December 19, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – December 19, 2025
National/Federal
Trump Bashes Late Director Rob Reiner, Drawing Immediate Backlash
MSN – Amy Wang (Washington Post) | Published: 12/15/2025
Less than a day after film director Rob Reiner was found dead in his Los Angeles home, President Trump posited without evidence that the Hollywood icon was killed because he was critical of Trump. The president wrote that Reiner’s death was :”reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.” The couple’s son was arrested on a murder charge. There was no indication from the authorities that the couple’s political beliefs had anything to do with their deaths.
Trump Has Signed More Executive Orders in 2025 Than in His Entire First Term
MSN – Emily Davies, Cat Zakrzewski, and Clara Ence Morse (Washington Post) | Published: 12/16/2025
President Trump has signed more executive orders in less than a year of his presidency than he did in his entire first term, repeatedly bypassing Congress and forcing the courts to grapple with the constitutional bounds of his power. American presidents have consolidated executive power to skirt Congress since the beginning of the 20th century. But Trump has accelerated the trend that intensified in recent decades amid a decline in legislative activity and rising partisan brinkmanship.
How a Trump Media Deal with a Crypto Firm Exposes Potential Conflicts of Interest
MSN – Brian Slodysko (Associated Press) | Published: 12/16/2025
Legal and ethics experts say Crypto.com’s journey from investigative target to a business partner of Donald Trump provides a case study of the conflicts-of interest that have arisen in Trump’s second presidency. Unlike any of his predecessors in the modern era, Trump has allowed his family businesses to enter lucrative arrangements with companies regulated by the federal government, some of which have benefited from action taken by his administration.
Rob Reiner Was More Than a Hollywood Liberal. He Was a Sophisticated Political Operator.
MSN – Melanie Mason (Politico) | Published: 12/15/2025
What qualifies as political activism in Hollywood usually starts and ends with writing a big check. Not so for Rob Reiner. The actor and director, who was found dead in his home along with his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, in a suspected homicide, was a policy maker and campaign strategist in his own right with lasting fingerprints on the political ecosystem in California and beyond.
MSN – Kevin Liptak, Alejandra Jaramillo, and Kristen Holmes (CNN) | Published: 12/16/2025
The White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, delivered a series of unusually candid and at times unflattering assessments of President Trump, his second-term agenda, and some of his closest allies in a series of wide-ranging interviews with Vanity Fair. Across more than 10 interviews, Wiles spoke frankly about working for Trump, saying the president “has an alcoholic’s personality,” despite being known as a teetotaler. She acknowledged the president’s appetite for revenge, conceding many of his second-term actions were driven by a desire for retribution.
DHS Fast-Tracked $1 Billion Contract to Pro-Trump Donor’s Company
MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf (Washington Post) | Published: 12/17/2025
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) fast-tracked a contract worth almost $1 billion to a company led by a donor to a pro-Trump nonprofit group where one of the officials overseeing the deal previously worked. The contract involves a DHS program called Project Homecoming that offers cash bonuses, free flights, and a “concierge service” at airports for departing migrants. The agency said nonpartisan professionals control its contracting decisions. But in the case of the Project Homecoming contract, political appointees coordinated the process.
Data Centers Have a Political Problem – and Big Tech Wants to Fix It
MSN – Gabby Miller (Politico) | Published: 12/17/2025
Tech companies and lobbyists are investing millions of dollars to tackle a new political problem for the industry: data centers, the lifeblood of the growing Artificial Intelligence economy, are becoming toxic with voters. Alarmed by elections that candidates won by campaigning against new data centers, the industry is taking out ads and funding campaigns to flip the narrative and put data centers in a positive light, spinning them as job creators and economic drivers rather than resource-hungry land hogs.
MSN – Ryan Reilly (NBC News) | Published: 12/17/2025
Former special counsel Jack Smith told a congressional committee his team found “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” that President Trump engaged in a “criminal scheme” to overturn the results of the 2020 election, according to portions of his opening statement. Facing a renewed wave of Republican attacks on his investigations into Trump, Smith was expected to attempt to use the hearing to correct what his team has described as mischaracterizations about the special counsel investigation.
