Julie DiCaro
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juliedicaro.bsky.social
Julie DiCaro
@juliedicaro.bsky.social
11K followers 5.6K following 9.7K posts
Independent Journalist. IU alum. Recovering lawyer. She/her

Author - Sidelined: Sports, Culture, and Being A Woman in America; Losing My Perspicacity (newsletter)

Tips: Signal - JulieDiCaro46


https://losingmyperspicacity.beehiiv.com/
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juliedicaro.bsky.social
"The No Secret Police Act and No Vigilantes Act directly regulate the Federal Government by dictating permissible uniforms for federal agents and forcing federal agencies to adopt specified policies."
The No Secret Police Act and No Vigilantes Act directly regulate the Federal Government by dictating permissible uniforms for federal agents and forcing federal agencies to adopt specified policies. But the Federal Government, not California, has authority to control its own agents and activities. See, e.g., 5 U.S.C. § 301 (authorizing the head of an Executive or military department to “prescribe regulations for the government of his department [and] the conduct of its employees”); 28 U.S.C. § 509 (vesting all functions of other officers, agencies, and employees of the Department of Justice in the Attorney General); 8 U.S.C. § 1103(a)(2) (giving the Secretary of Homeland Securi
November 18, 2025 at 1:56 AM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"(Newsom's) latest resistance—imposing a mask ban and identification requirement on federal agents operating in California— violates the US Constitution, as even Newsom apparently appreciated when he acknowledged ...that “[i]t appears we don’t have the legal authority for federal agents.”
Under his leadership—and in response to the electoral mandate—the Federal Government is employing its available legal measures to end that crisis in accordance with its wellestablished, preeminent, and preemptive authority to regulate immigration matters. This authority derives from the United States Constitution, numerous acts of Congress, and binding United States Supreme Court precedent. See, e.g., Arizona v. United States, 567 U.S. 387, 394–95 (2012). 3. California Governor Gavin Newsom has vowed to “push[] back” 1 against the President’s commitment to enforcing our Nation’s immigration laws. His latest resistance—imposing a mask ban and identification requirement on federal agents operating in California— violates the United States Constitution, as even Governor Newsom apparently appreciated when he acknowledged in discussing the mask ban that “[i]t appears we don’t have the legal authority for federal agents.” 2 4. Nevertheless, Governor Newsom signed the “No Secret Police Act” (Senate Bill 627)into law on September 20, 2025. The Act, which takes effect on January 1, 2026, criminalizes federal law enforcement officers’ wearing masks in the performance of their duties in California. The Act also requires federal law enforcement agencies operating in the State
November 18, 2025 at 1:54 AM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
This is just interesting.
59. The EEOB’s exterior walls are constructed of granite from the Green quarry in central Virginia and the Vinalhaven and Hurricane Island quarries in Maine. The EEOB’s interior walls are constructed of brick masonry and Seneca stone rubble, and the walls sit on a foundation made of American natural hydraulic cement, as described in contemporary accounts. The window sashes on the building are made of wood.
November 18, 2025 at 1:21 AM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"President Trump’s expression of surprise at Ms. Ingraham’s knowledge of the planned painting of the EEOB suggests that similar secrecy surrounds his current plan to paint the EEOB."
President Trump’s expression of surprise at Ms. Ingraham’s knowledge of the planned painting of the EEOB suggests that similar secrecy surrounds his current plan to paint the EEOB. 57. This pattern of sudden execution following public denial or minimization provides strong evidence that President Trump’s stated intention to paint the EEOB is not hypothetical or speculative, but imminent.
November 18, 2025 at 1:20 AM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
Defendants’ Pattern of Misdirection and Sudden Execution 52. Earlier in 2025, President Trump ordered the demolition of a substantial portion of the East Wing of the White House complex. 53. That demolition occurred without public notice, without expert consultation, and before any NEPA or NHPA review was initiated. 54. President Trump initially dismissed reports regarding demolition preparations as media speculation, yet the demolition commenced within days, catching preservation officials, Members of Congress, and the public by surprise. 55. Upon information and belief, the impending demolition of the East Wing was concealed from the public for months prior to the demolition, and workers were required to sign non-disclosure agreements.
