Justice Department looks at Trump rape accuser; Pope warns us about AI; Could Florida disbar Pam Bondi?

It’s been another whirlwind week of news. Here are a few stories that may have flown under your radar.

Weaponizing the AG on a rape accuser?

The Justice Department has reportedly launched a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the former advice columnist who previously won two civil lawsuits against President Donald Trump, alleging sexual abuse and defamation. The investigation centers on whether Carroll committed perjury during a 2022 deposition in the civil case. Specifically, prosecutors are examining her statement that she did not receive outside funding for her suit. It was later revealed that Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, funded part of her legal fees through his nonprofit, American Future Republic.

In 2023, A federal jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. The sexual abuse claim stems from Carroll's accusation that Trump raped her in a dressing room at Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan in the mid-1990s. The jury did not find that Carroll proved "rape" under New York's then-existing narrow legal definition, which required proof of penile penetration. Instead, it found Trump liable for sexual abuse. However, after the verdict, Judge Lewis Kaplan wrote that the jury's findings nevertheless supported the conclusion that Trump had raped Carroll in the ordinary, everyday meaning of the word, even though it did not meet the specific statutory definition used in New York at the time.

Carroll was awarded $5 million in damages, which was upheld on appeal. Trump continued making public statements attacking Carroll and denying her allegations. In 2024, she again sued for further defamation and was awarded $83.3 million in compensatory and punitive damages. Trump has continued to appeal the rulings, including seeking review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Pope Leo warns of the dangers of AI

Pope Leo released his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), a lengthy warning that artificial intelligence could destroy humanity. The first American Pope argues that AI must remain subordinate to human dignity, democratic accountability, and the common good.

In the 40,000-word document, the Pope warns that people may increasingly substitute AI-generated interactions for real human relationships, and that if this robs humans of the "dignity of work" and the personal growth it endows, it could have major impacts on the social fabric.

Drawing an analogy to the Industrial Revolution, Pope Leo warned that automation could eliminate large numbers of jobs, weaken workers' bargaining power, and increase inequality if profits become the only measure of success. He supports technological innovation but argues workers must share in its benefits.

Pope Leo was particularly critical of AI-powered autonomous weapon systems, arguing that lethal decisions should never be delegated to machines and must always remain the responsibility of human beings, while warning that AI could make warfare easier and more perpetual, leaving those in charge feeling more removed from the damage it inflicts.

One phrase that received significant attention was his call to "disarm" AI, by stripping away uses of the technology that undermine human freedom, dignity, peace, and democratic self-government.

Another bad day for Bondi

Just ahead of Pam Bondi’s Friday meeting with the House Oversight Committee, a new sweeping ethics complaint was filed with the Florida Bar on Thursday by retired Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Peggy Quince, with over 120 legal experts signing on.

Allegations in the complaints center on Bondi allegedly compelling Department of Justice lawyers to violate ethical obligations under the guise of "zealous advocacy" or face termination, as outlined in a February 2025 memo. Specific accusations include inducing unethical conduct regarding the Epstein Files Transparency Act, pursuing charges without probable cause, and ignoring court orders.

The Florida Bar has rejected multiple ethics complaints against Pam Bondi while she served as U.S. Attorney General, stating it does not investigate sitting federal appointees.

Bondi was subpoenaed to testify in a public deposition, with the former Attorney General testifying under oath. However, that is not how it has played out.

"This Friday, the Oversight Committee is holding a 'transcribed interview' with Pam Bondi on her involvement with the Epstein files," tweeted Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM). But let’s be clear—we subpoenaed Bondi for a deposition, and she should testify under oath. Why isn’t she? Well, because the Republican Chairman decided a closed-door interview was enough. But we know it’s not. Bondi must testify under oath, on camera, for the public to see. We demand transparency and accountability for Bondi and Blanche."