Despite the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court on presidential immunity, Judge Juan Merchan says otherwise; however, he has not yet ruled on the President-elect’s efforts to toss the case out completely. Trump’s legal team argued that New York prosecutors introduced evidence during the trial that the presidential immunity doctrine would protect. Some evidence included testimony from Trump’s White House aides, tweets from the President-elect while he was in office during his first term, and his government ethics form.
However, Merchan ruled Trump failed to present his immunity objections early on in the seven-week trial; therefore, protections were rejected. “The evidence related to the preserved claims relate entirely to unofficial conduct and, thus, receive no immunity protections; and as to the claims that were unpreserved, this Court finds in the alternative, that when considered on the merits, they too are denied because they relate entirely to unofficial conduct,” the judge wrote in his ruling.
According to the Associated Press, Merchan mentioned that even if evidence were found to relate to official conduct, he’d still rule that the prosecutors’ decision to use “these acts as evidence of the decidedly personal acts of falsifying business records poses no danger of intrusion on the authority and function of the Executive Branch.” He continued to push the narrative that even if prosecutors introduced evidence that could be challenged through an immunity claim, “such error was harmless in light of the overwhelming evidence of guilt.”
Trump was convicted in May 2024 on 34 counts of falsifying business records in correlation to a $130,000 hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels in 2016, which the businessman denies. He and members of his team were accused of conspiring a scheme to hide the payments to Daniels during the final days of Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, in hopes of stopping her from going public.
Trump communications director Steven Cheung referred to Merchan’s decision as a “direct violation of the Supreme Court’s decision on immunity, and other longstanding jurisprudence.” “Today’s decision by deeply conflicted, acting Justice Merchan in the Manhattan DA Witch Hunt is a direct violation of the Supreme Court’s decision on immunity and other longstanding jurisprudence,” Cheung said in a statement.
“This lawless case should have never been brought, and the Constitution demands that it be immediately dismissed.”
The hush money case marks the first-ever criminal prosecution of a former president and the only one to make it to trial. In his decision, Merchan highlighted how part of the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling declared that “not everything the president does is official,” writing Trump’s social media posts were personal, as an example. Another federal court ruling seemingly sided with the judge, concluding the hush money payment and reimbursements pertained to Trump’s private life and not official duties.
Trump’s New Economic Policies Could Have A Detrimental Impact On Black Businesses, Yet Some Opportunities May Exist
Black businesses could possibly see their growth hindered by Trump's economic agenda on many fronts.
A sizeable 24% of Black-owned businesses operate in sectors dependent on imports affected by tariffs. Due to the projected tariffs the Donald Trump administration proposes, the annual revenue loss for those businesses could range from $1.8 billion to $3.6 billion.
That estimate is based on an analysis by William Michael Cunningham, an economist and CEO of Creative Investment Research. And it’s just one possible game-changing example of what challenges Black businesses could face once Trump begins his second term as president.
Though the impact of the new policies is unclear, a group of Black economists agrees that they could harm Black businesses struggling to compete against larger and financially stronger non-diverse peers.
Trump’s proposed policies could raise the cost of consumer goods, increase government debt, and raise the cost of living for people making under $100,000. There is also uncertainty about how his leadership will impact the Federal Reserve’s ability to control interest rates.
TRUMP’S AGENDA MET WITH CONCERN FROM BLACK ECONOMISTS
BLACK ENTERPRISE interviewed several Black economists to understand what the next four years could look like under the proposed policies in several areas. The Trump administration has suggested cutting the corporate tax rate from 21% to 15%. Though some entrepreneurs may embrace the reduction, other observers fear Trump’s protectionist trade approach and pledge to erase the Affordable Care Act, creating costly, systemic problems that could prevail over the tax benefit.
On the trade front, Trump has advocated 10% to 20% tariffs on all imports and 60% to 100% tariffs on goods from China. He declared the policies would produce new jobs and help the U.S. manufacturers. However, the National Retail Federation estimates the tariffs would cost consumers $78 billion annually.
Another concern is that Trump’s broader economic plan could raise the federal deficit, which this report estimates could range from $3 trillion to $7 trillion.
PROPOSALS COULD CREATE A “MIXED BAG” FOR BLACK BUSINESSES
Cunningham added that Trump’s policies on protectionism, tax reform, and social spending cuts could create a mixed bag for Black businesses. Tariffs often increase import prices for larger white-owned businesses reliant on international supply chains.
“Black firms may suffer if customers reduce discretionary spending due to inflationary pressures caused by counter-tariffs or supply chain disruptions.”