November 18, 2025 at 1:18 AM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
Upon information and belief, no environmental or historic preservation review preceded these public statements. The responsible federal agencies have not initiated the review required by NEPA or NHPA for the EEOB repainting project. No public notice has been issued, no environmental assessment or impact statement has been prepared, and no consultation has occurred with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the District of Columbia State Historic Preservation Office, or other consulting parties
November 18, 2025 at 1:18 AM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"Referring to the building’s existing gray granite, (Trump) said, “Gray is for funerals.”
In this discussion, President Trump stated that he intended to paint the entire exterior of the EEOB white and complete other types of work on the building. He asserted that the new color “brings out all the detail,” while showing digital illustrations of the building’s new color. See Ingraham. Referring to the building’s existing gray granite, he said, “Gray is for funerals.” Id. 47. When asked if painting was the only planned activity, President Trump responded, “cleaning, and pointing, and painting. It needs other work too.” Id. It is unclear whether he was referencing additional work beyond cleaning, pointing, and painting with this
November 18, 2025 at 1:17 AM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"President Trump stated that he planned to paint the EEOB white and showed images depicting the building covered entirely in pale white paint. In responding to the images, President Trump said, “Look at that, how beautiful that is.”
43. On or about November 10, 2025, during an interview with Laura Ingraham for “‘Seen and Unseen’: Inside President Trump’s White House renovations” on Fox News, President Trump stated that he planned to paint the EEOB white and showed images depicting the building covered entirely in pale white paint. In responding to the images, President Trump said, “Look at that, how beautiful that is.” See The Ingraham Angle, “Seen and Unseen,” Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6385030226112 (hereinafter “Ingraham”). 44. During that exchange, President Trump appeared surprised that Ms. Ingraham was aware of the plan, remarking, “You did you hear that? That’s amazing.”
November 18, 2025 at 1:15 AM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
This action seeks to prevent the imminent, unlawful, and irreversible alteration of one of the most historically significant buildings in the United States—the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (“EEOB”), also known as the Old Executive Office Building and the State, War, and Navy Building—by preventing Defendants from moving forward with a plan to clean, repoint, and repaint the EEOB’s exterior in a manner that would fundamentally change its historic appearance and character and the historic district to which it contributes without first
November 18, 2025 at 1:14 AM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"As the facts illustrate, Director Pulte, Mr. Martin, AG Bondi, and Ms. Halligan do not believe themselves bound by the Constitution, federal statutes, or fundamental ethical norms."
As the facts illustrate, Director Pulte, Mr. Martin, AG Bondi, and Ms. Halligan do not believe themselves bound by the Constitution, federal statutes, or fundamental ethical norms. They intend to punish AG James for daring to take a stand against the President—both in this Court and by making the investigation of her so public and intrusive that the pre-trial process itself serves as punishment. Director Pulte abused his position as FHFA Director to direct an investigation of AG James, outside of the normal processes and rules governing the agency, despite being told repeatedly that there was no evidence of wrongdoing. Mr. Martin, fearing that the investigation would not result in an indictment, went on a campaign to “name and shame” AG James, and threatened her with prosecution in a last-ditch attempt to force her resignation. And AG Bondi and Ms. Halligan usurped an office that Ms. Halligan was statutorily prohibited from claiming
November 17, 2025 at 9:48 PM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"Director Pulte was not willing to let the lack of evidence—or the judgment of career prosecutors— stand in the way of his ambitions to please President Trump. On September 19, 2025, President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that "AG James was. “very guilty of something."
Director Pulte was not willing to let the lack of evidence—or the judgment of career prosecutors— stand in the way of his ambitions to please President Trump. In September 2025, Director Pulte reportedly lobbied the President to fire Mr. Siebert in order to resurrect the failed case against AG James. 27 Reports indicate that in the Oval Office dining room, Director Pulte told the President that Mr. Siebert had been picked for the U.S. Attorney position by Democrats and was “blocking charges against James.” 28 President Trump was persuaded by Director Pulte and ordered aides to remove Mr. Siebert. 29 On September 19, 2025, President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he wanted Siebert “out.” 30 President Trump stated that he believed AG James was “very guilty of something,” an assessment that reportedly contradicted the views of both Mr. Siebert and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. 31 Mr. Siebert resigned hours after President Trump called for his ouster
November 17, 2025 at 9:46 PM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
God, these people are dumb. They can't shut up to the media and it nearly always comes back to bite them in the ass.
