Fellow Conservative,

On Thursday night, the nation was shaken as a Manhattan jury convicted former President Donald Trump on all 34 charges of falsifying business records to hide “hush money” payments. This trial was nakedly political, completely unprecedented, and a travesty to our republic.

A Miscarriage of Justice

This trial was politically skewed from the word “Go.” During his campaign in 2021, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg promised to legally target President Trump and “hold him accountable” before he even had the chance to review the facts of the case. In other words, he dismissed Trump’s presumption of innocence and promised to weaponize the judicial system against a political rival.

After Bragg won his election, he did just that while performing a dizzying feat of legal gymnastics.

Bragg found 34 alleged bookkeeping misdemeanor offenses with statutes of limitations that had expired—after Biden’s own Department of Justice found no wrongdoing in the case at hand. To extend the statute of limitations, these misdemeanors had to be connected to felonies. This was accomplished through an entirely novel legal theory—that Trump committed these alleged bookkeeping offenses with the intent of covering up the use of “unlawful means” to promote his election.

The catch is that the judge, Juan Merchan, told the jury that Bragg “need not prove that the other crime was in fact committed, aided, or concealed.” He told the jury they didn’t even have to agree on what the alleged “unlawful means” were, effectively eliminating President Trump’s constitutional rights to know the crime for which he is being prosecuted

Heritage Action President Dr. Kevin Roberts also pointed out in a press release that the prosecution's star witness, Michael Cohen, is a convicted perjurer whose credibility is essentially non-existent.

>>>Read our full press release<<<

In short, Bragg and his puppet judge invented bogus legal procedures in order to bring this case against Trump and convict him. Even now, it’s impossible to know with certainty what exactly Trump has been found guilty of.

The mistakes that were made in the handling of this case are too many to count. No court of appeals should have a moment's hesitation in overturning these convictions.

This case was brought for one reason, and one reason only: to harass and damage the Left’s leading political opponent.

It has dominated the news cycle, it has kept Trump off the campaign trail, and it has sucked up money that would otherwise be going to his bid for reelection. This is election interference at its highest.

This was a sham trial with sham results. The only verdict that matters now will be decided on Nov. 5th—when all of you have a chance to weigh in.

CBDC in the Senate

Last week, Americans took a big step in pushing back against the surveillance state when the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5403, the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act, which was spearheaded by Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.).

Next week, the Senate returns to session and has the opportunity to pass their companion bill, S. 3801, introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

A Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is a type of digital currency issued and controlled by a central bank. This platform of exchange could allow governments or other third parties to monitor and control every transaction you make, no matter how small.

The potential for information collected by a CBDC structure to be misused to target political opponents is tremendous. As the issuers of the currency, the central bank would have the power to manipulate that currency to cancel transactions, freeze bank accounts, and even seize assets. In other words, the government could run your life by controlling your money.

Grassroots advocacy played a critical role in getting the House to support this bill. It is now time for it to add pressure on the Senate to do the same thing.

>>>Call your Senators and tell them to support the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act

State Level Wins

South Carolina

This week, the Palmetto State set an example for the nation by protecting children from radical gender ideology and pornography. Governor Henry McMaster signed into law H. 4624 to prohibit experimental sex-related procedures that can inflict irreversible damage on children.

Then, by passing and signing H. 3424, South Carolina has also required age verification to access pornographic websites, further protecting children from harmful content and falling into a vicious addiction.

>>>Follow State Director James Quarles<<<

Heritage Action was proud to support this legislation and will work to make sure similar bills pass in other states.

Louisiana

The Pelican State’s legislature passed HB 121 which would protect Louisiana's children, families, and teachers from radical gender ideology and compelled speech.

In a press release, Director of State Advocacy Catherine Gunsalus wrote:

“Socially ‘transitioning’ children in schools without parental consent violates the rights of parents, the wellbeing of students, and the conscience of teachers and staff who oppose the Left-wing ideology pushed by some school administrators. HB 121 promotes scientific facts, freedom of speech, and the God-given rights of parents in Louisiana.”

>>>Read the full press release HERE<<<

States should follow Louisiana’s lead and make upholding parents’ right to raise their children according to their values a top concern.

Ohio

The Buckeye State has taken action to boost the integrity of its elections by passing HB 1, a bill that would ban the foreign funding of state ballot issue campaigns. Foreign billionaires have pumped hundreds of millions of dollars into ballot issues and campaigns across the country including Ohio.

This bill would help give confidence to voters that they can trust the results of their elections, and that they truly represent the will of the people.

>>>Read our press release HERE<<<

This bill now heads to Governor Mike DeWine’s desk where we look forward to seeing him sign it into law.

This week has been full of twists and turns, but with your continued support and activism, we can be laser focused on getting more conservative wins on the board.

- Ryan and the Heritage Action team

Join the fight to advance the conservative agenda.