Trump Administration Prepares Sweeping Crackdown on Leftist Networks
MSN – Eva Dou, Joseph Menn, and Will Oremus (Washington Post) | Published: 12/18/2025
The Trump administration is embarking on an expansive effort to root out what it sees as rampant left-wing domestic terrorism, raising concerns among some security experts and lawmakers that broad categories of Americans’ political speech could come under surveillance. Some of the statutes Attorney General Pam Bondi directed prosecutors to consider as they investigate extremists reflect the same charges leveled at many of the January 6 rioters, including picketing and parading with intent to obstruct the administration of justice.
Dan Bongino Announces He Is Leaving FBI Deputy Director Job in January
MSN – Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 12/17/2025
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced he will leave his job in January, after a tumultuous tenure in which he helped oversee major shifts in the bureau’s resources and dramatic dismissals of experienced agents. When Donald Trump named Bongino deputy director, the president transformed what was long a powerful career position that oversaw the day-to-day operations of the bureau into a political job with a more public presence.
Sleepy. Divisive. A Fan of Young Trump: A look at the new plaques on the Presidential Walk of Fame
MSN – Matt Brown and Bill Barrow (Associated Press) | Published: 12/17/2025
President Trump has affixed partisan plaques to the portraits of all U.S. commanders in chief, himself included, on his Presidential Walk of Fame at the White House, describing Joe Biden as “sleepy,” Barack Obama as “divisive,” and Ronald Reagan as a fan of a young Trump. The additions mark Trump’s latest effort to remake the White House in his own image, while flouting the protocols of how presidents treat their predecessors and doubling down on his determination to reshape how U.S. history is told.
House Democrats Roll Out Stock Trading Ban That Includes Trump
MSN – Riley Beggin and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 12/17/2025
House Democrats introduced their own ban on lawmakers trading stocks that would cover President Trump, probably quashing a separate bipartisan effort that has been simmering for weeks. The White House lashed out at Sen. Josh Hawley earlier this year over concerns that his proposal to ban lawmaker stock trading would apply to the executive branch; the proposal was later changed to apply to officials after their term ends, exempting Trump.
Brendan Carr Said the FCC Isn’t Independent. Its Website Quickly Updated.
MSN – Scott Nover and Ian Duncan (Washington Post) | Published: 12/17/2025
During an otherwise bland Senate committee hearing where its commissioners were testifying, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) removed the word “independent” from a description of the agency on its own website to line up with its chairperson’s live remarks. After the hearing, an FCC spokesperson said in a statement: “With the change in Administration earlier this year, the FCC’s website and materials required updating. That work continues to ensure that they reflect the positions of the agency’s new leadership.”
From the States and Municipalities
California – LA City Attorney Accused of Ethics Breach Before Settling Major Case for $18M
LAist – Nick Gerda | Published: 12/11/2025
An investigator for the Los Angeles Police department determined an officer was at fault for driving at an unsafe speed in an accident that seriously injured two people. Facing a lawsuit, the city ultimately settled in the middle of a trial for $18 million. Days before settling, lawyers for the plaintiffs accused the elected city attorney of an ethics breach. As the case was about to go to trial, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto called an expert witness for the plaintiffs, “attempted to ingratiate herself with him and asked him to make a contribution to her political campaign,” according to a sworn declaration by the plaintiffs’ attorney.
California – LA Councilmember John Lee Hit with $138,000 Fine in Las Vegas Gift Case
MSN – David Zahniser (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 12/18/2025
Los Angeles City Councilperson John Lee is facing a steep fine for his notorious 2017 trip to Las Vegas, with the city Ethics Commission saying he must pay $138,424 in a case involving pricey meals and expensive nightclub “bottle service.” The commission said he committed two counts of violating the gift law and three counts of violating a law requiring that such gifts be disclosed to the public. The Lee case revolves around gifts, mostly meals and alcohol but also hotel stays, transportation, and $1,000 in gambling chips, provided by three businesspeople.
Colorado – Trump Asserts He Has Pardoned County Clerk Convicted in Colorado Case
MSN – Derek Hawkins and Alec Dent (Washington Post) | Published: 12/11/2025
President Trump said he pardoned Tina Peters, a former county clerk in Colorado who was convicted in state court on felony charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. It was unclear whether Trump was asserting he has the power to free Peters from state prison. She is serving a nine-year sentence. Presidents have the power to pardon defendants convicted in federal courts, but previous presidents have not claimed that authority in a state case.
