Modesto law firm denounces Trump executive orders targeting rule of law
'500 Law Firms Challenge Trump's Executive Orders in Court: What to Know,' (modbee.com, April 4)
At Gianelli, Friedman, Jeffries & McKernan, we stand firmly behind the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession — cornerstones of our democracy. In that spirit, we support Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block and WilmerHale as they face punitive executive orders from President Donald Trump for representing clients in politically sensitive matters.
These executive actions threaten to penalize firms through the loss of federal contracts, revocation of security clearances and increased scrutiny from agencies like the IRS, specifically targeting those challenging federal authority or defending individuals under investigation. Legal scholars view these measures as retaliatory, aiming to intimidate and silence legal opposition rather than uphold ethical standards or national security.
Such actions undermine First and Sixth Amendment rights, chilling free speech and access to legal counsel. They also threaten the separation of powers by attempting to politicize and control the legal profession.
As attorneys, our duty is to the Constitution, not politics. That duty includes ensuring everyone — regardless of controversy — is entitled to legal representation. Punishing firms for fulfilling this duty sets a dangerous precedent.
We support the legal challenge to these orders and reaffirm our commitment to the Constitution, the integrity of our profession and the rule of law.
Amy Abid Jeffries
Modesto
Opinion
'Last CASA class of 2024 sworn in to aid foster kids,' (mercedsunstar.com, Dec. 24, 2024)
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), such as those in Merced County, are dedicated, trained volunteers who work with private, nonprofit organizations to advocate for children in foster care throughout our county.
These young people have been removed from their homes because of trauma, neglect or abuse by parents or caregivers, and they become wards of the state. CASA set these children on a secure path, avoiding costly tragedies like homelessness, addiction and incarceration that impact so many young people aging out of the foster care system. CASA provides quasi-governmental services by providing vital support to our county government's court and social workers, even though most of our funding is private.
That is why it is important that we also receive general fund support from the state to allow us to recruit, train and supervise more advocates to serve our youth. We set our county's children up for success so that they have every opportunity to live productive, contributing and fulfilling lives.
Cathie Lancaster
Executive DIrector, CASA of Merced County
'Anti-ICE Protests Taking Place Nationwide: What to Know,' (modbee.com, April 17)
We are witnessing the disparaging and illegal punishing of people of color. Author David Brooks in a recent Atlantic issue said Trumpism is doomed — it will erode over time, and the pillars of our freedom can be rebuilt.
The great majority of us are not remotely wealthy or powerful. But consider the Golden State Warrior's motto: 'strength in numbers.' Across the country, people are realizing the true nature of President Donald Trump's agenda, and are attending inspiring rallies and town halls.
May our collective determination to overcome disorder and lawlessness begin to restore the America we and other countries prized.
Diana Doll
Modesto
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Hamilton Spectator
33 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Marines take over some security in LA while cities across US prep for ‘No Kings' rallies
LOS ANGELES (AP) — After a week of protests over federal immigration raids, about 200 Marines moved into Los Angeles on Friday to guard a federal building in the city while communities across the country prepped for what's anticipated to be a nationwide wave of large-scale demonstrations against President Donald Trump's polices this weekend. The Marine troops with rifles, combat gear and walkie-talkies took over some posts from National Guard members who were deployed to the city after the protests erupted last week . Those protests sparked dozens more over several days around the country, with some leading to clashes with police and hundreds of arrests. The Marines had not been seen on Los Angeles city streets until Friday. They finished training on civil disturbance and have started to replace Guard members protecting the federal building west of downtown, so the Guard soldiers can be assigned to protect law enforcement officers on raids, the commander in charge of 4,700 troops deployed to the LA protests said. The Marines moved into Los Angeles before Saturday's planned 'No Kings' demonstrations nationally against Trump's policies, which will also happen the same day as a military parade in Washington, D.C., when troops will march and tanks will rumble through the streets of the nation's capital. The Marines' arrival also came a day after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked a federal judge's order that had directed Trump to return control of Guard troops to California. The judge had ruled the Guard deployment was illegal, violated the Tenth Amendment, which defines the power between state and federal governments, and exceeded Trump's statutory authority. The judge did not rule on the presence of the Marines. Military mission Some 2,000 National Guard troops were deployed to Los Angeles this week. Hundreds have provided protection to immigration agents making arrests. Another 2,000 Guard members were notified of deployment earlier this week. None of the military troops will be detaining anyone, Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, the commander of Task Force 51 who is overseeing the 4,700 combined troops, said. 