The Needle: The White House Asked Cybersecurity Agency to Hack An Election Machine, the East Potomac Park Saga Continues in Court, Final Arch Plans Released, and More
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Gail O'Hara (via Washington CityPaper)
Hack to the future: A few months into convicted felon and President Donald Trump’s second term, his appointees at the Department of Homeland Security asked the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which protects election systems, to secretly hack a voting machine, share the results with the White House, and to keep their findings private. But Trump also allowed DOGE to gut CISA, which laid off more than 1,000 staffers (with another 900 to be laid off next year); those who remain were shocked by the request. Democrats are calling for an investigation into the agency’s ability to function. Minus one point for dodgy government actions. -1 [ProPublica]
Park row: U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes heard testimony in the legal fight over Trump’s golf course redevelopment plans at East Potomac Park Monday. Last week, Reyes ordered a halt to the plans (after 430 trees were already destroyed) until Oct. 26. Yesterday, Trump described Reyes as “a crazed lunatic” and attacked the plaintiffs. Trump’s vision for a championship-level elite facility doesn’t show the roadway around Hains Point, a popular location for cyclists, joggers, and nature lovers. Minus one point for fast-tracking a deeply unpopular plan, insulting Americans, and destroying nature. -1 [AP News, Post, WBJ]
Arching orders: The final plan for Trump’s 250-foot-tall arch, submitted by the Interior Department to the National Capital Planning Commission, doesn’t mention a defense facility housing drones, ammunition storage, or sniper positions, nor does it refer to a national security purpose. The transportation plans have been updated by the architects—to include an eternal flame, which was recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration—but the plan contains no other new elements. A spokesperson, however, tells NBC4 the arch could accommodate Trump’s national security functions. Lawsuits remain. Minus one point for this arch that no locals want. -1 [NBC4]
Blue plate: Days after the Post published a story about six inmates filing a class action suit against D.C. Jail alleging that vermin is in their food, the Justice Department announced a federal investigation into whether conditions inside the facility violate the Constitution. Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto says she’s “deeply alarmed” by DOJ’s allegations, and urged the next mayor to fund a new jail. Plus one point for performative action but minus one point because we don’t trust the DOJ at this point. 0 [Post]
Gay day: Virginia voters will decide whether to enshrine marriage equality in its Constitution on Nov. 3. Should it pass, Ballot Question 2 will remove a ban on same-sex marriage and enshrine the right of two adults to marry regardless or sex, gender, or race in the Commonwealth’s Constitution. The last day for early in-person voting in Virginia is Oct. 31; Election Day is Nov. 3. Plus four points for basic human rights. +4 [NBC4]
14 days … until the midterm elections. Plus one point for hope. +1
