December 12, 2023 - Daily Digest

Special Counsel takes the fight to the Supreme Court as Republicans abandon Ukraine

Today is December 12, 2023, and here are the critical stories that you may have missed. If you enjoy these digests and want access to more, exclusive content then consider becoming a monthly subscriber at the link below:

1) Republicans Abandon Ukraine

Republicans are actively siding with Vladimir Putin as the Biden Administration warns that funding for Ukraine may run out by the end of the year if Congress does not pass an additional aid package. Today, Ukrainian President Zelensky visited Capitol Hill where he pressed lawmakers in both the House and the Senate to take action and provide additional aid to Ukraine before Congress breaks for its holiday recess. Despite his best efforts, it appears as though additional aid will not be passed. First, Senate Republicans have refused to move any aid package forward without first passing legislation related to immigration in the United States. 

Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives, Speaker Mike Johnson echoed this approach, even holding firm after a meeting with President Zelensky. Prior to becoming Speaker of the House, Johnson had been one of the more vocal voices against providing additional aid to Ukraine. The Speaker also noted that members of Congress are still far off on any border package, and therefore, he will likely send the House home for the holiday resource.

Despite Zelensky's best efforts, Republicans are keen on abandoning Ukraine at a time when the Ukrainians need us most. As it stands right now, funding is due to run out in just weeks, and Vladimir Putin is gearing up for increased attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine. 

2) Biden Calls On Netanyahu To Change Government

President Biden, in a meeting with donors, reiterated his support for Israel, while also stating that support for Israel within the international community is waning. Biden stated that Israel has the most conservative government in its history and that the current makeup of the government does not support a two state solution. As a result, Biden stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has no choice but to change and “strengthen” his government to ensure that there is lasting peace in the region following the conclusion of Israel’s ground operation in Gaza. This move by Biden signals a slight shift in U.S. policy when it comes to Israel and demonstrates that while the United States stands firmly with Israel’s right to defend itself, it is also committed to ensuring that lasting peace exists once Hamas is eradicated in Gaza. That starts with changes in Netanyahu’s government.

3) Israel Begins Flooding Hamas Tunnels

The Israeli military has begun flooding Hamas tunnels in Gaza with seawater, according to the Wall Street Journal. This plan has been in place for several weeks now and comes after Israel has successfully taken hold of much of the territory in North Gaza. This is a critical juncture in Israel’s ground operation in Gaza as many believe that Israeli hostages are located in the tunnels. While its unclear how many tunnels will be flooded or when, presumably this action carries significant risk if civilian hostages remain in the tunnels. More to come on this story.

4) Special Counsel Takes Fight To Supreme Court

On Monday, Special Counsel Jack Smith took the extraordinary move of asking the United States Supreme Court to decide whether Donald Trump is absolutely immune from criminal prosecution. The question, whether a former president is immune from prosecution, is novel and one that would likely have reached the Supreme Court after Judge Chutkan asserted Trump is not immune.

While Trump appealed the decision to the D.C. Circuit, Smith asserts that the Supreme Court should weigh in using its discretionary powers as it is inevitable that the case will make it to the Court. Smith asserted that he is also filing a request to expedite the matter in front of the D.C. Circuit concurrently with the Supreme Court brief.  And, just hours after Special Counsel petitioned the Supreme Court for an expedited review of his writ of certiorari concerning whether Donald Trump is immune from criminal prosecution, the Supreme Court has granted the Special Counsel's motion for expedited review and ordered Donald Trump to respond by Wednesday, December 20th at 4:00 PM. 

To be clear, this does not mean the Supreme Court will take up the merits of the dispute. Today's order only agrees to review the petition for certiorari in an expedited fashion, and will likely lead to a quick decision on whether to consider the merits of the appeal. The decision could come as soon as the end of this year. 

This is a stunning development and comes as Trump works overtime to delay the January 6th prosecution.