Latest news with #Constitutionof
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pam Bondi abruptly fires Justice Department's top ethics chief in four-sentence letter
Attorney General Pam Bondi has fired the ethics director at the Department of Justice in a four-sentence letter that misspells his name, marking the latest departure from the agency during a mass exodus of career prosecutors under Donald Trump's administration. A letter to 'Jospeh Tirrell' sent on July 11 and seen by The Independent notes his termination is 'effective immediately' but does not state a reason why he was abruptly fired. Joseph Tirrell, who had served as the director of the Justice Department's ethics office since 2023, was responsible for reviewing financial disclosures and other matters related to the attorney general's office and other top law enforcement officials. He led a team of roughly 30 people to ensure government lawyers and other officials adhered to ethical guidelines. 'My public service is not over, and my career as a federal civil servant is not finished,' he wrote Monday on LinkedIn. 'I took the oath at 18 as a midshipman to 'support and defend the Constitution of the United States.' I have taken that oath at least five more times since then. That oath did not come with the caveat that I need only support the Constitution when it is easy or convenient.' Tirrell's firing follows Bondi's purge of roughly 20 Justice Department employees involved in former Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigations into the former president. Tirrell had reportedly approved Smith's receipt of $140,000 in pro bono legal fees from the firm Covington & Burling before his resignation. It is unclear whether Tirrell's firing is related. Pam Bondi abruptly fired the director of the Justice Department's ethics office on July 11 as career prosecutors quit the agency in droves (AFP via Getty Images) Shortly after taking office, the president dismissed the government's top ethics watchdog, sparking a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court. That independent Office of Government Ethics would regularly consult with Tirrell's team. Tirrell's sudden firing also 'shines a bright spotlight back on her own glaring ethical conflicts and how she's handled major DOJ decisions involving her former clients, including the government of Qatar and Pfizer, according to Jon Golinger with democratic advocacy group Public Citizen. 'The question this drastic firing raises is: are there even worse ethics problems Bondi is trying to hide?' Career prosecutors are also quitting the agency in droves since Trump's election. More than 100 lawyers at the Justice Department's federal programs bench, which defends the president's policy actions in court, have left their positions in recent months. Roughly 250 attorneys at the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division — accounting for 70 percent of the lawyers there – also quit the agency within the first few months of the Trump administration. The latest shakeups at the Justice Department also arrive as the administration fumbles for answers about investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, as MAGA loyalists turn on the president, Bondi and other top law enforcement officials over the administration's failure to release more information about the sex offender and his alleged client list. The Justice Department last week said Epstein, who was facing charges of sex trafficking, did not leave behind such a list, though Bondi in February suggested it was on her desk. She later said she was referring to the overall case. But the Justice Department ultimately concluded that public disclosure of such materials would be inappropriate and remain under seal by a federal judge, frustrating the president's supporters and conspiracy theorists who have linked the Epstein case to allegations of a wider corruption and sex abuse scandal involving minors and powerful figures. The Independent has requested comment from the Justice Department.
