The Needle: John F. Kennedy’s Family Sues to Block Arch de Trump, 11 Democrats Fail to Show Up for Hegseth Vote, Trump Officials Are Allegedly Shredding Documents, and More
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Gail O'Hara (via Washington CityPaper)
Shadowy men: John F. Kennedy’s family has joined the lawsuit brigade against the Trump administration to stop the 250-foot arch from being built. The late president’s family says the arch would cast a shadow over JFK’s memorial at Arlington Cemetery, impede its sight lines, and destroy its “solemn and sacred” atmosphere. The federal judge presiding over the three cases against the arch, Tanya Chutkan, issued a temporary block last week. Plus one point for more lawsuits. Whee! +1 [Politico, Guardian]
No excuse: Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie refiled articles of impeachment against silence buyer and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth yesterday, but 11 Democrats failed to show up to vote to advance it. The House voted 211 to 204 to refer the articles to committee, blocking the effort from moving forward. Massie accuses Hegseth of high crimes and misdemeanors related to the Iran war, U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats, the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro without congressional approval, and punishment of Arizona Sen. MarkKelly. The disappointing Dems include Nancy Pelosi, Haley Stevens, and Melanie Stansbury; many used “traffic” as an excuse. Minus one point for failing to show up. -1 [NPR, Newsweek]
Chuck it out: Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen is discussing who could replace Chuck Schumer in the Senate, arguing that Schumer had “sided with the crypto industry” and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and that Schumer and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee tried to stop some democratically elected candidates from being elected. Many Democrats are voicing opposition to Schumer’s leadership and establishment politics since last week’s elections and 24 Senators are either distancing themselves from him or have not committed their support to him. Plus one point for speaking out and considering better leaders. +1 [New Republic, Guardian, Guardian]
Let them go: University of Maryland student and high school valedictorian Maria Flores Garcia and her mother were detained by immigration officers after doing a check-in last week and are being held in Louisiana. Flores Garcia is studying public health and plans to become a doctor. Her boyfriend says the two women are hoping to be released rather than being sent to El Salvador. Minus one point for detaining people who pose no threat to America and deserve to be free. -1 [NBC4]
Paper shredder: Whistleblowers are warning that Trump officials are destroying documents related to his pet projects in D.C. CNN reports House Democrats have been warned that key documents have already been destroyed. Democrats demand that they “preserve all records and data responsive to oversight,” “identify and recover any deleted information,” and “suspend any destruction and deletion practices.” Plus one point for digging but minus one point for tampering with evidence. 0 [New Republic]