'I would like to emphasize that the soldiers will not participate in law enforcement activities,' Sherman said. 'Rather, they'll be focused on protecting federal law enforcement personnel.' Roughly 500 National Guard members have been used to provide security on immigration raids after undergoing expanded instruction, legal training and rehearsals with the agents doing the enforcement before they go on those missions. By mid-afternoon Friday, more than a dozen Marines were stationed outside the 17-story Wilshire Federal Building, replacing some members of the National Guard at various entrances. They mostly appeared to be checking tickets from members of the public who were there to renew their passports. The building is the same place Democratic U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla on Thursday was forcefully removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's news conference and handcuffed by officers as he tried to speak up about the immigration raids. There were no protesters around the building. Occasionally, a passing driver shouted from their window, registering a mix of anger and support for the military presence. Sherman said the U.S. Marine Corps is responsible for guarding U.S. embassies overseas so they are well-trained on how to defend a federal building. California vs. Trump California Gov. Gavin Newsom has called the troop deployment a 'serious breach of state sovereignty' and a power grab by Trump, and he has gone to court to stop it. The president has cited a legal provision that allows him to mobilize federal service members when there is 'a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States.' A federal judge said in a ruling late Thursday that what is happening in Los Angeles does not meet the definition of a rebellion and issued an order to return control of the Guard to California before the appeals court stopped it from going into effect Friday. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump thanked the appeals court Friday morning. 'If I didn't send the Military into Los Angeles, that city would be burning to the ground right now,' he said. The court will hold a hearing on the matter Tuesday. Under federal law, active-duty forces are prohibited by law from conducting law enforcement. The Trump administration has characterized the city as a 'war zone,' which local authorities dispute. Recent protesters have drawn a few hundred attendees who marched through downtown chanting, dancing and poking fun at the Trump administration's characterization of the city. There have been about 500 arrests since Saturday, mostly for failing to leave the area at the request of law enforcement, according to the police. There have been a handful of more serious charges, including for assault against officers and for possession of a Molotov cocktail and a gun. Nine officers have been hurt, mostly with minor injuries. An 8 p.m. curfew has been in place in a 1-square-mile (2.5-square-kilometer) section of downtown. The city of Los Angeles encompasses roughly 500 square miles (1,295 square kilometers). Protests have ended after a few hours with arrests this week largely for failure to disperse. No Kings The 'No Kings' demonstrations are planned in nearly 2,000 locations around the country , according to the movement's website. A flagship march and rally is planned for Philadelphia, but no protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., where the military parade will be held. Participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation, organizers say. In Florida, state Attorney General James Uthmeier warned that any protesters who become violent will be dealt with harshly. States face questions on deploying troops Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, has put 5,000 National Guard members on standby in cities where demonstrations are planned. In other Republican-controlled states, governors have not said when or how they may deploy troops. A group of Democratic governors in a statement called Trump's deployments 'an alarming abuse of power.' Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson took to social media Friday to call for peaceful protests over the weekend, to ensure the military is not sent to the state. 'Don't give him an excuse to try and federalize the National Guard like he did in California,' he said. Military parade The military parade in Washington which Trump had unsuccessfully pushed for during his first term — will also feature concerts, fireworks, NFL players, fitness competitions and displays all over the National Mall for daylong festivities. The celebration Saturday also happens to be Trump's birthday. The Army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend and says putting on the celebration will cost an estimated $25 million to $45 million . ___ Taxin reported from Santa Ana, California. Baldor contributed from Washington. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . 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The Hill