Eyewitness News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Ramaphosa's manipulation of the Constitution for Senzo Mchunu empowers criminal syndicates
On Sunday, 13 July 2025, a nation held its breath as the President of the Republic of South Africa took centre stage to announce the action he would take following damning allegations made by the Commissioner of Police in KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi's now widely reported claims of corruption and capture of law enforcement by a criminal syndicate, which involves drug cartels and the complicity of senior police officials, the judiciary, parliamentarians, and Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, shook a nation which has become a victim of crime itself to the core. Ramaphosa stood in front of a nation desperate for reprieve – reprieve from hijackings, violent robberies, grotesque levels of Gender Based Violence and a youth whose recreation has become substance abuse. He stood and failed to seize the moment as we all let out a collective sigh of disappointment. Mchunu, the minister at the centre of a characterisation of South Africa as modern narco-state was placed on special leave, sent home to continue to draw a salary in peace, while our nation fears the worst and wonders how the criminal underworld which has now been exposed will respond to the brave who have dared to stand up and expose them. Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Firoz Cachalia as Acting Police Minister, while the taxpayers will pay for Mchunu's vacation and time off to go and consolidate his associates in the syndicates exposed by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Invoking Section 91 (3) ( c ) of the Constitution of South Africa, Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Cachalia in an interim capacity. There are critical issues and scrutiny to be raised with this appointment, for which there will be an intermediary appointment of a sitting Cabinet minister who will take up the duties and functions of the Police Minister in accordance with Section 98 of the Constitution of South Africa. The first is that in a further inexplicable bloating of the Cabinet, all in service of protecting the dignity of Mchunu, South Africa now has four Executive Members in the Ministry of Police. Mchunu remains a Minister of Police who is on an indefinite paid leave at the expense of the taxpayer, while Cachalia will act in his stead. In addition to this, there are two Deputy Ministers of Police, Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale. The second issue is what we can only describe as a manipulative interpretation and application of the Constitution to ensure the necessary loopholes are identified to allow Mchunu to retain his post, while having someone act in his position during a Commission of Inquiry into Law Enforcement. It is manipulative and possibly in bad spirit because Section 91 (3) ( c) of the Constitution of South Africa allows for the President to appoint two Ministers who are not directly elected Members of Parliament. A clear interpretation of this logically shows that this provision does not apply to the appointment of an Acting Minister who will fulfil the duties and functions of a Minister who, for one reason or another, is unable to do so. It is important at this stage to remind the nation that Senzo Mchunu is not inhibited from performing his duties due to illness or bereavement – he is unable to execute his duties because he is accused of working with criminals to undermine justice, and he disbanded the Political Killings Task Team without engaging with it or its work. Alas, it is in Section 98 of the Constitution where the delegation of duties of a minister who is unable to execute their functions (read accused of corruption) lies. It is Section 98 that, in no uncertain terms, stipulates that the President may assign the powers, duties and functions of a minister who can't execute such or is absent to another minister. Here lies the malicious use of a document hailed around the world as the best of its kind. Firoz Cachalia is not a minister and, therefore, Section 98 cannot apply to him in terms of the assignment of duties and functions of another minister. Cachalia is not appointed, if we are to read the President's official statement as a minister, but as an acting minister. Therefore, if read literally, Section 91 (3) ( c) does not apply to Cachalia's appointment as an Acting Minister of Police. The President of the Republic is therefore either surrounded by incompetent advisors, legally and otherwise, or he is surrounded by advisors so cunning that they have weaponised our Constitution to enhance ANC patronage and defend the corrupt. The loophole lies in the opportunity, or what Mbazima Shilowa refers to on the social media platform X as the 'neat' route to appoint Cachalia as a minister without any assigned functions and subsequently bestow him the functions of the Minister of Police. This could manifest itself in an appointment as a Minister in the Presidency for Cachalia, who will then be given the functions of Mchunu while Mchunu sunbathes on the balcony of Vusumuzi 'Cat' Matlala's penthouse or whatever it is that criminally accused ministers do. Is this unlawful? Absolutely not. Is it a sinister use of presidential prerogative and the Constitution of South Africa? Indisputably. What could have been a moment of strength for Ramaphosa has turned into a questionable use of the most sacred document of the land. The announcement of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry has had its own responses from a rightfully disillusioned South African public, who have witnessed administration after administration create Commissions of Inquiries whose recommendations they ignore. Aside from irresponsible jubilation by erstwhile politicians who have turned radio hosts, the only people who were left rejoicing following President Ramaphosa's address are Mchunu, Cat Matlala, Shadrack Sibiya and the cartels who are poisoning our nation using our ports and the province of Gauteng as the headquarters. It is a sad day for whistleblowers who have seen that even a Police Commissioner cannot neutralise criminals inside and outside the state, and it was yet another step backwards in the fight against corruption. Sinawo Thambo is the EFF National Spokesperson and a Member of Parliament
