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Georgia election probe enters new phase with search warrants

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(AP Photo/Ben Gray, File)

ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia prosecutor investigating whether former President Donald Trump and his allies broke the law trying to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state is seeking search warrants in the case, a sign that the wide-ranging probe has entered a new phase.

The revelation came Monday in a court order filed by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney, who’s overseeing the special grand jury seated to help the investigation. In an order sealing any search warrants and related documents from being made public, McBurney wrote that District Attorney Fani Willis’ office is “now seeking to obtain and execute a series of search warrants, the affidavits for which are predicated on sensitive information acquired during the investigation.”

Disclosure of the information could compromise the investigation, McBurney wrote, “by, among other things, causing flight from prosecution, destruction of or tampering with evidence, and intimidation of potential witnesses.” It could also result in risks to the “safety and well-being” of people involved in the investigation, he wrote.

It wasn’t immediately clear who the targets of the search warrants are or whether any search warrants had yet to be approved by a judge. To obtain a search warrant, prosecutors must convince a judge they have probable cause that a crime occurred at the location where authorities want to search.

As Willis’ investigation ramps up, the public court filings in the case have provided a rare window into the workings of a special grand jury that meets behind closed doors.

Willis, a Democrat, opened the investigation early last year, shortly after the release of a recording of a Jan. 2, 2021, phone call in which Trump suggested that Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger could “find” the votes needed to overturn his loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

In addition to the Trump-Raffensperger call, Willis confirmed early on that she was investigating a call that Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina made to Raffensperger, the sudden departure of the U.S. attorney in Atlanta in early January 2021 and statements made during legislative committee meetings by people pushing debunked claims casting doubt on the legitimacy of the state’s election.

Court filings in recent months have also shown that Willis is interested in a slate of fake electors who signed a certificate in December 2020 falsely stating that Trump had won the state and that they were the state’s “duly elected and qualified” electors. She said in a court filing that the 16 Georgia Republicans who signed that certificate have all been notified they are targets of the investigation, meaning they could face criminal charges.

Attorneys for Rudy Giuliani, a former New York mayor and Trump lawyer, say their client has also been notified that he’s a target of Willis’ investigation. He appeared at state legislative committee hearings in December 2020 and made claims of election fraud in Georgia. Giuliani was also involved in coordinating the fake elector plan, Willis wrote in a court filing. He testified before the special grand jury in August.

Willis’ investigation has also expanded into a breach of voting equipment at the elections office in a rural Georgia county, some 200 miles southeast of Atlanta.

Documents, emails, security video and deposition testimony produced in response to subpoenas in a long-running lawsuit have shown that lawyer Sidney Powell and other Trump allies hired a computer forensics team to go to Coffee County to make complete copies of data and software on elections equipment there. Willis is seeking testimony from Powell and has also requested documents from the company that employs the computer forensics team.

Another thread Willis seems to be pursuing is alleged attempts to pressure a Fulton County election worker. A petition filed last month indicates she wants to question Harrison Floyd, a director of Black Voices for Trump. Willis said in the petition that Floyd and Trevian Kutti, whom Willis described as a Chicago-based “purported publicist,” tried to pressure Ruby Freeman. Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, were election workers falsely accused by Trump allies of pulling fraudulent ballots from a suitcase during ballot counting.

As the investigation has progressed, a number of people who have been summoned to testify have tried to avoid testifying. Most have been unsuccessful.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican who’s facing a reelection challenge from Democrat Stacey Abrams, managed to delay his testimony until after next month’s election.

Graham’s attempt to fight his subpoena is currently pending before a federal appeals court. Willis has said in a court filing that she wants to talk to Graham about calls he made to Raffensperger and his staff in which he reportedly asked about “reexamining certain absentee ballots cast in Georgia in order to explore the possibility of a more favorable outcome for former President Donald Trump.” Graham has denied any wrongdoing and said his status as a senator shields him from having to testify.

A number of high-ranking Georgia state officials, including Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr, have already testified before the special grand jury. Others in Trump’s orbit who’ve undergone questioning include attorneys John Eastman and Kenneth Chesebro. And the panel is still expecting testimony from others, including former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

Willis has indicated she could seek to compel testimony from Trump himself. The former president has hired a legal team in Atlanta and last month disparaged the investigation as a “strictly political Witch Hunt!”

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US NATIONAL NEWS

Trump Hints at Possible Third Term, Suggests “Methods” to Stay in Office

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – President Donald Trump refused to rule out the idea of a third term, despite the constitutional limits set by the 22nd Amendment, stating there are “methods” that could allow him to return to the Oval Office.

In a Sunday morning phone interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker, Trump touted his high approval ratings, claiming, “You have to start by saying, I have the highest poll numbers of any Republican for the last 100 years. We’re in the high 70s in many polls, in the real polls, and you see that. We’re very popular.”

When asked directly whether he would seek another term in 2028, Trump did not deny the possibility, saying:

“Well, there are plans. There are—not plans. There are, there are methods which you could do it, as you know.”

22nd Amendment & Legal Hurdles

Trump’s comments come in direct conflict with the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states:

“No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”

This amendment, ratified in 1951, was introduced largely due to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency. It makes no exception for presidents who serve non-consecutive terms, which means Trump would legally be barred from running again in 2028 after a second presidency.

Trump’s Strategy: JD Vance as a Placeholder?

During the NBC News interview, Trump hinted at potential workarounds to bypass the 22nd Amendment, including having Vice President JD Vance run in 2028 and later stepping aside to allow Trump to return to office.

“Well, that’s one,” Trump said. “But there are others too. There are others.”

This raises legal and ethical concerns, as it would be seen as a direct attempt to circumvent the Constitutional limit on presidential terms.

