Today is January 13th, and we are 7 days away from Trump’s presidency. We will be covering updates on the Jack Smith report, Michael Cohen demanding a pardon, Newsom Trump-proofing California, Melania dispelling media lies about her, and much more.

★ The 47 Report

World of Lawfare

Judge Aileen Cannon's decision to allow the release of Special Counsel Jack Smith's report on Donald Trump's alleged election interference has caught many by surprise, especially considering her initial action to block its dissemination. 

Judge Cannon, a Trump appointee, had issued an injunction preventing the Justice Department from releasing the report pending a decision by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the legality of Smith's appointment. Some, mainly Democrats, had perceived this move as an attempt to protect Trump from further scrutiny or public revelation concerning his actions post-2020 election, aligning with the claimed history of her being favorable to Trump in legal proceedings.

However, Cannon has now reversed her stance, permitting the release of the report related to the election interference case. The exact reasons for this 180-degree shift have not been explicitly stated by Judge Cannon, leading to speculation someone in the DOJ or pressure from higher judicial oversight may have influenced the reversal.

Also

In the world of lawfare, Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen is demanding he receive a pardon from President Biden like his son Hunter. He made his plea on MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” but it sounds like the request will fall on deaf ears with one week to go until Trump's inauguration and no indication of a Hail Mary pardon from the Biden administration.

Reactions

More From 47

1. Newsom's Blockade: Gov. Gavin Newsom and state legislative leaders have agreed to allocate $50 million to defend California and illegal immigrants against the incoming Trump administration. The deal includes $25 million for state Department of Justice litigation and $25 million for grants to nonprofit groups aiding illegal immigrants facing deportation, detention, or wage theft. Read More.

2. Fetterman's Visit: Sen. John Fetterman met with President-elect Trump at Mar-a-Lago, becoming the first Democratic senator to do so this year. Trump praised Fetterman as a "commonsense person." They discussed topics like the border, Israel, U.S. Steel, and joked about Fetterman not being appointed Pope of Greenland. Read More.

3. Wray's Warning: FBI Director Christopher Wray, 58, explained his decision to resign with three years left in his term during a CBS "60 Minutes" interview. After discussing major threats, including China's potential attacks on U.S. infrastructure and domestic terrorism, Wray told host Scott Pelley: “My decision to retire from the FBI was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. President-elect had made clear that he intended to make a change… my conclusion was that the thing that was best for the bureau was to do this in an orderly way. To not thrust the bureau deeper into the fray.” Read More.

Media Mentions

For years, the mainstream media has attacked Melania Trump. The attacks have extended to her passions in the fashion industry; for example, Melania is the only recent First Lady who hasn't been featured on Vogue (though she was in 2005 before she and Donald J. entered politics). And recently, leftwing pundits have alleged she wouldn't be staying at the White House for her husband's second term.

Melania is putting the mainstream media lies to rest. She revealed in a Fox News interview that her “first priority” will be to “serve the country,” and that she intends to spend the majority of her time in the White House. She also stated she would be cutting the budget of the First Lady's Office to save taxpayer money.

JD VANCE

Over the weekend, Vice President-elect JD Vance tweeted: Hopefully everyone is cool with me skipping the inauguration so I can go to the national title game.

Future VP Vance is a diehard Ohio Buckeyes fan, hence why he would trade his spot at the inauguration for a front-row seat at the national title game. Some of the left are taking it too literally, of course, but you'd have to be an Ohio sports fan to understand.

Branch Watch

Due to the passing of an anti-TikTok bill first introduced by Representative Mike Gallagher (R–WI), the Supreme Court will now have to issue its ruling on whether or not the Chinese-owned app will be removed from the App Store due to potential national security threats. ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, would have to sell its ownership to an American buyer for it stay on the App Store. However, some believe Trump may issue support for TikTok to remain accessible due to its benefits of connecting him with the youth vote during the 2024 election. A ruling on TikTok's lifeline will be issued before Trump's inauguration.