP sources: Justice Department, FBI preparing criminal charges in Iran hack targeting Trump campaign

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department is preparing criminal charges in connection with an Iranian hack that targeted Donald Trump's presidential campaign, two people familiar with the matter said Thursday.

Trump repeats false claims over 2020 election loss, deflects responsibility for Jan. 6

Trump repeats false claims over 2020 election loss, deflects responsibility for Jan. 6

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former President Donald Trump persisted Tuesday in saying during a nationally televised presidential debate that he had won the 2020 election and continued to take no responsibility for any of the mayhem that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, when his supporters stormed the building to block the peaceful transfer of power.