Tom Dreisbach, NPR's investigative correspondent, uncovers alarming insights into Donald Trump's over 100 threats against opponents. Aubrey Juhasz discusses a critical legal challenge in Louisiana regarding Ten Commandments in schools, highlighting its constitutional implications. Charles Maines provides a glimpse into the BRICS summit, where Putin engages with world leaders amid Western isolation due to the Ukraine conflict. Together, they explore profound impacts on free speech, church-state separation, and shifting global alliances.
Trump has threatened legal action against his political opponents, raising serious concerns about the impact on dissent and justice integrity.
The Louisiana Ten Commandments case highlights ongoing tensions between religious expression and the constitutional separation of church and state.
Deep dives
Trump's Threats Against Rivals
Donald Trump has made over 100 threats to investigate, prosecute, or jail his political opponents since the start of his campaign. These threats primarily target figures like President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Barack Obama, indicating a commitment to pursuing legal action against them if he regains office. Trump has voiced intentions to appoint a special prosecutor for Biden and has even suggested military tribunals for political adversaries. This strategy extends to private citizens and judges involved in legal cases against him, raising concerns about a chilling effect on dissent and the integrity of the justice system.
Controversial Louisiana Law
A recent law in Louisiana requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, sparking legal challenges from the ACLU and several families. The plaintiffs assert that displaying these religious texts violates the First Amendment and precedents set by the Supreme Court regarding the separation of church and state. Legal arguments focus on whether harm can be claimed before the law takes effect, as the state claims that the plaintiffs do not have a case until the posters are actually displayed. This case has garnered significant attention as it could potentially redefine the boundaries of religious expression in public education.
Putin's International Summit
Vladimir Putin recently hosted a summit with leaders from rapidly developing nations, countering claims of Russia's international isolation following its invasion of Ukraine. The summit, featuring leaders from BRICS nations and other developing countries, aimed to demonstrate Russia's ongoing relevance and influence on the global stage. Many of these nations share common grievances about the current distribution of global wealth, although their approaches to addressing these issues vary significantly. Notably, discussions included initiatives to weaken the dominance of the U.S. dollar in global trade, which reflects a broader effort among these countries to establish alternative financial mechanisms and partnerships.
An NPR investigation has found former President Donald Trump has made more than 100 threats to investigate, prosecute, jail or otherwise punish his perceived opponents - including private citizens. A federal court in Louisiana is weighing whether a state law requiring the Ten Commandments be displayed in public schools is constitutional. And Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting a summit of world leaders despite the west trying to isolate him over the war in Ukraine.
Today's episode of Up First was edited by Barrie Hardimon, Susanna Capeluto, Ryland Barton, Lisa Thomson and Alice Woefle. It was produced by Paige Waterhouse, Nia Dumas and Kaity Kline. We get engineering support from Andie Huether. And our technical director is Stacey Abbott.