33 minutes ago
- The Hill
Trump clears path for Nippon Steel investment in US Steel, so long as it fits the government's terms
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order paving the way for a Nippon Steel investment in U.S. Steel, so long as the Japanese company complies with a 'national security agreement' submitted by the federal government. Trump's order didn't detail the terms of the national security agreement. But U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel said in a joint statement that the agreement stipulates that approximately $11 billion in new investments will be made by 2028 and includes giving the U.S. government a 'golden share' — essentially veto power to ensure the country's national security interests are protected. 'We thank President Trump and his Administration for their bold leadership and strong support for our historic partnership,' the two companies said. 'This partnership will bring a massive investment that will support our communities and families for generations to come. We look forward to putting our commitments into action to make American steelmaking and manufacturing great again.' The companies have completed a U.S. Department of Justice review and received all necessary regulatory approvals, the statement said. 'The partnership is expected to be finalized promptly,' the statement said. The companies offered few details on how the golden share would work and what investments would be made. Trump said Thursday that he would as president have 'total control' of what U.S. Steel did as part of the investment. Trump said then that the deal would preserve '51% ownership by Americans.' The Japan-based steelmaker had been offering nearly $15 billion to purchase the Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel in a merger that had been delayed on national security concerns starting during Joe Biden's presidency. Trump opposed the purchase while campaigning for the White House, yet he expressed optimism in working out an arrangement once in office. 'We have a golden share, which I control,' said Trump, although it was unclear what he meant by suggesting that the federal government would determine what U.S. Steel does as a company. Trump added that he was 'a little concerned' about what presidents other than him would do with their golden share, 'but that gives you total control.' Still, Nippon Steel has never said it was backing off its bid to buy and control U.S. Steel as a wholly owned subsidiary. The proposed merger had been under review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS, during the Trump and Biden administrations. The order signed Friday by Trump said the CFIUS review provided 'credible evidence' that Nippon Steel 'might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States,' but such risks might be 'adequately mitigated' by approving the proposed national security agreement. The order doesn't detail the perceived national security risk and only provides a timeline for the national security agreement. The White House declined to provide details on the terms of the agreement. The order said the draft agreement was submitted to U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel on Friday. The two companies must successfully execute the agreement as decided by the Treasury Department and other federal agencies that are part CFIUS by the closing date of the transaction. Trump reserves the authority to issue further actions regarding the investment as part of the order he signed on Friday. ___ Associated Press writer Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pa., contributed to this report.
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
‘No Kings' events to protest Trump, military parade happening Saturday
WASHINGTON () — Nearly 2,000 protests of the Trump Administration are scheduled to coincide with the massive military parade in D.C. on Saturday. National action group, No Kings, which recently protested on President's Day in D.C. to support federal workers amid widespread government cuts, promotes the weekend protests in communities within every state. 'We're coming together to say, 'no kings' in the United States of America today or any day,' said Chris Adair, social media coordinator of We of Action Virginia, an advocacy group promoting election fairness and civil rights. Military displays on the National Mall spark mixed feelings for some 'We said it in 1776. We'll say it again this year,' Adair added. Drivers should expect to see protestors staged along the pedestrian bridge overpasses, local town squares and highly trafficked corridors before and during the military parade, which is slated for just after 6 p.m. near the White House, according to Adair. President Donald Trump was asked about the No Kings protests by a reporter this week at the White House. 'No kings? I don't feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved,' Trump said. Army 250: Could weather impact the military parade in DC? The president also told reporters in the Oval Office this week that anyone protesting the parade in D.C. 'will be met with very heavy force.' 'We are exercising a First Amendment privilege, that is the right to protest, that is the right to free speech. We can organize peacefully, and we will, peacefully,' Adair said of Trump's comments on protests. No King's website says that weapons are not brought to any protests. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