Romie Tribble, Jr., an economics professor at Spelman College, says Black businesses in transportation/warehousing, retail trade, construction, food services, wholesale trade, manufacturing, and agriculture are more import and export-dependent.
He says imposing a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on China would be difficult for Black businesses to pass on to customers. The higher cost of goods could yield significant reductions in customer demand and Black business employment, meaning those firms might have to partially or fully absorb the tariffs.
“Losing customers or employees is undesirable since both could cause a sizeable increase in Black business failure or a decline in profits required for reinvestment to either sustain or expand the business,” said Tribble, who is also secretary of the National Economic Association, a network of Black economists, other professionals, and graduate students.
Furthermore, there may be environmental and global setbacks for Black businesses. Cunningham says Trump’s planned abandonment of the Paris Climate Accord signals reduced federal commitment to addressing climate change. As such, Cunningham says this unduly affects low-income and minority communities that are often situated in areas more vulnerable to environmental hazards.
“Black-owned businesses tied to sustainable practices or clean energy industries may lose federal support, hindering growth in these sectors.”
WHAT FUTURE POLICIES COULD MEAN FOR BLACK WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
Black women-owned businesses, among the fastest-growing firms in recent years, could be negatively impacted by Trump’s tariff policies.
Rhonda Vonshay Sharpe, president of the Women’s Institute for Science, Equity and Race (WISER), told BLACK ENTERPRISE that nearly 4% of Black women who report being self-employed work in nail salons, over 6% in retail, 10% in beauty salons, and over 15% in healthcare this year. These industries import consumer goods, with a large portion coming from China, Vietnam, Europe, and Korea.
She said entrepreneurs in the beauty, health, and retail industries—or any industry that relies heavily on imported goods—should expect the tariffs to increase the cost of inventory. She hopes those costs will be passed on to consumers, making beauty salon services more expensive.
“If these businesses have low cash reserves or are unable to secure loans to offset the increased cost, they are more vulnerable to closure,” Sharpe says. “This will have consequences for wealth accumulation, economic mobility, and fiscal insecurity.”
WISER, which Sharpe founded in 2016, is a nonprofit research think tank that centers on women of color. She is a past president of the National Economic Association.
Another concern is how Trump’s proposed sizeable social spending cuts, including potential funding changes on programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Department of Education, and Medicare, could impact low-income households.
Sharpe shared that in 2024, Black women comprised 30% of single low-income mothers. “Any cuts in social spending will have precarious consequences for these families and their communities that are already under-resourced.”
POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITIES PROPOSALS COULD BRING
On the upside, Black individuals and entrepreneurs who invest in the stock market might benefit from Trump’s economic agenda. It’s been reported that U.S. stocks endured a bullish run after Trump’s recent election. Much of the upturn was purportedly fueled by expectations that Trump’s policies could help different industries perform stronger, benefitting from tax cuts, deregulation, and centering on domestic energy production. Technology, energy, and financial sectors have seen a stock uptick.
Further, Cunningham says many Black-owned businesses primarily operate at a local to regional scale, including retail, food services, and community-driven industries. He says less competition from international players due to tariffs could provide these businesses with a more competitive landscape.
He shared that protectionist policies often boost consumer interest in domestically sourced goods and services, a trend that could favor small Black businesses catering to local needs.
Lil Wayne Reportedly Spoke To Kendrick Lamar About Super Bowl Performance
'I've spoken to him and I wished him all the best and told him he better kill it' Wayne said, referring to Kendrick's upcoming Super Bowl Halftime performance
After what some deemed a controversial pick for next year’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance, New Orleans native Lil Wayne acknowledged that he spoke to the person who got the nod, Kendrick Lamar, and told him, “You better kill it.”
The Super Bowl is being played in New Orleans on February 9, and a controversy ensued when Kendrick Lamar, a Compton, California native, was picked over Louisiana’s Lil Wayne, causing conversations that became heated in certain circles. A beef between Wayne and Kendrick was anticipated, especially after the “Humble” rapper engaged in an epic battle with Drake, who was signed to the Young Money label that Wayne owns.
Yet, Wayne stated that he has since spoken to the Compton rapper and that everything’s gonna be alright.
In a recent discussion with sports analyst Skip Bayless, the former Fox Sports commentator asked him about his thoughts on not being selected since the Super Bowl will be in his hometown. Bayless seemingly tried to cause controversy when he brought up Kendrick’s lyrics off of his “Wacced Out Murals” track, where Kendrick mentioned him in the song. Referring to the rapper saying, “Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud/Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down.”
