Hours before a new federal law banning TikTok was to take effect in the United States, the social media app showed users a pop-up message saying it would be “temporarily unavailable” starting Sunday. “We regret that the US law banning TikTok will go into effect on January 19,” the message said. “We are working to … Read more
It’s become a cliché to cry that the American government doesn’t do big, bold things anymore. But banning TikTok — a social media platform used by nearly half of Americans — would certainly be considered big and audacious. That outcome became more likely yesterday, even if it is far from assured. The Supreme Court unanimously … Read more
Since Donald Trump’s election victory, we have seen surprising adjustments to his narrow victory and mandate called “Anticipated Obedience.” Are we sleepwalking towards autocracy? We hope this will not happen, and we will be happy if the threat does not materialize. But as close observers of people and places where democracy has come under pressure … Read more
Free speech and national security can often conflict. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln prohibited newspapers from publishing pro-Union material. During subsequent wars, the federal government suppressed criticism. After the 9/11 attacks, Congress also made it a crime to provide human rights advice to extremist groups. In each case, government officials argued that they needed … Read more
Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. got a call on his cellphone Tuesday. This newly elected President Donald J. There was Trump, who was speaking from Florida. Hours later, Mr Trump’s legal team asked Justice Alito and eight of his colleagues at the Supreme Court to commute his conviction in New York for falsifying business records … Read more
It’s September 2026, and the Pentagon is alarmed. Its spy satellites have detected a rapid, large-scale buildup of Chinese naval and amphibious forces across the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese government’s intentions are unclear, but military leaders in Washington hope that a show of American force will maintain deterrence. This is not a far-fetched concern. Chinese … Read more
Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. on Tuesday met President-elect Donald J. Trump spoke shortly before Mr Trump’s lawyers asked the Supreme Court to delay his sentencing after he pleaded guilty in a case arising from hush money payments in New York. “William Levy, one of my former law clerks, asked me to speak to President-elect … Read more