Sign in

Richard W. Painter

@rwpusa.bsky.social
14K followers 10 following 170 posts

lawyer, law professor, Independent, Minnesota, USA. Go Gophers!

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Richard W. Painter
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
When are you going to begin the independent investigation of sexual misconduct at Bard urged by many alumni and faculty as well as by the Episcopal Bishop of New York?
0104
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Does President Becker support an independent investigation of sexual misconduct at Bard? If not, why not?
000
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
When are you going to begin the independent investigation of sexual misconduct at Bard urged by many alumni and faculty as well as by the Episcopal Bishop of New York?
0104
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Matthew Heyd, Episcopal Bishop of New York and ex officio Trustee of BardCollege, this morning informed Prof. Karen Painter (U. Minnesota) that he told Bard’s interim president Jonathan Becker that he supports an independent investigation of sexual misconduct at Bard. He will tell the trustees also.
000
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Matthew Heyd, Episcopal Bishop of New York and ex officio Trustee of BardCollege, this morning informed Prof. Karen Painter (U. Minnesota) that he told Bard’s interim president Jonathan Becker that he supports an independent investigation of sexual misconduct at Bard. He will tell the trustees also.
0122
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
This is written from the student's perspective. I have no independent verification of any of this, but it is still worth reading. There have been far too many stories about inappropriate relationships between students and professors at Bard.
071
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Just published: This deeply troubling essay about a disturbing and inappropriate relationship between a professor and a student at Bard College. open.substack.com/pub/tallulah...
open.substack.com
The Hand That Feeds You
An essay about one of my favorite professors.
341
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Just did.
020
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Just published by Oxford University Press: academic.oup.com/book/62560?l...
academic.oup.com
Conduct Unbecoming: The Ethics Crisis at the Supreme Court and how Legitimacy Can be Restored
Abstract. This book is about the ethics crisis on the Supreme Court, how the justices claim to comply with judicial ethics rules but do not do so, and the
35415
Reposted by Richard W. Painter
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Restrictions on time, place and manner of speech make sense. There's no right to block access to Hillel, make noise in the library, disrupt class, or commandeer departmental websites. But does any credible First Amendment lawyer support restricting the content of student speech?
0193
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Restrictions on time, place and manner of speech make sense. There's no right to block access to Hillel, make noise in the library, disrupt class, or commandeer departmental websites. But does any credible First Amendment lawyer support restricting the content of student speech?
0193
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
This federal lawsuit against Harvard is premised on the wrongheaded, and dangerous, idea that to fight antisemitism on campuses, universities must restrict speech. www.foxnews.com/politics/tru...
foxnews.com
Trump administration sues Harvard over alleged failure to protect Jewish and Israeli students, seeks billions
The Trump administration is suing Harvard, alleging it failed to protect Jewish students from antisemitism and seeking billions in taxpayer funds back.
1216
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
He's been a well known problem for a long time.
032
Reposted by Richard W. Painter
Moira Donegan @moiradonegan.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
Hard to overstate the extent to which Leon Botstein’s personal scorn for feminist anti-rape politics permeated Bard College’s culture while I was there. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/u...
nytimes.com
A $50,000 Watch and Friendly Notes: One College Leader’s Ties to Epstein
18955296
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Frightening indeed. My op-ed with John Danforth, Norman Eisen, Eugene Fidell, Richard Gephardt, and J. Michael Luttig is here: Trump’s War on Iran Is Illegal contrarian.substack.com/p/trumps-war...
contrarian.substack.com
Trump’s War on Iran Is Illegal
Neither a future threat nor regime change can be legal justification for war without congressional authorization.
040
Reposted by Richard W. Painter
Oona Hathaway @oonahathaway.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
"No president in the modern era has ordered more military strikes against as many different countries as Donald Trump." www.axios.com/2026/03/02/t...
axios.com
Trump campaign peace promises loom large over Iran war
The "anti-war" candidate has bombed seven countries and launched a new regime-change war in Iran.
2319
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Trump’s War on Iran Is Illegal: Neither a future threat nor regime change can be legal justification for war without congressional authorization. My op-ed with John Danforth, Norman Eisen, Eugene Fidell, Richard Gephardt, and J. Michael Luttig is here: open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
open.substack.com
Trump’s War on Iran Is Illegal
Neither a future threat nor regime change can be legal justification for war without congressional authorization.
1268
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
This is what happens when military lawyers start splitting hairs between genocide and willful failure to mitigate civilian casualties in war. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/28/w...
nytimes.com
Iran Says Dozens Are Killed in Strike on School
2215
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Full text without paywall here: jinsa.org/why-trump-di...
jinsa.org
Why Trump Didn’t Have to Ask Congress Before Striking Iran - JINSA
President Donald Trump had the authority to order attacks on Iran’s nuclear weapons facilities without seeking congressional approval first.The claim to the contrary by several members of Congress con...
152
Reposted by Richard W. Painter
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Here, Claire Finkelstein and coauthors explained last summer why POTUS could attack Iran without consent of Congress. Their main argument: other presidents have done it. Does that excuse apply to everything Trump does that violates our laws and Constitution? www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
washingtonpost.com
Opinion | Why Trump didn’t have to ask Congress before striking Iran
It has been presidential practice for decades to unilaterally undertake similar military action.
1163
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Here, Claire Finkelstein and coauthors explained last summer why POTUS could attack Iran without consent of Congress. Their main argument: other presidents have done it. Does that excuse apply to everything Trump does that violates our laws and Constitution? www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
washingtonpost.com
Opinion | Why Trump didn’t have to ask Congress before striking Iran
It has been presidential practice for decades to unilaterally undertake similar military action.
1163
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
This attack is illegal under U.S. law and under international law. The Constitution says Congress declares war, not the president. He needed consent from Congress. This is also a violation of the UN Charter, as Iran did not attack the United States first. www.cbsnews.com/live-updates...
cbsnews.com
Live Updates: Iran retaliates after U.S.-Israel strikes; Trump calls for regime change
The U.S. and Israel are attacking Iran, which is responding with attacks on U.S. bases in the region, as President Trump confirms "major combat operations."
14516
Reposted by Richard W. Painter
Carolyn Dicey Jennings @cdj.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
Another chilling story. Alberto Castañeda Mondragón is said to have entered the country legally with no criminal history, a job and family. After being racially profiled by ICE he suffers injuries that give him brain damage, memory loss, an inability to work, and large medical bills. Disgusting.
02410
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Going to war with Iran is not a decision for POTUS alone to make. Under the Constitution and War Powers Act he must get an authorization for use of military force from Congress. www.wsj.com/world/middle...
wsj.com
Second U.S. Aircraft Carrier Approaches Middle East as Nuclear Deal With Iran Remains Elusive
U.S. F-22 fighters and aerial tankers are gathering in Israel, adding to the military buildup.
4427
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
"No one just happened to be there. Epstein also didn’t pull people into his web and then corrupt them. The club existed. He fit right in." A troubling perspective on elite academia from Ana Marie Cox: newrepublic.com/article/2068... .
newrepublic.com
The Paranoid Style of Jeffrey Epstein Has Come for Us All
The pedophile plutocrat had some peculiar predilections—especially for academics and thinkers who showed a potential to further his grand experiments in inhumanity.
1225
Reposted by Richard W. Painter
Kate Manne @katemanne.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Botstein palled around with Epstein for years and helped launder his reputation. The Epsteins cannot exist without the Botsteins. It's time for accountability katemanne.substack.com/p/bards-pres...
katemanne.substack.com
Bard’s President Should Resign Today
Leon Botstein has been revealed to have deep ties to Epstein. It’s time for accountability.
830996
Reposted by Richard W. Painter
Musicology Duck @musicologyduck.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
Here is a (certainly incomplete) list of things that went down around Jeffrey Epstein attending Leon Botstein's rehearsal 🧵
117656
Reposted by Richard W. Painter
Musicology Duck @musicologyduck.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
In October, he takes a known victim, a musician who he was grooming, to a concert and to see Leon backstage (extra redaction by me in the screenshot). And for ...reasons? JE doesn't want it officially on the schedule www.justice.gov/epstein/file... www.justice.gov/epstein/file...
To: Catherine Luiggi
From: redacted
Sent Mon 9/30/2013 5:07:42 PM
Subject Re: Jeffrey Epstein

