Today's Headlines and Commentary

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been indicted for violating the Espionage Act, according to the Washington Post.

Narendra Modi was re-elected Prime Minister of India, reported the New York Times. His landslide victory is viewed as an electoral vindication of his Hindu nationalism and pro-business policies.

President Trump declared that he will refuse to work with congressional Democrats on legislative matters unless they cease oversight investigations into his administration, said Politico

The Trump administration has announced plans for a $16 billion aid package to farmers to alleviate the impacts of the ongoing U.S. trade war with China, according to the Times.

John Walker Lindh, an American citizen convicted for aiding the Taliban, was released from prison today after serving 17 years of a 20-year sentence, said CNN.

Bank executive Stephen Calk was indicted on federal bribery charges in Manhattan; he stands accused of providing millions of dollars in loans to Paul Manafort in return for a position in the Trump administration (which he did not ultimately receive), reported the Times.

ICYMI: Yesterday on Lawfare:

Jack Goldsmith shared the second part of his analysis criticizing Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s interpretation of the clear statement rule.

Bob Bauer discussed the potential pitfalls and opportunities of Mueller testifying before Congress.

Carrie Cordero analyzed the counterintelligence responsibilities of the Justice Department in the lead-up to the 2020 election, and how comments from Trump and Barr may be complicating those responsibilities.

Jen Patja Howell posted the latest episode of Rational Security in which Scott Anderson, Shane Harris, Quinta Jurecic and Margaret Taylor address recent news concerning Huawei, Trump pardoning war criminals and Don McGahn’s failure to appear for congressional testimony.

Margaret Colgate Love examined the attorney general’s role in the presidential pardon process.

Jonathan Schaub analyzed the limits of testimonial immunity as it applies to former executive branch officials.

Emmah Wabuke discussed the invocation of Responsibility to Protect by regional organizations, focusing specifically on its recent invocation by ECOWAS to justify intervention in Gambia.

Nicholas Weaver highlighted the technological consequences of Trump’s executive order on telecommunications.

Ashley Deeks provided information about an online symposium discussing unilateral targeted sanctions.

Robert Chesney and Steve Vladeck shared the most recent episode of the National Security Law podcast.

Mikhaila Fogel shared transcripts of congressional testimony given to the House Judiciary Committee by several current and former Justice Department officials regarding the 2016 election—the transcripts were released by Rep. Doug Collins, the top Republican on the committee. Fogel also shared unsealed search warrants granted to the special counsel in the Michael Cohen case.

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