SCOTUS denies Trump rehearing in Carroll $5M case as Blanche faces scrutiny on DOJ role
Source: MS NOW · All MS NOW reports
Why this grade: Graded B-: core facts on SCOTUS denials, Carroll payment, Blanche confirmation and Meet the Press answers verified by primary reporting; noticeable one-sided sourcing, loaded framing of motives, and limited counter-context on AG norms or probe scope.
Why this lean: Relied on Democratic-leaning guest Weissmann, emphasized Trump administration flaws without equivalent scrutiny of prior precedents, and framed actions as retribution or lawlessness.
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Topics in this report
Summary
The segment covered the Supreme Court’s August 17 denial of Trump’s rehearing petition in the E. Jean Carroll civil case after an earlier June denial, noting Carroll has received the $5 million award plus interest. It then examined newly confirmed AG Todd Blanche’s recent Meet the Press appearance, his refusal to pledge full DOJ independence from the White House, and evasive answers on potential compensation for January 6 defendants. It referenced a New York Times report on a Chicago US Attorney probe and grand jury subpoena targeting a Democratic fundraising firm once co-owned by Judge Merchan’s daughter, seeking communications with Democratic figures. Former FBI official Andrew Weissmann joined to criticize Blanche’s statements and contrast them with Trump’s past comments on prosecutions.
Editorial Assessment
The broadcast accurately reported the timeline of SCOTUS actions and Carroll’s payment, as well as Blanche’s confirmation and interview remarks. Context is thin on historical AG independence practices, the separate $83M defamation appeal, and the scope or status of the Merchan-related investigation. Framing presents administration actions primarily through a lens of potential abuse or retribution while downplaying Senate confirmation conditions and standard prosecutorial discretion. Viewer misses fuller sourcing on Blanche’s full answers and any Democratic precedents for similar probes.
Key Moments
SCOTUS declined for the second time to hear Trump’s appeal of the Carroll $5M verdict
June 29 cert denial followed by Aug 17 rehearing denial confirmed in SCOTUS docket and multiple outlets
Blanche refused to pledge DOJ will always act independently of the White House
Direct quote from Meet the Press appearance widely reported
NYT reported DOJ probe and subpoena of fundraising firm tied to Merchan daughter seeking Dem client communications
Aug 15 NYT article details Chicago US Attorney subpoena of Authentic Campaigns
Most attorneys general have pledged independence in confirmation battles
Common practice cited, but degree and exact wording vary; segment presents as settled fact without examples
Notable Concerns
- Heavy reliance on one guest with prior adversarial history toward Trump
- Selective emphasis on loaded phrases like 'retribution campaign' without balanced counter-evidence
Sources Consulted
- Court turns down Trump’s request to reconsider its refusal to hear Carroll suit against him
- E. Jean Carroll collects $5.6M in Trump sex abuse and defamation case
- AG Todd Blanche says 'of course' he'll listen to Trump's opinion on prosecutions
- Prosecutors Examined Firm With Tie to Judge in Trump Hush-Money Trial
- Senate confirms Todd Blanche as attorney general