Happy Friday! It’s a great time to dive into some fall activities. Personally, I’m fully committed to my sourdough adventure and planning to bake a few loaves this weekend.
In today’s update:
• John Bolton, an opponent of President Trump, maintains his innocence.
• A one-on-one meeting between Zelenskiy and Trump approaches.
• Details regarding who authorized the DoD restrictions emerge.
• Smucker has filed a lawsuit against Trader Joe’s.
• Expected large turnout for the ‘No Kings’ protests.
🏛️ Today’s news highlights:
John Bolton’s court appearance:
Former National Security Advisor John Bolton appeared in court today, marking a significant moment as he becomes President Trump’s third opponent facing federal charges. Bolton has pleaded not guilty to the accusations.
Details of the case: Bolton has been charged with unlawfully sharing and storing classified information, with prosecutors claiming he sent a “diary-like account” of over 1,000 pages detailing his tenure during Trump’s first term to family members. Allegations also include his possession of documents relating to national security.
This case, initiated under the Biden administration, differs from other high-profile charges against Trump’s adversaries in terms of the volume of evidence and the involvement of a career prosecutor.
Charges faced by Bolton: He is dealing with 18 counts, comprised of eight linked to the transmission of national defense information and another ten for retention of national defense information. Each count could lead to a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. For more details: Five key points from Bolton’s indictment.
Was this unexpected? Not really; the FBI conducted a search of his residence back in August.
Comparative analysis: While both Bolton’s and Trump’s cases share similarities regarding classified documents, the charges differ—Trump faces obstruction charges, whereas Bolton is charged with transmission. Check out Charlie Savage’s insights in The New York Times.
💬 Live blog update:
➤ Reactions:
The Wall Street Journal critiques Trump: In a sharp editorial piece, the opinion board indicated that “the underlying motive for this prosecution seems to be retaliation,” pointing to Trump’s history with Bolton dating back to 2020 when Bolton published his book and Trump called for his indictment. Read the editorial here.
Ty Cobb suggests the case isn’t vengeful: He told CNN that the lawsuit holds legal substance and isn’t purely based on revenge.
➤ Trump’s opponents:
⚖️ Bolton: Now indicted, he joins other Trump opponents such as New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey.
🔎 Who might be next? Trump recently labeled former special counsel Jack Smith as “deranged” and a “criminal.” Meanwhile, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is currently under investigation but maintains his innocence.
📝 Could more individuals be targeted?
At the White House:
Upcoming Trump-Zelensky meeting:
^ There’s always a twinge of anxiety when I think about this meeting. It’s a critical one, especially after their last encounter ended in a confrontation. 😅
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected at the White House around 1 p.m. for discussions with President Trump.
Concerns on the agenda: Zelensky is notably interested in acquiring U.S. Tomahawk missiles to extend his reach into Russian territory.
Read more: Could the Tomahawk missile change the game for Ukraine?
Timing of events: Trump is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, with plans for further negotiations in Hungary to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Putin’s approach: The New York Times reported that Putin’s tactic involves a lot of charm and propositions for deals, which has allowed him to dodge numerous deadlines and sanctions without affecting Russia’s military actions. Read the full analysis.
New Pentagon press corps:
The Washington Post recently released a list of the new journalists covering the Pentagon. Out of the 15 who complied with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s new regulations, the roster includes two from One America News and others from various lesser-known outlets.
Withdrawal of a signatory: Interestingly, an Australian news outlet withdrawn its consent, as noted by The Guardian.
This week, many traditional news organizations have exited the Pentagon press area and returned their credentials. Though they’ll keep working, they won’t be physically present at the Pentagon.
Other news items:
What’s troubling Republican senators:
According to The Hill, Republican senators are raising concerns about President Trump’s funding of military salaries amidst the government shutdown and are seeking clarification on expenditure methods.
On one hand: Senators are relieved that active military members and families have not missed any paychecks following the shutdown on October 15.
Yet, at the same time: They express frustration about Trump appearing to bypass Congress’s financial authority. Typically, the White House would petition Congress, which would then respond.
For further details: Follow Mr. Bolton’s report discussing the senators’ worries regarding Trump and Hegseth’s shutdown management.
➤ Next strategic move from Thune:
He is set to compel Democrats into voting on military funding during the shutdown, with a vote anticipated next week. According to Politico.
➤ Quick Hits:
— Trump has refiled a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times after previously dropping the original case.
— Trump was overheard at a microphone in Egypt, while his son Eric Trump attempted to clarify discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
— Two individuals are facing terrorism charges in Texas, marking the first Antifa-related terrorism charges.
➤ More reading:
Bulwark: Politicians adopting influencer roles
The Hill: Young Republican group chats pose dilemmas for the GOP.
Washington Post: Republicans label anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ protests as un-American.
Wall Street Journal: Trump’s Middle East peace plan hits obstacles in Gaza.
The Hill: Key takeaways from the Virginia Attorney General debate.
Before long:
With both the House and Senate absent, President Trump awaits his departure for Palm Beach, Florida, later today. (All times in Eastern Standard Time)
1 p.m. Trump welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
1:15 p.m. Lunch with the two presidents.
3 p.m. Zelensky addresses reporters post-meeting. 💻 Live stream here.
3 p.m. Then Trump heads to Mar-a-Lago, arriving around 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: Look out for the “No Kings” protests nationwide. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Trending online:
🍝 Celebrate: Today marks National Pasta Day.
🥪 Smucker’s lawsuit: Smucker is taking Trader Joe’s to court, alleging their new PB&J sandwich closely resembles Uncrustables.
^ Side note: They really could’ve been more creative with that name…
In closing…
If you’re easily startled, be cautious of this creepy costume.