The Citizen
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Allowing GNU to dictate foreign policy is ‘micro-management'
Minister Ronald Lamola said he is following his commitment to the Constitution of South Africa by implementing foreign policy objectives. South Africa's foreign policy is dictated by several existing frameworks and not the whims of parties within the government of national unity (GNU). This was the sentiment relayed by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola in the build-up to his department's budget speech on Thursday. GNU members have been critical of South Africa's stance on international issues, accusing the ANC of inserting its own bias into foreign relations. 'Follow procedure' A Freedom Front Plus (FF+) delegation this week returned from the United States, and a DA parliamentarian earlier this year called for an overhaul of the nation's foreign policy. Lamola stressed that his department's work was bound by the African Union's Agenda 2063, South Africa's framework document on national interest, the Foreign Services Act, and the Constitution of South Africa. He stated that the ANC, as the previous majority leader in parliament, followed all required paths of participation and consultation in formulating and enacting the current policies. The minister urged any parliamentarian or party that wished to change the mandate of his department to follow parliamentary procedure. 'If there is any GNU partner that wants a review or consultation on the foreign policy, they can initiate the process,' said Lamola. 'We are implementing the policy perspective of the South African government, so there is no basis for anyone to complain because we are not out of line,' he explained. GNU opposition FF+ leader Corner Mulder earlier this week called President Cyril Ramaphosa's meeting with US President Donald Trump a 'failure', saying their visit had a different tone to the star-studded visit in May. Mulder said his delegation was told that in order to better diplomatic ties with the US, the ANC needed to denounce the 'kill the boer' chant. Additionally, farm attacks needed to be declared a priority crime, land expropriation without compensation must be scrapped, and US companies must be exempt from employment equity laws. In the same month as Ramaphosa's visit, DA spokesperson on International Relations Emma Powell called for a 'consensus-based' review of how South Africa portrayed itself on the international stage. 'In light of the critical need to grow our economy and create jobs, South Africa's foreign policy must now be driven by an unwavering commitment to our country's domestic growth, rather than being dictated by the ANC's historical and fraternal allegiances,' Powell stated. 'Micro-management' Lamola said they would not promote policy positions put forward by GNU members simply because they had earned a seat at the collective governance table. 'There is no political party that, just on the basis that they are a member of the GNU, can impose its policies on South Africans. 'It's shocking that they would want us to implement what is not in the law, but implement what [they] themselves as political parties want us to do. That is not in the interest of South Africans,' Lamola said. He added that all GNU members had agreed to uphold the Constitution of South Africa and existing policies, and that allowing any one member to dictate policy changes would be against the spirit of the GNU's statement of intent. 'It's not practically possible, but that also becomes micro-management. In all our international platforms we go to, we seek a mandate from Cabinet [first].' US participation in G20 Lamola was asked about the US' participation in the G20 summit to be held in Johannesburg in November, with the minister urging US officials to play a constructive role in the gathering. He said the G20 was a consensus-based organisation and that the US had a pivotal role in shaping the G20's policies. 'It is important they make contributions towards the outcomes document…and work towards a consolidated final declaration,' 'It would be great if the US participates so that the outcome is embraced by all member countries,' said Lamola. NOW READ: FF Plus claims White House officials want ANC to publicly denounce 'Kill the Boer' chant
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pence praises Jan. 6 rioter for rejecting Trump pardon
