
I saw a post on social media yesterday that said something like, “I’ve tried out 2026 for three days, and I’m not enjoying it.
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| I saw a post on social media yesterday that said something like, “I’ve tried out 2026 for three days, and I’m not enjoying it. I’d like to return it.” That feels on target right now. Here’s the highlight reel of the past week’s posts and events. Grab a cup of coffee and let’s catch up on anything you may have missed. The Week Ahead: We focused on three issues: (1) The Supreme Court’s shadow docket ruling rejecting Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in Illinois, a win, at least for now; (2) The developing flaws in DOJ’s criminal prosecution of Abrego Garcia case in the Middle District of Tennessee; and (3) DOJ’s failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Inherent Contempt: We explored Congress’ inherent contempt powers and whether it might use them to force a complete release of the Epstein Files from Pam Bondi and DOJ? Unsealed: Abrego Garcia: We took a lood at the newly-unsealed order in the Abrego Garcia case in Tennessee. This post offers both analysis and context to make clear why the developments in this case, although couched in the understated language judges frequently use to issue orders, are jaw-dropping. Year's End 2025: Looking back at some of my favorite columns from the year and looking forward to 2026, the year democracy strikes back. Happy 2026: In a post that should have just been about chickens as we prepared to celebrate the new year, we also touched on Jack Smith and another National Guard decision, because the news cycle is nonstop now. The Chief Justice’s Report on the State of the Judiciary: Chief Justice John Roberts released his “2025 Year End Report on the Federal Judiciary,” and I have thoughts. Would the truth be too much to ask for? Trump Strikes Venezuela; Arrests President Maduro: As news broke of the administration’s strike on Venezuela, we set the table with the legal landscape used to justify the strike on Venezuela. Maduro & Venezuela: What Happens Next: We followed up on the day’s developments in Venezuela, including a newly-unsealed superseding indictment that included both President Maduro and his wife, who was arrested alongside him. We discuss the developing response in Congress and Trump’s interest in Venezuelan oil. Of course, nothing happens in a vacuum. At least in part, if not in whole, Trump undoubtedly hopes to distract the public from its focus on the Epstein Files and the release of transcripts and video of Jack Smith’s recent testimony on the Hill, something we can’t permit. Sunday morning, I spoke with President Biden’s National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, and his Deputy National Security Advisor, Jon Finer. Video of our conversation about Venezuela and what comes next will be available later today. If you haven’t already discovered their new podcast, The Long Game (part of the Stay Tuned with Preet network of podcasts, where many of you follow Preet’s and my Insider Podcast), it’s now at the top of my list of must-listens.
These are complicated legal times, and it’s easy for the truth to get lost in the chaos. Civil Discourse doesn’t just track today’s headlines—it connects them to the legal and political history that explains why they matter. We won’t forget what’s at stake, or let Trump and his allies rewrite the past. You can subscribe to Civil Discourse for free and get clear analysis that helps you see the whole picture, delivered straight to your inbox. If you’re in a position to, your paid subscription helps me devote the time and resources it takes to write the newsletter. That means everyone has access to information they can share with friends and family—a constructive act we can all participate in right now, helping more Americans understand how critical this moment is. We’re in this together, Joyce Share | |

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