There is no conceivable legitimate reason for Mr. Martin to stalk AG James’s home. After telling neighbors that day he was “just happy to be on a block looking at houses . . . just looking at houses, interesting houses,” 21 he told Fox News just the opposite two days later: “I’m a prosecutor . . . I wanted to lay eyes on it. . . . I wanted to see the property.”22 DOJ rules and policies, as well as rules of professional conduct, squarely address prosecutors seeking to harass or even speak with a represented person such as AG James, or use media to announce investigations.23
November 17, 2025 at 9:43 PM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"Just two days later, on August 14, Mr. Martin orchestrated a bizarre media stunt where he and a DOJ colleague traveled to Brooklyn, New York, to visit AG James’s private home there and
stage a photo opportunity in front of it for the New York Post."
Just two days later, on August 14, Mr. Martin orchestrated a bizarre media stunt where he and a DOJ colleague traveled to Brooklyn, New York, to visit AG James’s private home there and stage a photo opportunity in front of it for the New York Post. 19 The Post, with a photographer in tow, was there to capture the moment for Mr. Martin, adorned in an Inspector Gadget-inspired beige trenchcoat, in the middle of an August summer day. And in what could only reasonably be construed as an attempt to intimidate AG James, a few days later, Mr. Martin posted a photo of himself in front of her home on his official DOJ X account. 20 A
November 17, 2025 at 9:42 PM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"Ed Martin—who according to his letterhead, is U.S. Pardon Attorney/Special Attorney for Mortgage Fraud/Associate Deputy Attorney General/Director of the Weaponization Working
Group—has engaged in a well-documented series of actions that cannot be described as anything but outrageous."
Ed Martin—who according to his letterhead, is U.S. Pardon Attorney/Special Attorney for Mortgage Fraud/Associate Deputy Attorney General/Director of the Weaponization Working Group—has engaged in a well-documented series of actions that cannot be described as anything but outrageous. On August 12, 2025, while a pending investigation was underway that Mr. Martin was supposed to be leading, he sent AG James’s counsel a letter insisting that she “resign from office” because, in his view, it “would best serve the ‘good of the state and nation’” and “give the people of New York and America more peace than proceeding.” Ex. H. Mr. Martin also stated that “[he] would take this as an act of good faith” if she were to resign from office. Id. at 1. The letter was not an attempt to investigate the facts, nor did it hide his plain intention to pressure the sitting Attorney General of New York to resign from office or face criminal prosecution. When he wrote that letter, Mr. Martin was acting in his official capacity as Special Attorney for Mortgage Fraud and Director of the Weaponization Working Group. The letter, by itself, violated Justice Department rules, the Principles of Federal Prosecution, and various codes of professional responsibility and ethics
November 17, 2025 at 9:38 PM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"Intent on covering his tracks, instead of allowing the internal investigation to continue, Director Pulte fired about a dozen members of the ethics and investigations units."
Intent on covering his tracks, instead of allowing the internal investigation to continue, Director Pulte fired about a dozen members of the ethics and investigations units.15 According to reporting, the internal complaint alleging Director Pulte improperly obtained AG James’s mortgage records was sent to prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Norfolk by former FHFA acting Inspector General Joe Allen—who believed “[t]he information he turned over was constitutionally required” and/or “potentially relevant in discovery.” 16 For doing so, the acting Inspector General was fired from the Agency by Director Pulte—presumably because the information could be material to AG James’s defense. 17
November 17, 2025 at 9:35 PM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"Pulte either (1) relied exclusively on a single fringe blogger’s “evidence” that James committed fraud, (2) took it upon himself to purchase these documents from various county clerk offices, or (3) unlawfully accessed James’s loan files from Fannie Mae’s database."
Accordingly, in crafting the criminal referral letter and the attached exhibits, Director Pulte either (1) relied exclusively on a single fringe blogger’s “evidence” that AG James committed fraud, (2) took it upon himself to purchase these documents from various county clerk offices, or (3) unlawfully accessed AG James’s loan files from Fannie Mae’s database. Any one of these three most likely possibilities constitutes outrageous government conduct by the FHFA Director.
November 17, 2025 at 9:33 PM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"Many of the exhibits referenced... were available from a single source:... the blog of a right-wing “investigator,” Sam Antar, who has claimed credit for providing Pulte with the facts necessary for the criminal referral."
