Context:

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit has overturned the conviction of Douglass Mackey, a pro-Trump influencer previously found guilty of disseminating false information to suppress Democratic voter turnout in the 2016 election. The appellate court unanimously decided that no rational jury could have concluded Mackey knowingly participated in an illegal conspiracy to influence the election or infringe on voting rights. This decision remands the case back to the U.S. Court in the Eastern District of New York for a new judgment of acquittal. The newsletter also touches on various political topics, including the Secret Service's accountability in a Trump assassination attempt and international tensions involving tariffs with Brazil. Additionally, it highlights legislative actions, such as the federal judge's block on Trump's birthright citizenship ban and a bipartisan bill regarding student athlete pay standards.

Dive Deeper:

• Douglass Mackey, a pro-Trump social media influencer, had his conviction overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. The court found that no rational jury could determine Mackey knowingly conspired to suppress Democratic votes in the 2016 election.

• The appellate court's decision voids the conspiracy charges and a federal prison sentence previously imposed by a Brooklyn jury. The case is sent back to the Eastern District of New York for a new judgment of acquittal.

• The newsletter also addresses a widow's demand for accountability from the Secret Service following an assassination attempt on Trump, underscoring security failures within the agency.

• Brazil's response to Trump's 50% tariff highlights ongoing international disputes, as the country counters what it perceives as a 'witch hunt' against its former president, Bolsonaro.

• Legislative actions are noted, including a judge's decision to block Trump's birthright citizenship ban, testing the powers of lower courts. Additionally, a bipartisan bill aims to establish national standards for student athlete pay.

• The newsletter features a variety of political updates, from the DOJ's probe into the Biden administration to the influence of political figures like Zohran Mamdani and John Fetterman.

• Further highlights include Taiwan's military exercises with U.S.-made tanks, signaling defense collaborations amidst regional tensions, and the departure of a Ukrainian ambassador, indicating possible diplomatic shifts.