Wayne tells Bayless that he didn’t hear that but responded by saying, “I think he’s a fan like I’m a fan of his music (he’s a fan of my music)… he saw what everybody else [saw], and he saw how much it meant to me. I think that’s all he means… obviously, he can’t control that. So, he didn’t let me down.”
He went on to inform Bayless that the two have spoken and that he gave him some sound advice.
“I’ve spoken to him and I wished him all the best and told him he better kill it,” Wayne said. “You better kill it. You gotta kill it.”
Michael Vick In Talks With Norfolk State, Sacramento State To Take Head Coaching Position
The former NFL quarterback has never coached a team before
Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick reportedly has two colleges interested in bringing him in as head coach of their respective football teams.
According to The Virginian-Pilot, the current Fox Sports analyst has recently interviewed to become the next head coach at Norfolk State University (NSU). Vick confirmed that he has had recent discussions with the institution with the media outlet. It would be Vick’s first coaching job on any level if hired.
NSU is looking for a coach after terminating Dawson Odums from that position on Nov. 26 after he led the football team to a dismal 15-31 record over four years.
Vick told the media outlet that he has spoken with Norfolk State University President Javaune Adams-Gaston and Spartans Athletic Director Melody Webb. The school contacted him about the position, and he says he is intrigued with taking the reins of the program. Although he has never held the position of head coach, he is confident that his knowledge of the game puts him in a place to be a good leader.
“I know how to lead, and I know what it takes,” Vicks told The Virginian-Pilot.
If he were to take the job, it would be a homecoming since he is a Newport News native. He went to Virginia’s Ferguson and Warwick high schools before playing at Virginia Tech.
The Associated Press reported that Vick also spoke with Sacramento State University about its open head coach position. President Dr. Luke Wood confirmed that he spoke with Vick after The Sacramento Bee dispelled an earlier report that Sacramento was interested.
Vick and I did meet about Sac State football and our athletic rise. As you can imagine, given the success of our athletic programs that our football head coach job is an attractive role. Announcements on several major decisions coming soon. @AdamSchefter@SacBee_JoeDhttps://t.co/WDtvucaJ2w
The university is searching for its next head coach after Andy Thompson left to become an assistant coach at Stanford University. Sacramento State’s record this season was 3-9, and it finished tied for last place in the Big Sky conference.
LL Cool J Releases Autographed Limited-Edition Skate Decks Inspired By ‘The Force’ Album
LL Cool J releases a limited-edition collection of personally signed skateboard decks.
LL Cool J has teamed up to release a limited edition collection of 300 skateboard decks that celebrate music, skateboarding, and art, while saluting his latest full-studio album, The Force.
The hip-hop icon collaborated with The Skateroom to create a dynamic collection of skate decks, featuring 200 solo decks and 100 triptychs worldwide. The collection effortlessly fuses music, skateboarding, and art, featuring bold graphics that draw inspiration from the album’s artwork while celebrating the creativity of skateboarding culture. Each deck also serves as a collector’s item that comes with a certificate of authenticity autographed by LL Cool J himself, Billboard reported.
“Skateboarding, music, and art are about breaking boundaries and rewriting the rules,” LL said in a press release. “Collaborating with The Skateroom on these limited-edition decks honors The FORCE and the culture that made me while sparking the next wave of creativity. These decks are for those bold enough to push what’s possible and make their mark. Let’s ride.”
The decks carry more than just material value; they support The Skateroom’s mission to drive social change. Proceeds from the collaboration will help fund skate NGOs, build skateparks, and empower youth worldwide through education and skateboarding programs.
“At THE SKATEROOM, we believe in the transformative power of art and skateboarding to inspire change,” said Charles-Antoine Bodson, Founder of The Skateroom. “Collaborating with LL COOL J is an incredible honor, as his legacy transcends music and embodies the bold creativity we strive to celebrate. This partnership is about more than skate decks — it’s about bridging communities, empowering youth, and proving that art, music, and skateboarding can create real social impact.”
Released in September, LL Cool J’s The Force has been praised as one of the best albums of 2024 and a standout in the rap legend’s four-decade career. Produced by Q-Tip, the 14-track project features collaborations with Nas, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross, Saweetie, and more. LL describes the album as “learning how to rap again.”
“It’s like a director going back to film school after he’s had blockbusters,” LL said, or “Denzel going back to acting class.”
Shirley Chisholm, 1st Black Congresswoman, To Be Honored With Congressional Gold Medal Act
President Biden signed the bipartisan legislation on Dec. 12 to honor the first Black congresswoman.
Shirley Chisholm will be honored with the highest award in Congress through the Congressional Gold Medal Act.
President Biden signed the bipartisan legislation on Dec. 12 to honor the first Black congresswoman, Chisholm, who died in 2005. She was also the first Black woman to run for President.
The gold medal will be curated under the U.S. Treasury Department. The original medal will be minted with Chisholm’s image, name, and “suitable” emblems and inscriptions, according to NBC News.
Ahead of its presidential sign-off, Vice President Harris signed the measure alongside the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., and Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif.
The moment was especially sentimental for Lee, who Chisholm mentored through her collegiate years and her start as a politician.
“It was an honor to stand next to Vice President Kamala Harris as she signed this historic bill,” Lee said in a statement obtained by the news outlet. “I see no one more deserving than Shirley Chisholm,” Lee added. “It is critical for the next generation of leaders to see the first Black woman elected to Congress get the recognition she deserves.”
Upon its unveiling, it will find its home at the Smithsonian Institution and be displayed at events for Chisholm. For those wanting to collect a replica, the duplicate versions will be available to the public.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1924, Chisholm earned her first seat in the New York State Assembly in 1964.
She later founded NOW, the National Organization for Women. Her resilience and strength earned her the nickname “Fighting Shirley.” With her campaign slogan “Unbossed and Unbothered,” she won her congressional seat in 1968, representing New York’s 12th district.
During her seven-term congressional tenure, she introduced 50 pieces of legislation. She advocated for immigration reform and social programs for families, including establishing the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, also known as WIC.
However, she broke another glass ceiling for Black women and people in America with her campaign for president in 1972. Although she did not secure the nomination for a major party, her run marked new territory for the diverse leadership of the nation.
For her storied legacy, modern-day lawmakers on both sides voted to bestow the honor. The initiative and its passing coincide with her birth year when Chisholm would have been 100 years old. A biopic on her life, Shirley, starring Regina King, was also released in March of this year.
Senate Investigation Says Amazon Manipulates Injury Data in ItsWarehouses
The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) released its findings following an 18-month investigation that reviewed seven years of the retailer’s injury data.
A Senate committee investigation, led by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), has accusedthe nation’s largest online retailer of manipulating workplace injury data to portray its warehouses as safer than they are.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) released its findings after an 18-month investigation that reviewed seven years of the retailer’s injury data and included interviews over 130 Amazon workers.
The conclusion: Amazon is putting its workers at risk for injuries in the name of speed and profit.
“Many of these workers live with severe injuries and permanent disabilities because of the company’s insistence on enforcing grueling productivity quotas and its refusal to adequately care for injured workers,” according to the report.
The investigation came after warehouse workers nationwide raised alarm for years about “unsafe working conditions” and “a corporate culture that prioritizes speed and profit over worker health and safety,” the report read.
“Amazon chooses misleading comparisons to obscure the fact that the company’s warehouses have significantly higher injury rates than the industry average and non-Amazon warehouses,” according to the report. “An analysis of the company’s data shows that Amazon warehouses recorded over 30 percent more injuries than the warehousing industry average in 2023.”
Members found Amazon workers were nearly twice as likely to be injured as workers in the rest of the warehousing industry.
“Alarmingly, this problem is common across the company’s facilities: more than two-thirds of Amazon’s warehouses have injury rates that exceed the industry average,” the report observed.
Amazon Pushes Back on Committee’s Findings
The online retailer says its employees’ safety is and will always be a top priority.
“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and our commitment to continuously improving, and we were eager to share that progress with the Committee,” Amazon said in a statement. “Unfortunately, it’s now clear that this investigation wasn’t a fact-finding mission, but rather an attempt to collect information and twist it to support a false narrative.”
According to NPR, this isn’t the first time Amazon has faced scrutiny for having injury rates that exceed national warehouse averages. Amazon, however, has said its injury reports are only “slightly above the industry average.”
WWE Star Michin Shows Off Her HBCU Alumna Pride Prior to ‘Saturday Night Main Event’
Michin took part in a historic match to crown WWE's first Women's U.S. Champion.
WWE star Mia “Michin” Yim donned her HBCU apparel for Saturday Night Main Event’s first-ever Women’s United States championship battle.
Ahead of her historic match against Chelsea Green, Michin, who attended Virginia Union University, came out wearing a VUU varsity jacket. The pro wrestler then posted a shot on Instagram.
She told WWE in 2018 how VUU offered her a volleyball scholarship and allowed her to pursue higher education when her academics fell short.
“I wanted to earn a college volleyball scholarship because my academics wouldn’t be enough to qualify entry to the colleges I wanted,” Michin explained. “My dad sent tapes to Virginia Union University, and they gave me a full scholarship for two years.”