Despite the fact that the criminal referral purports to be based on “media reports,” no credible media reports remotely related to the allegations predate the referral. The origin of the exhibits to the referral are equally suspect. The FHFA does not house individual mortgage documents in its own system, 10 but Fannie Mae does. 11 Many of the exhibits referenced in the referral were available from a single source (which also contains the only “reporting” on the allegations that predate the referral letter): the blog of a right-wing “investigator,” Sam Antar, who has claimed credit for providing Director Pulte with the facts necessary for the criminal referral. 12 Accordingly, in crafting the criminal referral letter and the attached exhibits, Director Pulte either (1) relied exclusively on a single fringe blogger’s “evidence” that AG James committed fraud, (2) took it upon himself to purchase these documents from various county clerk offices, or (3) unlawfully accessed AG James’s loan files from Fannie Mae’s database. Any one of these three most likely possibilities constitutes outrageous government conduct by the FHFA Director.
November 17, 2025 at 9:31 PM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"Also on April 18, a Fannie Mae fraud investigator sent emails attaching social media posts by AG James’s great-niece, Nakia Thompson."
After the issuance of the referral letter, according to recently produced discovery, an expansive and fast-growing investigation into AG James’s properties, and related mortgages, took off within FHFA and Fannie Mae. On April 17, 2025, Fannie Mae requested the “James loan file” from mortgage servicer Mr. Cooper. Ex. C. On April 18, FHFA Office of Inspector General sent a “Demand for Document Production” to the Federal National Mortgage Association director, seeking access to records, reports and documents concerning AG James’s Peronne Property. Ex. D. Also on April 18, a Fannie Mae fraud investigator sent emails attaching social media posts by AG James’s great-niece, Nakia Thompson. Ex. E. And on April 25, mortgage servicer Mr. Cooper received a request to investigate potential misrepresentation of occupancy concerning the Peronne
November 17, 2025 at 9:29 PM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"According to FHFA’s regulations, the chairperson of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac boards must be independent of FHFA. As FHFA Director, Pulte is the furthest thing from independent."
FHFA’s regulations, the chairperson of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac boards must be independent of FHFA. 6 As FHFA Director, Pulte is the furthest thing from independent. On April 14, 2025, Director Pulte sent a criminal referral letter 7 to U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, alleging AG James “falsified bank documents and property records to acquire government backed assistance and loans and more favorable loan terms” as related to properties in Brooklyn, New York, Queens, New York, and on Sterling Street in Norfolk, Virginia. Ex. A.8 Just one day later, someone from inside the administration leaked Director Pulte’s criminal referral letter to the New York Post. 9
November 17, 2025 at 9:27 PM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"In March 2025, William Pulte began his tenure as FHFA Director and quickly transformed the little-known agency into a weapon to be brandished against President Trump’s political
enemies."
A. Transforming the FHFA Into a Political Weapon. In March 2025, William Pulte began his tenure as FHFA Director and quickly transformed the little-known agency into a weapon to be brandished against President Trump’s political enemies. As FHFA Director, Pulte is tasked with regulating the Federal National Mortgage Association (known as Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (known as Freddie Mac), and the Federal Home Loan Banking System.2 Although Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac remain private corporate entities, since the 2008 financial crisis, the FHFA has served as their conservator. 3 Mere days after being sworn in, on March 17, 2025, Director Pulte fired 14 members from the boards of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and appointed himself chairman of both entities. 4 No justification was given for the firings. This deeply troubling consolidation of power violates federal law and the FHFA’s own regulations. Federal law prohibits the FHFA Director from holding any office, position, or employment in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. 5
November 17, 2025 at 9:25 PM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
BREAKING:

We have a new Motion to Dismiss from Letitia James, this time for Outrageous Gov't Conduct and focusing on Bill Pulte's behavior.

www.courtlistener.com/docket/71601...