District of Columbia – Appeals Court Hands Trump a Win Over D.C. National Guard Deployment
MSN – Jenny Gathright (Washington Post) | Published: 12/17/2025
An appeals court signaled it may find the National Guard deployment in the District of Columbia to be lawful, disagreeing with a lower-court judge’s opinion and issuing an order that will allow troops to stay in the city while litigation continues. A three-judge panel wrote the Trump administration is likely to succeed in its appeal of that lower-court ruling. The panel’s order was not a determination of the deployment’s legality and functioned only to allow the troops to remain pending final rulings, likely to come next year.
Georgia – Brad Raffensperger Sues to Win More Campaign Spending Power in Georgia Governor Race
MSN – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 12/8/2025
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is the latest Republican candidate for Georgia governor to attack campaign finance rules, saying they unconstitutionally limit his free speech while allowing Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to raise unlimited contributions. Safe Affordable Georgia filed suit asking a judge to rule the PAC chaired by Raffensberger can coordinate with his gubernatorial campaign in the same way that Jones’ leadership committee can.
Yahoo News – Rick Pearson (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 12/14/2025
Two Democratic members of the State Board of Elections who helped block nearly $10 million in campaign fines against Illinois Senate President Don Harmon have political ties to organizations that contributed disputed, above-limit donations to Harmon and continued giving to him even as the case was pending. The board’s staff concluded Harmon violated state campaign law by collecting $4 million in unlimited contributions after fundraising caps he took steps to lift were reinstated.
Indiana – Indiana GOP Rejects Trump’s Map in Major Blow to His Gerrymandering Push
MSN – Adam Wren (Politico) | Published: 12/11/2025
Indiana Republicans withstood immense pressure from President Trump, ignoring anonymous threats on their lives as they defeated his plan to redraw the state’s congressional map and dealt him one of his most significant political setbacks since his return to the White House. The GOP-controlled state Senate voted down the map that would have gerrymandered two more safe red seats, imperiling the party’s chances at holding control of Congress next November.
Michigan – Former Chatfield Aides Get Probation in Exchange for Testimony
Bridge Michigan – Simon Schuster | Published: 12/17/2025
Two of former House Speaker Lee Chatfield’s top legislative aides, Anné and Rob Minard, have been sentenced to probation after agreeing to testify against their former boss in next year. The two had been charged as part of a corruption probe that also ensnared Chatfield and his wife, as the four allegedly tapped into the millions of dollars they raised while Chatfield led the Michigan House to fund a lavish lifestyle.
New York – New York’s Senate Doesn’t Publish Votes on Nominees. Advocates Want That to Change
MSN – Dan Clark (Albany Times Union) | Published: 12/18/2025
When the U.S. Senate considers a nominee from the president, such as a federal judge or a cabinet official, the results of that vote are published on the chamber’s website for the public to review. That is not the case in New York, where the state Senate regularly considers nominees from the governor but does not publish publicly online how each member voted. When someone lobbies state officials on regulations or members of the New York Legislature on a bill, they must report that activity to the state’s ethics commission. That is not the case for lobbying members on one of the governor’s nominees.
New York – Administration Fails Again to Indict N.Y. Attorney General Letitia James
MSN – Perry Stein, Jasmine Golden, Salvador Rizzo, and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 12/11/2025
The Justice Department once again failed to persuade a grand jury to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James, an embarrassing loss for a law enforcement agency that has repeatedly tried to charge the president’s foe in a mortgage fraud case that career prosecutors have long viewed as weak. It marked the second time in two weeks that panels have refused the government’s efforts to indict James.
North Dakota – North Dakota Attorney General Voids Ethics Opinion, Says Agency Lacked Authority
Yahoo News – Jacob Orledge (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 12/15/2025
North Dakota’s attorney general says a recent state Ethics Commission advisory opinion related to campaign finance law is void, arguing the agency exceeded its authority. Attorney General Drew Wrigley said the commission has no authority to issue an opinion based on general questions of law. The opinion relates to guidance the commission issued in June, responding to questions about whether campaign funds can be used to pay for a candidate’s childcare or security expenses.
