Latest news with #NationalArchivesandRecordsAdministration
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
DOJ dismisses Biden-era records lawsuit against Peter Navarro
The Justice Department on Tuesday agreed to dismiss a lawsuit seeking records from White House senior trade adviser Peter Navarro's time in the first Trump administration, brought during President Biden's presidency. In a short notice, government lawyers stipulated to the dismissal of the 2022 lawsuit seeking emails Navarro sent from a personal encrypted account but refused to produce to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). They agreed to dismiss the action with prejudice, meaning the claim can't be brought again. The court filing gave no explanation for the decision. The Presidential Records Act requires any records generated or received while working in an official capacity — including those sent or received on unofficial accounts — be turned over at the end of an administration. A federal judge ruled against Navarro and ordered him to turn over the records. Then, a three-judge panel on the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals found 'no public interest' in his retention of the records. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, who oversaw the case, threatened in February 2024 to hold Navarro in contempt of court for defying her order to turn over the documents. He appealed to the Supreme Court, but the justices in December ultimately declined to weigh his bid to reverse the order. In Navarro's petition to the justices, he argued he initially planned to comply with NARA's request but later sought immunity to produce the documents after he was criminally charged for evading a congressional subpoena. Navarro was convicted of two counts of contempt of Congress in 2023 for refusing to comply with a subpoena from the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. He was sentenced to four months in prison, which he completed in July. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hill
DOJ dismisses Biden-era records lawsuit against Peter Navarro
The Justice Department on Tuesday agreed to dismiss a lawsuit seeking records from White House senior trade adviser Peter Navarro's time in the first Trump administration, brought during President Biden's presidency. In a short notice, government lawyers stipulated to the dismissal of the 2022 lawsuit seeking emails Navarro sent from a personal encrypted account but refused to produce to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). They agreed to dismiss the action with prejudice, meaning the claim can't be brought again. The court filing gave no explanation for the decision. The Presidential Records Act requires any records generated or received while working in an official capacity — including those sent or received on unofficial accounts — be turned over at the end of an administration. A federal judge ruled against Navarro and ordered him to turn over the records. Then, a three-judge panel on the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals found 'no public interest' in his retention of the records. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, who oversaw the case, threatened in February 2024 to hold Navarro in contempt of court for defying her order to turn over the documents. He appealed to the Supreme Court, but the justices in December ultimately declined to weigh his bid to reverse the order. In Navarro's petition to the justices, he argued he initially planned to comply with NARA's request but later sought immunity to produce the documents after he was criminally charged for evading a congressional subpoena. Navarro was convicted of two counts of contempt of Congress in 2023 for refusing to comply with a subpoena from the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. He was sentenced to four months in prison, which he completed in July.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion - Vance and Rubio are auditioning daily for a 2028 audience of one
President Trump sparked what is likely to be a brutal battle for the 2028 Republican nomination during his May 4 interview on 'Meet the Press.' After extinguishing his ongoing 'third-term' tease, Trump name-checked the two leading candidates to succeed him: Vice President JD Vance (as expected) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (very unexpected). This week, questions about Rubio's own birthright citizenship (neither of his parents was a citizen when he was born in Florida) generated headlines, so watch this developing issue. Rubio, formerly a third-term U.S. senator from Florida, had been a critical rival of candidate Trump in the 2016 presidential primary. Rubio, whom Trump degradingly taunted as 'Little Marco,' has suddenly morphed into powerful 'Big Marco,' concurrently serving in four separate leadership positions: secretary of State, interim National Security Advisor, acting administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development and acting archivist for the National Archives and Records Administration. Trump's recent unleashing of a Vance vs. Rubio rivalry will effectively sustain media interest over the next three years. Once again, the president proves he is a master manipulator of the 24/7 news cycle. Now, during any Trump-news lull, he can tease a Vance vs. Rubio 'Truth Social' post about the state of their rivalry. He can also inject new possible successors, tease a potential 2028 endorsement or adopt the firm non-endorsement strategy of 'let the MAGA primary voters decide.' This continues his reign as the all-powerful lame-duck kingmaker, while 2028 hopefuls kowtow for his favor. In any case, expect the GOP presidential primary to be 100 percent Trump-centric, with entangled high-stakes drama and factors at play. Such factors include enshrining Trump's all-important personal and presidential legacy, a potential family dynasty and ensuring the nomination of a 'MAGA movement heir' worthy of that title who could capture 270 electoral votes in Trump's name. Recognizing and satisfying that checklist is why Trump's 'succession reality show contest' began this month. The president is known to enjoy extended chaos and infighting when he controls the situation. So who is the nominee most likely to win Trump's 'third term'? This is a rarely achieved consideration for a two-term president. The last time it happened was 1988, when Vice President George H.W. Bush won a bona fide landslide, reflecting President Ronald Reagan's popularity and a roaring 1980s economy. Then consider that 2028 will mark 40 years since the last time America's fickle, pendulum swinging, polarized electorate has bestowed a 'third term' on the nominee of the incumbent president's party. For Vance or Rubio to succeed Trump, they will have to separate themselves from his generally unpopular, nontraditional governing style, laden with what some consider authoritarian tendencies. What follows are the known situations and factors to consider — although unknowns will undoubtedly arise. A Republican loss in the 2026 midterms of the House, Senate or both could change the trajectory of Trump's agenda and affect the next presidential election. Considering the president's 44 percent job approval rating, this week, a Politico headline read: 'Trump Is Already Obsessed With the Midterms.' He should be, since the 2018 midterms resulted in Republicans losing the House, which stymied the last two years of Trump's first-term agenda. Therefore, expect Vance and Rubio to live on the 2026 campaign trail, intensifying their auditions and trying to impress Trump through crowd size, fundraising and media performances. If the midterms don't end well for the GOP, how far would Vance and Rubio run from Trump? Or could they even try to distance themselves if the MAGA base still supports Trump and both believe they need his endorsement, even at the risk of losing anti-Trump Republicans and independent voters in the general election? Conversely, if Team Trump keeps Congress, Vance and Rubio will want to claim some credit. Then listen for the 'I am the best person to win Trump's third term' argument to shift into high gear. The 2028 presidential campaign officially begins the day after the midterms, but the 'money primary' of quietly recruiting major donors and key staff starts now. It's anyone's guess how long until Vance and Rubio openly become rivals, clawing at each other behind the scenes. Before Trump mentioned Rubio's name on 'Meet the Press,' casting him as a Vance rival, the vice president appeared to be without rival. In many respects, he still is, but he must now work even harder to please Trump and earn his endorsement. As first in line for the office, Vance holds all the power-player advantages to win the nomination, but is quickly accumulating controversial international baggage. As previously noted, history does not favor him winning the general, but in his favor is Vance's second title — finance chair of the Republican National Committee. He is uniquely positioned there to sway major donors. And, ideally, Trump will want to avoid a long, bloody primary. However, Vance 2028 is far from a lock. What if the political climate turns cloudy with a 75 percent chance of anti-Trump thunderstorms? Then, an outsider to Trump's orbit like Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) from could capitalize on a public desire to 'turn the page from the Trump era.' Meanwhile, Rubio dreams of being the first Hispanic president. But if Vance wins the nomination and taps the secretary as his running mate, would he accept? Rubio, born in 1971, still has years until his presidential expiration date, as does 1984-born Vance. Lurking behind the scenes is Donald Trump Jr. In July 2024, Junior argued that, despite Vance's past anti-Trump statements, he was MAGA's future. He likely still believes that about his friend. Nonetheless, Republican leaders from outside the Trump administration will voice strong arguments for change if the midterms are unsuccessful. But for now, it's Team Trump full steam ahead for 2026 — while filtering through the 2028 strainer everything Vance and Rubio do and say. They audition daily as Trump scores who is worthy to be his successor. Myra Adams is an opinion writer who served on the creative team of two Republican presidential campaigns in 2004 and 2008. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Vance and Rubio are auditioning daily for a 2028 audience of one