Attorney General James has already moved to dismiss this indictment in response to the improper procedures and motives that led to its return. ECF Nos. 22, 53. This motion seeks dismissal on the independent ground that this indictment is the result of outrageous government conduct, starting with that of Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William Pulte, in violation of AG James’s due process rights. Outrageous government conduct prohibited by the Due Process Clause is conduct that is “‘shocking,’ or ‘offensive to traditional notions of fundamental fairness.’” United States v. Hasan, 718 F.3d 338, 343 (4th Cir. 2013) (quoting United States v. Osborne, 935 F.2d 32, 37 (4th Cir. 1991)). Perhaps in no case before this Court has there been a more shocking course of government conduct. The unprecedented, extensive, and outrageous misconduct in this case reached its apex when President Donald Trump, as part of his revenge campaign, decided that AG James needed to be indicted, no matter the cost. Years of relentlessly calling AG James a crook and a criminal reached a crescendo when President Trump posted on Truth Social: 1
November 17, 2025 at 9:24 PM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"Similarly, the alleged practice of agents pressuring detainees to sign legally binding documents, lack of access to medical care, and lack of access to appropriate toilet facilities would injure all detainees, not just long-term detainees."
Some of the injuries that plaintiffs allege are common to all proposed class members. For example, the alleged total denial of access to counsel would injure all detainees at Broadview, not just those that were at Broadview for a relatively longer duration. Similarly, the alleged practice of agents pressuring detainees to sign legally binding documents, lack of access to medical care, and lack of access to appropriate toilet facilities would injure all detainees, not just long-term detainees.
November 17, 2025 at 9:10 PM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"Cantú’s testimony will bind the Respondents. Cantú must be adequately prepared to testify on the subject matter...to that end, Respondents and their counsel are further ORDERED to make a good-faith effort to prepare Cantú for his testimony consistent with this Order."
For the reasons discussed during today’s status conference, and on this 17th day of November 2025, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland hereby ORDERS that: Petitioner’s Motion to Strike the declaration of John E. Cantú (“Cantú”) or in the alternative, compel Cantú to testify, ECF No. 81, is GRANTED. In lieu of striking the Cantú Declaration, Respondents SHALL produce at the hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11:30 AM in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, 6500 Cherrywood Lane, Courtroom 2C, Greenbelt, Maryland, Cantú for in-person, sworn testimony. Cantú’s testimony will bind the Respondents. Cantú SHALL be prepared to testify regarding the subject matter of the Declaration submitted at ECF No. 75-6. Cantú must be adequately prepared to testify on the subject matter based on his personal knowledge and/or knowledge that he obtained from others. To that end, Respondents and their counsel are further ORDERED to make a good-faith effort to prepare Cantú for his testimony consistent with this Order.
November 17, 2025 at 9:05 PM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"The Govt’s new position—made through yet another new DHS witness’s recitation of unspecified hearsay conversations with unnamed members of the Department of State—is but the latest installment in a seemingly endless series of machinations designed to punish Petitioner and deny him due process."
The Government’s new position—made through yet another new DHS witness’s recitation of unspecified hearsay conversations with unnamed members of the Department of State—is but the latest installment in a seemingly endless series of machinations designed to punish Petitioner and deny him due process. There are substantial reasons to question the veracity of the Government and its witnesses, and the Petitioner is entitled to test the basis and credibility of Mr. Cantú’s sworn testimony at the upcoming hearing. While Petitioner promptly sought to resolve this issue consensually, the Government refused, necessitating this application. See Ex. 1 at 2. Petitioner respectfully requests that either Mr. Cantú’s Declaration be stricken from the record or that the Government be required to present Mr. Cantú for examination at the November 20, 2025 hearing next week. If Mr. Cantú’s testimony regarding information supplied by the Department of State is to be accepted, then, at a minimum, he should be prepared to testify as a representative witness with the relevant knowledge of that agency as well as his own. A proposed order is attached should the Court decide to strike Mr. Cantú’s Declaration from the record.
November 17, 2025 at 9:02 PM
juliedicaro.bsky.social
"We write on behalf of Petitioner Abrego Garcia regarding the Government's newly asserted "factual developments" and to request that the witness through whom the Government has proffered its new evidence be presented for examination of the. November 20, 20205 hearing."
RE: Abrego Garcia v. Noem et al. We write on behalf of Petitioner Abrego Garcia regarding the Government's newly asserted "factual developments" and to request that the witness through whom the Government has proffered its new evidence be presented for examination of the. November 20, 20205 hearing. On Friday, November 7, the Goverment filed a Motion to Dissolve the Prelminary Injunction in which it claimed, for the first time, that "REspondents had time to examine the assuranes from Costa Ria and it is now the assessment of the Department of State that the Government of Costa Ria would not accept Petition at this time without further negotiations and, , additonal committment form the United STates.
November 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM