Trump chose the wrong scapegoat

And witness to fire attack in Colorado describes the aftermath |

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Monday, Jun. 02, 2025 THE LATEST Trump just turned on the architect of his biggest first-term victories By Austin Sarat Trump just turned on the architect of his biggest first-term victories By Austin Sarat Last week, Donald Trump turned his fire on the Federalist Society, a powerful conservative advocacy group, and its co-founder Leonard Leo, a key adviser to Trump on judicial nominations during his first term. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called Leo a "sleazebag" and blamed the Federalist Society for "the bad advice they gave me on numerous Judicial Nominations."   The impetus for the post was a ruling by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade holding that he did not have legal authority for his most sweeping tariffs (an appeals court paused the ruling the following day). When something goes wrong for Trump, he always looks for a scapegoat — and his political allies aren't immune to such treatment.   However, in the Federalist Society and Leo, Trump may have chosen the wrong targets. It is self-destructive to throw them under the bus when they have deep and continuing ties to members of the Supreme Court's conservative majority, and when their political operation was crucial to Trump's judicial nominations in his first term.   This is a preview of Austin Sarat's latest column. Read the full column here. TOP STORIES MORNING JOE Eight injured in Colorado fire attack on marchers for awareness of Israeli hostages An attack in Boulder, Colorado injured eight people marching to bring awareness of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, officials said. Watch now. REP. TROY CARTER Trump's threat to FEMA couldn't come at a worse time The idea that state and local governments can step up and do what FEMA does is not only unrealistic, it's reckless. Read more. NATALIA MEHLMAN PETRZELA To win back young men, Democrats should turn to the gym "Speaking with American Men" is a Democratic initiative to win young men, a group Democrats lost ground with in 2024. Read more.   JEN PSAKI For many Americans, Trump's mass deportation efforts are starting to hit close to home Across the country, immigrants are doing their best to follow the law and become citizens legally, only to be arrested and slated for deportation. Read more.  TOP VIDEOS MSNBC Witness describes aftermath of fire attack in Colorado WATCH NOW THE WEEKEND 'Vote GOP, we're all going to die anyway': Rep. Boyle mocks Sen. Ernst's Medicaid remarks WATCH NOW MORNING JOE Ukraine strikes over 40 Russian warplanes in massive drone attack WATCH NOW POLITICSNATION Trump is targeting Harvard to 'divide and conquer Americans': Former NAACP president WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC Nicolle Wallace is sitting down with some of the smartest, funniest, and wisest people she knows in her new podcast, "The Best People with Nicolle Wallace," and the first two episodes featuring Jason Bateman and Rachel Maddow are now available. They'll share their take on what's happening in the world and how they bring out the best in others. Listen to the first two episodes now and subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for early access, ad-free listening, and bonus content. Go beyond the headlines with the MSNBC app. Read, listen and watch live breaking news and analysis, anytime, anywhere. Download the app now.   MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.   Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE