Latest news with #legal
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Could Trump pardon Diddy and end his trial?
Sean "Diddy" Combs is being tried in a New York courtroom for racketeering and sexual trafficking. Could that daily drama vanish instantly if President Donald Trump pardoned the embattled rapper? "Yes, it could," says Brian Kalt, law professor at Michigan State University College of Law, who focuses on legal issues and the presidency. According to Kalt, Trump — who appears to be in the middle of a pardoning spree — would be within his presidential rights to extend a preemptive pardon to fellow New Yorker Combs, who has been described by witnesses so far as violent and abusive. "These are federal charges (against Combs), so that's the main limit. The matter has be federal, it has to be criminal vs. civil, and related to something that's already been done," says Kalt. "But the person doesn't have to even be charged yet, or convicted. The Supreme Court has said preemptive pardons are OK." Trump weighed in on the possibility Friday, May 30, in the Oval Office. "Nobody's asked" about a pardon, the president said. "But I know people are thinking about it. I know they're thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking." Trump added, "I haven't spoken to him in years. He really liked me a lot." 'Nobody's asked': President Trump doesn't rule out pardoning Sean 'Diddy' Combs Typically, one of the last gestures from an outgoing president is a pardon. In President Joe Biden's final days in office, he famously pardoned his son, Hunter, convicted of federal gun felonies and federal tax charges. At the end of Trump's first term, he granted clemency to political allies such as Roger Stone, found guilty of obstructing a congressional investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and related offenses. But pardons can take place during a president's term, says Kalt. The right was established in Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Constitution, which among other things gives the president "power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." Kalt says the power to pardon is derived from the British monarch's historic right and stems from a recognition that criminal law was often too harsh, and it was important to have a safety valve. "The president was the best person to be that safety valve because of his political accountability," he says. But that's where things get murky, he adds, noting that Republican lawmakers "don't appear willing to hold the president accountable" for granting pardons, meaning they aren't costing him in terms of political capital. In contrast, President Gerald Ford's controversial pardoning of disgraced President Richard Nixon was perceived so negatively "that it probably cost Ford re-election in 1976," Kalt says. In just over 100 days since taking office, Trump has issued pardons to a broad range of personalities. They include Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the reality show "Chrisley Knows Best," who were convicted in 2022 of swindling $36 million from Atlanta banks and being tax evaders, and rapper NBA YoungBoy, who in 2024 was sentenced to two years in prison for weapons possession. He also pardoned former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, convicted of wire fraud and extortion, and Jan. 6 participant and "Bob's Burgers" actor Jay Johnston. The reason many presidents issue pardons at the end of their terms is precisely to avoid political fallout, says Kalt. In that sense, Trump's brash approach suggests he has no concerns about such ramifications. "I don't agree with these pardons on their merits, but the fact that he did them when he is politically accountable as opposed to slinking out the door does add some legitimacy to them in that sense," he says. "With pardons, you don't need Congress, you wave your magic wand and it happens. You can see the appeal for a president, particularly one like Trump." One can also see the appeal for those such as Combs, whose ordeal could end instantly should Trump's pardon "wand" wave his way. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Trump pardon Diddy? Trial could end, experts say
Bloomberg
a day ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Trump Rails Against Tariff Judges, Conservative Legal Group
After a day of legal wrangling over his tariffs, President Donald Trump took to social media to attack the judges who ruled against him as well as a more surprising target: a powerful conservative legal group that helped shape his first-term judicial picks. Timothy Reif, one of three judges of the US Court of International Trade who found on Wednesday that most of the tariffs were illegal, was appointed by Trump himself. In his post, the president blamed the Federalist Society, a conservative legal group, and one of its longtime leaders, Leonard Leo, for giving him 'bad advice' on judicial picks who had 'disappointed' him.
Fox News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Zion Williamson Hit with Explosive Lawsuit
Todd and Julie Chrisley are officially free after President Trump granted them full pardons. A woman claiming to be Zion Williamson's ex-girlfriend has filed a lawsuit against him alleging rape, assault, and threats of violence. Plus, Evangeline Lilly reveals a gruesome facial injury on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
The most important document you need to have in the UAE
A Power of Attorney lets you protect your interests even when you're not around Whether you're handling day-to-day matters, managing property, dealing with vehicle transactions, or running a business, staying in control isn't always easy, especially when you're not physically present. That's where one powerful legal document can make all the difference: the Power of Attorney. In the UAE, even your closest family members, including your spouse, cannot legally manage your affairs without formal authorisation. That's why having a Power of Attorney (POA) in the UAE is crucial. What exactly can a POA do? A Power of Attorney (POA) is an essential legal tool that empowers a trusted person to act on your behalf across a wide range of matters. This includes personal affairs such as family sponsorships and visa processing, overseeing financial transactions, handling business operations, and representing you in legal matters. When you are unavailable, a POA ensures that your affairs continue to be managed efficiently and lawfully, removing unnecessary delays and providing peace of mind by allowing your trusted representative to make timely decisions on your behalf. Unlike common misconceptions, POAs are not limited to business owners or elderly individuals. They apply to all adults of legal age in the UAE who wish to protect their interests while managing personal, financial, or legal matters during their absence. Why every UAE resident should consider a POA In a country like the UAE, where many residents are expatriates and legal matters are governed by a codified system, the POA is a must. It saves precious time, avoids legal delays, and allows trusted individuals to handle affairs without interruption. Power of Attorney stays valid for the time it's set for, and can be revoked at any time, giving you control and flexibility. "A POA isn't about reacting to crises, it's about being prepared. It ensures timely decision-making and uninterrupted continuity in both personal and commercial matters," said Muhammad Tariq, managing partner at Legal Inz. From routine transactions to major life decisions, a POA ensures that your affairs are handled smoothly, even when you can't be there in person. Whether you're a UAE resident, business owner, investor, or simply someone who values peace of mind, being legally prepared is no longer optional - it's essential. How to make your POA legally effective A Power of Attorney in the UAE must adhere to a strict legal format, and any error can make the document invalid or unusable when it matters most. That's why legal experts recommend professional drafting and notarization. For over a decade, Legal Inz has been a trusted name for Power of Attorney services in the UAE. The firm offers complete POA solutions tailored to individual needs and circumstances. Whether you're residing in the UAE or living abroad, the entire process, including drafting and notarisation, can be done 100 per cent remotely, offering convenience, legal accuracy, with affordability at the core. Legal Inz has built a reputation for delivering POAs that are legally sound and practical for a wide range of personal and professional needs, while also being convenient for individuals who travel frequently or manage cross-border responsibilities. With the right POA, your affairs continue smoothly without unnecessary delays or legal complications. A POA isn't about giving up control, it's about keeping control, no matter where you are. To get your Power of Attorney in the UAE, consult a POA expert today and empower someone you trust to act on your behalf when you can't.
The Verge
a day ago
- Business
- The Verge
SEC drops Binance lawsuit in yet another gift to crypto
Two years after legal proceedings began, the SEC has formally dropped its lawsuit against Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange. It was one of the US government's final ongoing actions against crypto companies. Lawyers for the SEC and Binance jointly moved to dismiss the case in a filing on Thursday. It follows a 60-day pause requested by both parties in February. The case has been dismissed with prejudice, meaning the SEC can't pursue it again. 'We're deeply grateful to [SEC] Chairman Paul Atkins and the Trump administration for recognizing that innovation can't thrive under regulation by enforcement,' Binance told Reuters in a statement, calling the dismissal 'a landmark moment.' The SEC sued Binance in 2023, accusing it, and founder Changpeng Zhao, of operating an illegal exchange in the US and defrauding investors, along with a string of other offenses. Binance settled a separate case with the Department of Justice in 2023, which saw the company agree to pay $4.3 billion in fines. Zhao himself stepped down from the company and pled guilty to breaking anti-money-laundering laws, paying $50 million in personal fines and serving a four-month prison sentence. The SEC dismissal is the latest sign of the Trump administration's embrace of the cryptocurrency industry. In April it disbanded a DOJ unit dedicated to enforcing cryptocurrency fraud, and already this year the SEC has dropped investigations into both Coinbase and Robinhood. Meanwhile Trump has bolstered the crypto industry by launching a Crypto Strategic Reserve and hosting a private dinner for those willing to back (or short) his own $TRUMP meme coin.