President Trump sparked what is likely to be a brutal battle for the 2028 Republican nomination during his May 4 interview on 'Meet the Press.' After extinguishing his ongoing 'third-term' tease, Trump name-checked the two leading candidates to succeed him: Vice President JD Vance (as expected) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (very unexpected). This week, questions about Rubio's own birthright citizenship (neither of his parents was a citizen when he was born in Florida) generated headlines, so watch this developing issue. Rubio, formerly a third-term U.S. senator from Florida, had been a critical rival of candidate Trump in the 2016 presidential primary. Rubio, whom Trump degradingly taunted as 'Little Marco,' has suddenly morphed into powerful 'Big Marco,' concurrently serving in four separate leadership positions: secretary of State, interim National Security Advisor, acting administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development and acting archivist for the National Archives and Records Administration. Trump's recent unleashing of a Vance vs. Rubio rivalry will effectively sustain media interest over the next three years. Once again, the president proves he is a master manipulator of the 24/7 news cycle. Now, during any Trump-news lull, he can tease a Vance vs. Rubio 'Truth Social' post about the state of their rivalry. He can also inject new possible successors, tease a potential 2028 endorsement or adopt the firm non-endorsement strategy of 'let the MAGA primary voters decide.' This continues his reign as the all-powerful lame-duck kingmaker, while 2028 hopefuls kowtow for his favor. In any case, expect the GOP presidential primary to be 100 percent Trump-centric, with entangled high-stakes drama and factors at play. Such factors include enshrining Trump's all-important personal and presidential legacy, a potential family dynasty and ensuring the nomination of a 'MAGA movement heir' worthy of that title who could capture 270 electoral votes in Trump's name. Recognizing and satisfying that checklist is why Trump's 'succession reality show contest' began this month. The president is known to enjoy extended chaos and infighting when he controls the situation. So who is the nominee most likely to win Trump's 'third term'? This is a rarely achieved consideration for a two-term president. The last time it happened was 1988, when Vice President George H.W. Bush won a bona fide landslide, reflecting President Ronald Reagan's popularity and a roaring 1980s economy. Then consider that 2028 will mark 40 years since the last time America's fickle, pendulum swinging, polarized electorate has bestowed a 'third term' on the nominee of the incumbent president's party. For Vance or Rubio to succeed Trump, they will have to separate themselves from his generally unpopular, nontraditional governing style, laden with what some consider authoritarian tendencies. What follows are the known situations and factors to consider — although unknowns will undoubtedly arise. A Republican loss in the 2026 midterms of the House, Senate or both could change the trajectory of Trump's agenda and affect the next presidential election. Considering the president's 44 percent job approval rating, this week, a Politico headline read: 'Trump Is Already Obsessed With the Midterms.' He should be, since the 2018 midterms resulted in Republicans losing the House, which stymied the last two years of Trump's first-term agenda. Therefore, expect Vance and Rubio to live on the 2026 campaign trail, intensifying their auditions and trying to impress Trump through crowd size, fundraising and media performances. If the midterms don't end well for the GOP, how far would Vance and Rubio run from Trump? Or could they even try to distance themselves if the MAGA base still supports Trump and both believe they need his endorsement, even at the risk of losing anti-Trump Republicans and independent voters in the general election? Conversely, if Team Trump keeps Congress, Vance and Rubio will want to claim some credit. Then listen for the 'I am the best person to win Trump's third term' argument to shift into high gear. The 2028 presidential campaign officially begins the day after the midterms, but the 'money primary' of quietly recruiting major donors and key staff starts now. It's anyone's guess how long until Vance and Rubio openly become rivals, clawing at each other behind the scenes. Before Trump mentioned Rubio's name on 'Meet the Press,' casting him as a Vance rival, the vice president appeared to be without rival. In many respects, he still is, but he must now work even harder to please Trump and earn his endorsement. As first in line for the office, Vance holds all the power-player advantages to win the nomination, but is quickly accumulating controversial international baggage. As previously noted, history does not favor him winning the general, but in his favor is Vance's second title — finance chair of the Republican National Committee. He is uniquely positioned there to sway major donors. And, ideally, Trump will want to avoid a long, bloody primary. However, Vance 2028 is far from a lock. What if the political climate turns cloudy with a 75 percent chance of anti-Trump thunderstorms? Then, an outsider to Trump's orbit like Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) from could capitalize on a public desire to 'turn the page from the Trump era.' Meanwhile, Rubio dreams of being the first Hispanic president. But if Vance wins the nomination and taps the secretary as his running mate, would he accept? Rubio, born in 1971, still has years until his presidential expiration date, as does 1984-born Vance. Lurking behind the scenes is Donald Trump Jr. In July 2024, Junior argued that, despite Vance's past anti-Trump statements, he was MAGA's future. He likely still believes that about his friend. Nonetheless, Republican leaders from outside the Trump administration will voice strong arguments for change if the midterms are unsuccessful. But for now, it's Team Trump full steam ahead for 2026 — while filtering through the 2028 strainer everything Vance and Rubio do and say. They audition daily as Trump scores who is worthy to be his successor.