The natural athlete played on VUU’s volleyball squad for two years before transferring to Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, where in her senior year she decided to pursue wrestling full-time. Despite not graduating from the HBCU, Yim continues to showcase her love and appreciation for her origin.
Yim has emerged as a formidable WWE star who still champions diversity in the industry. Although she lost her milestone match against Green, she has helped establish the inaugural Women’s United States Champion in wrestling.
Michin continues to grow the women’s wrestling division under the WWE Smackdown brand. She is not the only HBCU alum making strides in wrestling. Former Howard University track & field athlete Darci Khan also has her eyes set on the ring. Khan, a decorated hurdler and four-time conference champion, is part of the 2024 WWE Next In Line Graduating Class.
While fans anticipate Khan’s reign in the WWE, they can still catch Michin on Smackdown’s Friday night programming.
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield Announces Mayoral Bid
Sheffield made history as Detroit's youngest council member when she was elected in 2013.
Mary Sheffield, current city council president for Detroit, is running for mayor.
Sheffield, who became the youngest council member ever when she was elected in 2013, announced her run on Dec. 10 at The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 58.
She spoke about her vision for a “more united” Detroit. She emphasized her history as a lifelong resident of the city and the progressive initiatives she supported in the council.
“Today, I stand before you filled with hope, pride, and an unshakable belief in our city and in each of you,” said Sheffield, according to a press release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE. “This campaign is not about me; it’s about our collective future; this campaign is about ensuring that we build on the growth and the progress we’ve created together—and to ensure that our City’s prosperity touches the lives of every resident. Together we can, and together we will.”
Her first campaign event was also attended by such notable figure as Judge Greg Mathis, former Michigan 26th District Court judge, and Tommey Walker, founder of Detroit vs. Everybody.
“Indeed, the work she’s done has benefited all of us, and she’s been there for all of us. Indeed, when we needed her to fight our battles, she’s been there. When we needed her to invest in our neighborhoods, she’s been there,” Mathis said, according to The Detroit Free Press.
Sheffield hopes to expand upon her inclusionary housing policies and safety measures while uplifting Detroit families. Sheffield, who comes from a family known for their civil rights and social justice advocacy, also wants to foster economic mobility for all. Moreover, she aims to inspire the youth with empowerment and mentorship programs.
“What we’ve experienced in Detroit, this renaissance, this growth, has been about partnerships. It has been about a collective effort from our federal, state partners, philanthropic support, to really help move Detroit forward,” she said. “I understand the importance of collaboration, and I am looking forward to working with all levels of government and both parties to find common ground that will benefit the growth of our city.”
Detroit’s currently mayor Mike Duggan, recently announced his campaign for governor of Michigan. He’s running as an Independent.
George Floyd’s Heart Tissue Allowed To Be Re-Examined In Derek Chauvin’s Latest Appeal Attempt
George Floyd should be resting in peace....
A judge has granted permission for tests to be performed on George Floyd’s heart tissue as a result of a conviction appeal attempt from former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.
In November 2023, Chauvin’s legal team filed a motion to vacate the federal charges related to Floyd’s death in May 2020 after the disgraced law enforcement officer claimed he wouldn’t have pleaded guilty if he knew more about some theories presented by Kansas pathologist Dr. William Schaetzel.
Schaetzel believes that Chauvin’s actions didn’t cause the Minneapolis native’s death. The health professional theorized that Floyd died due to a high level of catecholamines, a neurohormone correlated to stress response, in association with the flight-or-fight response — or Takotsubo myocarditis, a heart condition. This heart condition is an intense emotional or physical experience.
The theory put Chauvin’s lawyer at the time, Eric Nelson, in a tough spot, accusing him of offering ineffective counsel by failing to inform his client of this information and not successfully securing test samples of the deceased heart, which doctors allegedly recommended. “Given the significant nature of the criminal case that Mr. Chauvin was convicted of, and given that the discovery that Mr. Chauvin seeks could support Dr. Schaetzel’s opinion of how Mr. Floyd died, the Court finds that there is good cause to allow Mr. Chauvin to take the discovery that he seeks,” U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson wrote in an order on Dec. 16, according to Newsweek.
With this new motion, attorneys will be allowed to examine slides and pictures of Floyd’s heart, along with tissue samples and blocks holding heart tissue. Court documents also reveal that fluids from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office can also be taken to test the “concentration of fractionated catecholamines and metanephrine levels present.”
Floyd’s death sparked international outrage when bystanders recorded Officer Chauvin, a white man, kneeling on the neck of the victim, who was Black, for over nine minutes. Floyd was heard yelling the now infamous phrase, “I can’t breathe,” giving birth to a renewed Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and protests across state lines.
