On Politics

Mon Nov 25 2024

Rebecca Morin | Senior National News Reporter

@RebeccaMorin_

Hello all! It's Rebecca Morin, senior national news reporter at USA TODAY. Can't believe it's already Thanksgiving Week. A programming note, I will not be sending an On Politics newsletter on Thursday.

Federal judge dismisses Jan. 6 case against Donald Trump

The criminal case against President-elect Donald Trump for allegedly trying to steal the 2020 election is coming to an end. A federal judge on Monday dismissed the case in response to a request from special prosecutor Jack Smith. A longstanding policy at the Justice Department bars prosecuting sitting presidents. It was expected that Smith would wind down both federal cases against Trump after he won the Nov. 5 election. Read more.

Biden pardons two turkeys before Thanksgiving — his last as president

To kick off Thanksgiving Week, President Joe Biden on Monday pardoned two Minnesota-born turkeys named Peach and Blossom. The duo was the latest in a long line of lucky birds to be pardoned by the commander-in-chief of the United States in an annual Thanksgiving tradition dating back to 1989. Read more.

President Joe Biden pardons the National Thanksgiving Turkey named Peach as John Zimmerman, chair of the National Turkey Federation and his son Grant look on during the annual ceremony on the South Lawn at the White House on Nov. 25, 2024.

Leah Millis/REUTERS

A politics pit stop

•	Trump takes aim at government as public faith in US institutions continues to erode
•	Karoline Leavitt says she's 'excited' to bring Donald Trump's message to world as his press secretary
•	Transgender lawyer makes history, takes case on puberty blockers and hormone therapy to Supreme Court
•	When is Inauguration Day 2025? President-elect Donald Trump set to be sworn into office
•	Watch: 'Treemendous' White House Christmas tree arrives

'Have to stay optimistic': Americans share their hopes and fears for a second Trump term

Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, the country was divided. Both Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris argued the future of the United States' future was on the line. Now as Trump builds out his new cabinet and prepares to take back the Oval Office, some Americans question how the nation can move forward together. Read more.

Got a burning question, or comment, for On Politics? You can submit them here or send me an email at rdmorin@usatoday.com.