Former Vice President Mike Pence penned a letter to a woman who rejected a pardon from President Donald Trump for her participation in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, lauding her 'honorable decision' and reaffirming his own choice to break with Trump and certify the 2020 election results. Pam Hemphill, a self-described 'Ex-MAGA Granny,' was one of over 1,000 rioters Trump pardoned on the first day of his second term. But Hemphill, who had previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol, has since changed course, flipping from one of the president's most ardent supporters to his vocal critic, posting relentlessly about Trump's 'J6 lies' and attacking his policies. She officially rejected her pardon this spring, saying that she did not want to be 'part of Trump's narrative that the DOJ is weaponized.' Hemphill's loud condemnation of the president — and decision to refuse his pardon — appeared to have made its way to Pence, for whom the Jan. 6 attack marked a massive personal turning point as angry mobs of Trump's supporters threatened to hang the then-vice president for certifying the election results confirming Joe Biden as the 2020 election victor. In a letter dated June 2, Pence expressed 'admiration' for Hemphill's choice to reject her Jan. 6 pardon and reiterated his conviction in his own decision to break with Trump that day in order to ensure the 'peaceful transfer of power' entrusted to him as vice president. 'I am writing to express my admiration for your decision to refuse a presidential pardon and accept responsibility for your actions on January 6th,' Pence wrote. 'January 6th was a tragic day, but I will always believe that I did my duty that day to see the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution of the United States.' A staffer for Pence's organization Advancing American Freedom confirmed that the former vice president sent the letter. The staffer was granted anonymity to discuss Pence's private correspondence. Pence's decision to certify the 2020 election results became a symbol of rare resistance to Trump from within his own party, which carries even more weight under his second term in which some Republicans say they fear retaliation from the president if they speak out against him. Just on Tuesday, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has broken with the president on multiple administration policies, including Congress' 'big beautiful bill' and Trump's approach to Iran, invoked Pence's rocky final weeks as Trump's last vice president in a jab at the president. Replying to a post from current Vice President JD Vance hyping up the 'excitement' of his term, Massie wrote 'Ask Mike Pence about his last month,' seemingly referencing Trump's wrath over Pence's election certification. The former vice president's letter was well-received by Hemphill, who shared it on X, along with a heartfelt message. 'It's been a long and hard journey, but this letter I received today has made every heartache, smear campaign and sleepless night more than worth it!' Hemphill wrote alongside a photograph of the letter posted to X on Tuesday night. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Politico
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Pence praises Jan. 6 rioter for rejecting Trump pardon
Former Vice President Mike Pence penned a letter to a woman who rejected a pardon from President Donald Trump for her participation in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, lauding her 'honorable decision' and reaffirming his own choice to break with Trump and certify the 2020 election results. Pam Hemphill, a self-described 'Ex-MAGA Granny,' was one of over 1,000 rioters Trump pardoned on the first day of his second term. But Hemphill, who had previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol, has since changed course, flipping from one of the president's most ardent supporters to his vocal critic, posting relentlessly about Trump's 'J6 lies' and attacking his policies. She officially rejected her pardon this spring, saying that she did not want to be 'part of Trump's narrative that the DOJ is weaponized.' Hemphill's loud condemnation of the president — and decision to refuse his pardon — appeared to have made its way to Pence, for whom the Jan. 6 attack marked a massive personal turning point as angry mobs of Trump's supporters threatened to hang the then-vice president for certifying the election results confirming Joe Biden as the 2020 election victor. In a letter dated June 2, Pence expressed 'admiration' for Hemphill's choice to reject her Jan. 6 pardon and reiterated his conviction in his own decision to break with Trump that day in order to ensure the 'peaceful transfer of power' entrusted to him as vice president. 'I am writing to express my admiration for your decision to refuse a presidential pardon and accept responsibility for your actions on January 6th,' Pence wrote. 'January 6th was a tragic day, but I will always believe that I did my duty that day to see the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution of the United States.' A staffer for Pence's organization Advancing American Freedom confirmed that the former vice president sent the letter. The staffer was granted anonymity to discuss Pence's private correspondence. Pence's decision to certify the 2020 election results became a symbol of rare resistance to Trump from within his own party, which carries even more weight under his second term in which some Republicans say they fear retaliation from the president if they speak out against him. Just on Tuesday, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has broken with the president on multiple administration policies, including Congress' 'big beautiful bill' and Trump's approach to Iran, invoked Pence's rocky final weeks as Trump's last vice president in a jab at the president. Replying to a post from current Vice President JD Vance hyping up the 'excitement' of his term, Massie wrote 'Ask Mike Pence about his last month,' seemingly referencing Trump's wrath over Pence's election certification. The former vice president's letter was well-received by Hemphill, who shared it on X, along with a heartfelt message. 'It's been a long and hard journey, but this letter I received today has made every heartache, smear campaign and sleepless night more than worth it!' Hemphill wrote alongside a photograph of the letter posted to X on Tuesday night. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
