Carl J. Nichols

Stories

Justice Department moves to erase Bannon's conviction with no party opposing it

Holding the second dismissal request

Steve Bannon was convicted by a jury in 2022 on two counts of contempt of Congress and served four months in prison. On November 5, 2026, the Justice Department asked the judge who presided over that trial to erase the conviction. Bannon's lawyers did not object.

Updated 6 hours ago

The dismantlement of USAID

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Presiding judge in USAID workforce lawsuit

Hours after taking office on January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order freezing all U.S. foreign aid for 90 days. Stop-work orders shuttered HIV clinics in Ivory Coast, refugee camps lost infrastructure support, and 3.8 million women lost access to contraceptive care.

Updated May 19

Notable Quotes

The unions had adequately demonstrated that their members faced irreparable injury, particularly overseas staffers who would lose access to email, payment, and security warning systems. (February 7 ruling)

from The dismantlement of USAID · Updated May 19

Several subsequent submissions by the government persuade the Court that the risk posed to USAID employees who are placed on administrative leave while stationed abroad—if there is any—is far more minimal than it initially appeared. (February 21 ruling)

from The dismantlement of USAID · Updated May 19