Happy Monday and welcome back to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco—your daily briefing on politics. I hope you all had a relaxing holiday weekend. Let’s break it down.
Appeals Court Boots Trump’s Handpicked NJ Prosecutor….A federal appeals court has disqualified Alina Habba—Donald Trump’s former personal attorney—from serving as Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, ruling that her appointment blatantly violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. The Trump administration tried to install Habba through what a district judge called a “novel series of legal and personnel moves,” withdrawing her unconfirmed nomination and slipping her into a lower role to elevate her back to the top job. The court unanimously rejected the maneuver, noting that because Habba had already been nominated, she was barred from serving in the acting role and couldn’t receive the attorney general’s delegated powers. It’s the second major setback in a week for Trump’s attempts to install loyalists as federal prosecutors—and it may have sweeping implications nationwide.
Common Sense takeaway: Can this administration do anything right? Good Lord. This is the second U.S. attorney who has been unlawfully appointed by Trump and this time, it was due to a series of calculated moves in effort to avoid waiting on her confirmation. There needs to be ramifications for this administration’s blatant disrespect for the law.
Congress Demands Answers on Alleged “Kill Everyone” Order in Caribbean Strikes….Lawmakers in both parties are pressing the Trump administration after a Washington Post report claimed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered U.S. forces to “kill everybody” aboard a suspected Venezuelan drug boat—and that a second strike was launched to finish off survivors. Hegseth calls the report “fake news,” and Trump says he believes him “100%,” but congressional committees—including GOP-led ones—are launching investigations into the legality of the escalating U.S. boat strikes that have killed more than 80 people since September. If the alleged follow-up strike happened, senators say it could amount to a war crime. The administration insists the operations are “lawful self-defense,” as more questions continue about rules of engagement, international law, and the expanding U.S. military footprint in the Caribbean.
Common Sense takeaway: Pete Hegseth thinks he’s living in a video game, where shooting boats callously earns you points instead of war crime charges. If this were any other administration, Hegseth would be sitting in a congressional hearing today answering questions. Whether it’s this or Signalgate, he’s a complete and total liability to our national security.
Investigators Probe Motive Behind National Guardsmen Shooting….Investigators are piecing together what led 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal to allegedly shoot two National Guardsmen near the White House, killing one. Close sources say Lakanwal had been facing extreme financial strain, an expired work permit, and increasing pressure to support his wife and five children. The recent death of an Afghan commander he deeply admired may have further destabilized him. Authorities are also examining whether the attack had any international terror ties, though no evidence has been made public and no terror charges have been filed. Lakanwal, a former CIA partner-force member who was granted asylum in April of 2025 under the Trump administration, remains hospitalized under heavy guard as the investigation continues.
Common Sense takeaway: What happened to these Guardsmen was unacceptable and should never have occurred. They should never have been stationed in D.C. under the Trump adminstration, and this assailant should never have had access to a weapon. I hope the families can receive justice for their loved ones.
TSA to Charge $45 Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID….Starting Feb. 1, anyone showing up to airport security without a REAL ID or passport will have to pay a new $45 TSA fee to verify their identity through a biometric or biographic system. The agency says the fee—more than double its original proposal—is needed to cover technology and administrative costs without shifting the burden to taxpayers. Travelers will be sent out of the security line to complete the online verification process, which can take 10–30 minutes and isn’t guaranteed to succeed. Once approved, the verification is valid for 10 days. TSA says 94% of travelers already use an acceptable form of ID.
Common Sense takeaway: Honestly, fair. The deadline for getting your REALID has been pushed back multiple times and at this point, it’s on you if you haven’t gotten one yet. Don’t pay the $45 people, just get the ID.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense. Check back tomorrow for more.
Excellent reporting Ally and hope you had a beautiful holiday weekend!
Your reporting and analysis makes the day better!!