Up First from NPR Comey And Beyond, Costs Of TikTok Deal, Dreamers Amid Deportations
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Sep 27, 2025 The discussions dive deep into the political implications of James Comey's indictment and President Trump's pointed remarks on targets. There's an intriguing examination of the hefty fees investors are shelling out for TikTok, raising eyebrows about government intervention and its potential to stifle innovation. Additionally, the plight of DACA recipients is addressed, highlighting increased deportation risks amid political shifts and legislative gridlock. It's a whirlwind of justice, economics, and immigration challenges.
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Timing Suggests Political Influence
- The Comey indictment is brief and centers on alleged false statements and obstruction from his 2020 Senate testimony.
- Timing and personnel changes suggest the prosecution followed presidential pressure and replaced a skeptical prosecutor to advance the case.
Eroding DOJ Independence
- The Justice Department's independence is being questioned as prosecutions appear politically driven.
- Legal observers see the Comey case as an example of Trump using DOJ to pursue retribution against foes.
Who’s Buying U.S. TikTok And At What Cost
- U.S. investors including Michael Dell, the Murdochs, and Oracle are buying TikTok's U.S. operations to comply with a new federal requirement.
- Those investors reportedly agreed to pay a low‑billions fee to the U.S. Treasury as part of the deal, which insiders call the price of doing business.