Psaki Highlights Trump-Era Corruption, Ohio Ad Controversy, and Alaska Election Suit
Source: MS NOW · All MS NOW reports
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Summary
The MS NOW segment with Jen Psaki reviews a New York Times story on Venezuelan billionaire Julio Herrera Velutini receiving a Trump pardon shortly after his family arranged a $50 million deal for Alina Habba, who was then a DOJ adviser. It discusses conflict-of-interest concerns with former pardon attorney Liz Oyer, then pivots to Republican "closing messages" 13 days before midterms: Steve Witkoff calling Vladimir Putin a humanitarian during Ukraine talks, Vivek Ramaswamy's attack ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother, Trump's rally comments tying Camp Lejeune veteran settlements to GOP wins, and DOJ action against certifying Alaska Senate results over name confusion with a second Dan Sullivan candidate. Later portions address alleged profiteering by Trump allies like Corey Lewandowski and broader corruption themes.
Editorial Assessment
The broadcast accurately reports the sequence in the NYT story and verifiable quotes from Witkoff, Vance, Trump, and the Alaska filing, but frames them as proof of systemic GOP depravity without noting Habba's denial, DOJ vetting claims, or that the pardon followed a lenient plea deal negotiated earlier. Viewers miss context on Alaska's ranked-choice voting and court rulings allowing the second Sullivan on the ballot, making voter confusion unlikely to sway outcomes. The Ohio ad is presented as an attack on a "childhood rape victim" while the ad and Ramaswamy focus on alleged lies about her past, not denying the abuse itself; bipartisan Republican criticism is mentioned but subordinated to Vance/Trump defenses. Trump's Camp Lejeune remarks are real but hyperbolic—DOJ has paid nearly $1B under his administration already, with the PACT Act framework predating it; tying further action to elections is political but not a literal cutoff of appropriated funds. Overall, strong partisan skew risks leaving viewers with a one-sided view of "moral rot" rather than a nuanced pre-election landscape.
Key Moments
Billionaire Julio Herrera got Trump pardon weeks after family hired Alina Habba for $50M deal while she advised at DOJ
Confirmed by NYT investigation; Habba started Jan 1 2026, pardon followed weeks later; she denies any role.
Trump envoy Steve Witkoff called Vladimir Putin a humanitarian in St. Petersburg meeting
Video and multiple outlets including Politico and CNN confirm the exact quote during Ukraine peace talks.
Vivek Ramaswamy ad and JD Vance/Trump responses show Republicans siding against childhood rape victims
Ad uses mother's voice calling Acton a liar about her past; Acton has detailed her abuse publicly; Vance criticized Republicans for overreacting to the ad, not the abuse itself.
Trump told Camp Lejeune veterans no money for claims if Republicans lose midterms
Direct quote from North Carolina rally; DOJ has already paid over $879M with more than $1B in offers as of Sept 2026.
DOJ suing to block Alaska election certification over second Dan Sullivan as a spoiler plot
Suit seeks investigation only if margin is close; state courts upheld ballot access; Alaska uses ranked-choice voting making effective spoiling difficult.
Notable Concerns
- Heavy implication of bribery/quid pro quo in Habba story without direct evidence, relying on timeline and anonymous sources
- Framing of Ramaswamy ad and Vance/Trump responses as official party stance against "childhood rape victims" exaggerates and omits focus on credibility disputes
- Selective outrage over Trump DOJ election interference claims while Alaska suit cites state concerns already litigated
Sources Consulted
- A Billionaire Wanted a Trump Pardon. His Family Gave Alina Habba a $50 Million Deal.
- Witkoff to Putin: ‘You are a humanitarian … I salute that’
- Amy Acton’s estranged mother appears in attack ad in Ohio governor’s race
- Trump Says 'No Money' Going to Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Victims' Claims if GOP Loses Midterm Elections
- Trump told DOJ to sue to block Alaska Senate results if Republican narrowly loses
- DOJ reviewing accusations of contracting misconduct involving Corey Lewandowski
- Julio Herrera Velutini Pardoned After Alina Habba Got $50M
- Key Ohio Republicans criticize Ramaswamy’s ad with Acton’s estranged mother, even as Vance and Trump defend it