Vox
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Vox
The remaking of Marco Rubio
Perhaps you've heard about wearing multiple hats at work, but four? It might be too many for most people, but not Marco Rubio. As the New York Times put it this month, he's become the 'secretary of everything' for the Trump administration: secretary of state, interim national security adviser, acting USAID administrator (albeit for a gutted agency), and acting archivist of the United States at the National Archives and Records Administration. Put another way, if the Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency asked Rubio what he accomplished this week, it would be a long email. And the former Republican senator from Florida is proving to have better survival instincts in Trump world than some observers expected. Nahal Toosi, a columnist and senior foreign affairs correspondent at Politico, is one of those Rubio skeptics. She predicted in January that Rubio wouldn't last long in the second Trump administration, perhaps less than a year. But she's less sure now, as Rubio emerges from the administration's first 100 days with a longer list of titles than he began with. Toosi spoke with Today, Explained co-host Sean Rameswaram about Rubio's growing portfolio, how he's juggling it all, and how he's accommodated himself to a second Trump administration, including on big issues like immigration and foreign aid. Below is an excerpt of their conversation, edited for length and clarity. There's much more in the full episode, so listen to Today, Explained wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Pandora, and Spotify. How did Marco Rubio become so important at work? He abandoned everything, or much of, what he has stood for in the past, endeared himself to Trump, supported the president vocally and through policy changes, and earned the president's trust. I will also say it's hard to get into the Trump circle. There's not a lot of people who meet the loyalty tests. Rubio has proven that he can do that. The reason that it's important to point this out is because when he took the initial position of secretary of state, many people viewed him as one of the weakest in Trump's orbit. I wrote an entire column about how all these people in town were saying, He is not going to last very long. He won't last even six months as scretary of state. The fact that he has climbed the ranks and taken all these positions and earned the president's trust in such a way — that is really remarkable, but it goes to show how unrecognizable he is compared to what Marco Rubio was five, 10 years ago. Today, Explained Understand the world with a daily explainer plus the most compelling stories of the day, compiled by news editor Sean Collins. Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Marco Rubio's been around a long time. When you hear candidate Donald Trump talking about draining the Washington swamp, it's people like Marco Rubio. There were reports that he was asking President Biden for more funding for USAID before he became one of the faces of the elimination of USAID. He's not exactly MAGA. Are you saying that there hasn't been much tension between Rubio and Trump? I wouldn't say [Rubio is] a traditional Republican. He came in on a wave of reactionary [sentiment against] the establishment. But he over time established his bona fides in the Senate as a hawkish Republican: pro-human rights, pro-democracy promotion, definitely pro-humanitarian assistance, the type of guy who supported Ukraine, wants to be tough on dictatorships around the world, including Iran. But I would say he also has proven to be a very flexible type of politician over the last several years. He has moderated his positions. My understanding is he's gone out and learned a lot about the American heartland. But now that he has joined the Trump team, he has really gone to the MAGA world, to the point where even far-right influencers like Laura Loomer are now praising Marco Rubio. And I imagine much of that acceleration has happened via his initial job, secretary of state? Yes. And part of the reason that that has happened is because he's used that perch to agree very vocally with a lot of Trump policies, right? In defending, for instance, President Trump's takedown of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy in that famous Oval Office meeting. But wasn't Rubio one of the only Cabinet members in that meeting who looked uncomfortable? He looked like he was sinking into the couch. But afterward he got on TV, he went public, he defended the president. He realized immediately, Okay, I have to speak out, or it's gonna look like I'm not supportive of President Trump, right? And I have to be subordinate to him. Look, another area where he's been astonishingly pro-Trump is the anti-immigration stuff. 'He's going to be responsible for any major crisis that happens.' This is really remarkable for Rubio because he has often touted his own family's immigrant story. They're from Cuba. And now he is seemingly gleefully stripping students of their visas and negotiating deals that are sending people to a prison in El Salvador without them getting proper hearings in court. And he's even suggesting he'll defy the judges if they request information in support of Trump. Some of these things you think, Wow, does he have to go this far? Obviously it's working for him in terms of surviving under Trump. But who knows, in a month from now Marco Rubio may be out of favor. A lot of people thought that Mike Waltz, the national security adviser who was pushed out, would last longer than he did. Now that Rubio is actually in charge of these key portfolios — national security adviser and the State Department — in a way he has a bigger target on his back too. Because he's going to be responsible for any major crisis that happens. This is the job he most recently acquired, Donald Trump's national security adviser. What exactly does that entail? The national security adviser is based at the White House, and they are like a point guard. They keep an eye on what all the agencies are thinking. They coordinate and they bring together options for the president when it comes to foreign policy and national security issues. Now, that's if they do it in the way that's considered proper, which is to be an honest broker, to be the guy that says, here's what State is thinking. Here's what DOD is thinking, here's what the CIA wants. A lot of national security advisers acquire more power than that. They very much have their own points of view. They do their own negotiations. They rival other people in the administration for power. That's always caused a bit of tension in past administrations. So we definitely could have seen Rubio at odds with a national security adviser in the future, but now it would be like being at odds with himself. Is there any conflict there? Does being Trump's national security adviser come at the expense of his other roles, especially secretary of state? One of the key mysteries right now is how is he going to do both jobs at the same time. And remember, he has two other jobs, but let's put those aside. How he splits his time is something that's going to be very important to watch. The only person who's done this in the past is Henry Kissinger. And that was in the '70s. And back then, the world was, to be honest, not as complicated. Not that it was great, but it was not what we have now. What do you think he's excited about accomplishing as our secretary of state, if not our national security adviser, our chief archivist, and the head of USAID? If he survives in the roles for several months or over a year, that is an accomplishment. Under President Trump, survival is difficult. He has had a constant turnover in the past. In terms of other accomplishments, if this administration were to strike important deals with Iran, say over its nuclear program, or bring about a peace between Russia and Ukraine, these are things that they can point to as accomplishments.