North Dakota – Committee Names New Member to North Dakota Ethics Commission, Ending Impasse
Yahoo News – Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 12/16/2025
North Dakota leaders appointed Jared Huibregtse to the state Ethics Commission, ending a nearly two-month stalemate over who to appoint to an open four-year seat on the commission. Huibregtse is a project manager for an engineering firm. The selection committee recently appointed former Office of Management and Budget Director Pam Sharp and attorney Mark Western to two other open seats on the commission.
Oregon – Ethics Commission Investigates Progressive Portland City Councilors over August Retreat
MSN – Jonathan Bach and Shane Dixon Kavanaugh (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 12/13/2025
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission will investigate whether six Portland City Council members violated public meetings law when they met for a private August retreat. The council members had planned to discuss topics including “defunding” city economic development agency Prosper Portland at the retreat. Under Oregon public meetings law, members of legislative bodies are prohibited from privately discussing legislative matters among a quorum.
Oregon – Oregon Ethics Commission Finds Rep. Greg Smith Violated State Ethics Laws in Pursuit of Raise
Yahoo News – Shaanth Nanguneri (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 12/12/2025
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission found Rep. Greg Smith used his position as a public official to secure a higher salary. He has long added onto his legislative salary with high-paying consulting contracts and side gigs supporting economic development efforts in eastern Oregon. The commission voted to extend for 30 days its investigation into Smith and allow investigators to gather more information, but members decided that given the evidence they reviewed, he was in violation of state ethics laws.
Pennsylvania – Dauphin County Sheriff Son’s Hire Raises Questions About Nepotism Policy
MSN – Juliette Rihl (PennLive) | Published: 12/18/2025
According to Dauphin County’s nepotism policy, children do not count as family members. That is because the county commissioners revised the policy in 2023 to remove “son or stepson” and “daughter or stepdaughter,” instead adding aunts, uncles, and half-siblings in their place. Ethics experts said the policy change blatantly defies standard government practices and questioned what, if anything, could have justified it.
Texas – They Left Office Years Ago. Why Are Their Campaigns Still Spending on Steakhouses and Fancy Hotels?
MSN – Taylor Goldenstein (Houston Chronicle) | Published: 12/17/2025
Lax campaign finance laws in Texas allow former candidates and their candidate-specific PACs to keep their coffers open in perpetuity, providing them with a rolling supply of money to dole out to their favorite charities and politicians and spend on travel, dining, and whatever else they deem political in purpose. Outgoing politicians are required to clear out their campaign accounts within six years of either leaving office or filing a final campaign finance report, whichever is later. But the law does not set a deadline for filing that report, so they can technically leave their accounts open as long as they never file one.
Virginia – Instacart Director Says She Was Fired for Democratic Congressional Campaign
MSN – Dan Merica (Washington Post) | Published: 12/15/2025
A lawsuit against Instacart alleges the mobile shopping giant fired a corporate employee for running for Congress, citing fears that some of her Democratic positions could lead to backlash from President Trump and Republicans. Lisa Vedernikova Khanna, a candidate in Virginia, contends Instacart’s action is the latest example of how Trump’s threats of retaliation have intimidated corporate America, leading large companies to recalibrate their approach to political speech. The lawsuit says Instacart violated a California law that bars companies from preventing their employees from becoming candidates for public office, among other complaints.
Wisconsin – Prosecutor Says Judge Knew She Would Get ‘Heat’ for Aiding Immigrant
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 12/15/2025
Federal prosecutors alleged a Wisconsin judge helped a Mexican man briefly elude immigration officials in April and just before she directed him through the back door of her courtroom, she said that she would “get the heat” for it. An attorney for Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan disputed prosecutors’ characterization of her actions and contended the judge was trying to follow draft court rules about how to handle immigration arrests at the courthouse. Dugan faces up to six years in prison if convicted on all counts.
Wisconsin – 2 Former Trump Associates Bound Over for Trial in Wisconsin Fake Elector Case
Yahoo News – Molly Beck (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) | Published: 12/15/2025
Top architects of an effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Wisconsin were in a courtroom facing felony charges related to a plan to gather signatures of Republicans falsely claiming to be electors for President Trump. Dane County Judge John Hyland ruled there is enough evidence to move forward with a trial in the case against Jim Troupis and Michael Roman, a former attorney and aide to Trump, for their alleged roles in the effort. The judge will consider evidence separately against a third defendant, former Trump attorney Kenneth Chesebro.
Search
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.