Steve Bannon & MAGA Allies Push for 2028

Trump’s close ally Steve Bannon, host of the War Room podcast, has been a vocal proponent of the idea, stating in December that Trump could “credibly seek another term” in 2028. The idea has gained traction among MAGA hardliners, with some advocating for legislative changes or legal loopholes that could allow Trump to reclaim the presidency.

White House Response: “Too Early” to Decide

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung downplayed the speculation, stating:

“Americans overwhelmingly approve and support President Trump and his America First policies. As the President said, it’s far too early to think about it, and he is focused on undoing all the hurt Biden has caused and Making America Great Again.”

What’s Next?

While Trump’s comments have sparked debate over the Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, legal scholars and political analysts emphasize that any attempt to bypass the presidential term limit would likely face significant legal challenges and Congressional pushback.

As Trump continues to tease 2028, Democrats and legal experts are expected to push back against any potential constitutional maneuvering.

___________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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US NATIONAL NEWS

Global Tesla Takedown Protests Target Elon Musk and DOGE

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MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) – The global anti-Tesla protest movement intensified on March 29, as demonstrators targeted hundreds of Tesla dealerships and showrooms worldwide. Protesters voiced outrage over Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s influence on U.S. government policies, layoffs in federal agencies, and budget cuts affecting critical programs.

Protesters Condemn Musk’s Influence in Government

The demonstrations, dubbed the “Tesla Takedown”, were fueled by frustration over what activists call Musk’s unchecked power over federal decision-making. Protesters argue that Musk, the world’s richest man, has used his political and financial leverage to lay off thousands of workers, slash government agency budgets, and consolidate power.

“Nobody voted for Elon,” one protester stated. “He’s hijacking our government, cutting funding for essential programs, and treating workers as disposable.”

Anti-Tesla Movement Gains Momentum

The anti-Tesla sentiment is spreading across multiple countries, with protestors uniting under a common goal: hurting Musk’s bottom line. Demonstrators held boldly worded signs with statements such as:

  • “Fire Musk”

  • “We Don’t Need This Fascist”

  • “Honk If You Hate Nazis”

  • “No Swastikas – No Fascists”

Some placards even depicted Musk as an oligarch gaslighting the public, drawing comparisons between his leadership style and authoritarian regimes.

DOGE Backlash and Government Cuts

The protests also criticized Musk’s role in cryptocurrency manipulation, particularly regarding DOGE (Dogecoin). Many believe Musk’s influence over financial markets has led to instability, impacting small investors.

Moreover, demonstrators highlighted concerns over Musk’s reported backroom deals with the Trump administration, which they claim have resulted in:

  • Massive layoffs across federal agencies

  • Defunding critical public programs

  • Deregulation that benefits corporations while hurting workers

Protesters Demand Change

As the Tesla Takedown movement grows, activists vow to escalate demonstrations, urging consumers to boycott Tesla products and Musk-owned companies.

“We refuse to support a billionaire who disregards democracy, fires workers, and cuts essential programs,” said one organizer. “This is just the beginning.”

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US NATIONAL NEWS

Former Trump Impeachment Manager Val Demings Calls Trump Officials’ Response to War Plans Leak “A Shameless Mountain of Lies”

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WASHINGTON (FNN) – A major national security scandal has erupted after top officials from President Donald Trump’s administration reportedly shared classified U.S. military strike plans in a private Signal chat, raising alarms about national security breaches and possible legal violations.

Former Trump Impeachment Manager Val Demings Speaks Out

Former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, who served as a Trump impeachment manager, strongly condemned the breach, describing it as “a shameless mountain of lies” and a reckless compromise of military strategy.

“As a former member of the Intelligence and Homeland Security committees, the thought of these people sharing strategic military operations on Signal is shocking. Those who testified before the Senate were under oath. Power built on endless lies is not power at all—it’s a house of cards. America, this will end badly unless you demand better,” Demings wrote in a statement on her personal Facebook page.

Val Demings is a former U.S. Congresswoman, former Trump Impeachment Manager, former member of the Intelligence and Homeland Security Committees, and retired Orlando Chief of Police.

Details of the Leaked War Plans

The National Security Council has confirmed the authenticity of the leaked messages, which included classified operational details of upcoming U.S. military strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The leaked documents allegedly contained:

  • Target locations for military strikes
  • Weapon deployment strategies
  • Attack sequencing and operational details

The sensitive war plans were reportedly shared with The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, in a private Signal group chat involving:

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

  • Vice President JD Vance

  • National Security Advisor Mike Waltz

Possible Violations of Federal Laws & National Security Rules

The unauthorized disclosure of sensitive military operations may violate multiple federal laws, including:

  • Espionage Act (18 U.S. Code § 793) – Unlawful disclosure of classified national defense information
  • Presidential Records Act – Mishandling of government records and sensitive communications
  • Federal Records Act – Unauthorized sharing of government communications
  • Insider Threat Program Violations – Breach of classified intelligence security measures
  • UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) Violations – If military personnel were involved in the leak

Congress Calls for Full Investigation

Bipartisan leaders in both the Senate and House are calling for an investigation into the war plans leak. Lawmakers are demanding:

  • Public hearings to address the security breach
  • Testimony from top Trump officials named in the leak
  • Legal consequences for those responsible

During the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Vice Chair Mark Warner (D-VA) described the actions of the nation’s top intelligence officials as “sloppy, careless, incompetent behavior.”

“If this was the case of a military officer or an intelligence officer and they had this kind of behavior, they would be fired,” he said.

What’s Next?

  • Congressional Hearings on the national security breach
  • Potential criminal charges for those responsible
  • Wider political fallout for Trump’s national security team

_________________________________________________________________________

Florida National New
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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