between you and me...JE had me send an email to [redacted] saying he is trying to arrange for her to
meet Leon before the concert...do you know if JE and Leon are emailing on this? originally,
Jeffrey had asked if Leon could meet with after the concert...just want to make sure we
are all on the same page...does it matter i the 'meet' takes place before or after the concert?
:) Lesley
On Sep 30, 2013, at 11:41 AM, Catherine Luiggi wrote:
I remember the days of Karate Kid with my boys too!
Opening night with the Philadelphia Orchestra is Wednesday, Oct. 2 and Leon's
concert is on Thursday the 3rd. You mentioned that she already had her ticket for
Leon's concert. Now I will work on the Oct. 2nd show
I am sure there is no problem regarding meeting with [redacted] backstage. I will get
back to you with all the information.
Thanks.
Catherine
• Catherine Susser Luiggi I Executive Assistant to the President Bard CollegeFrom: Lesley Groff
Sent: Thursday, October 3, 2013 10:55 AM
To: Jeffrey Epstein
Subject: Re: FYI-Carnegie Hall-Botstein's office
ok great. will relay to Catherine (and keep OFF itinerary)
On Oct 3, 2013, at 6:53 AM, Jeffrey Epstein <mailto:jeevacation@gmail.com. wrote:
either way i will meet leon at =To: Lesley Groff
From: Jeffrey Epstein
Sent Tue 10/1/2013 1:34:18 PM
Subject Re: Leon Botstein 6:15pm
yes, but do not put on schedule

On Tue, Oct 1, 2013 at 9:33 AM, Lesley Groff wrote:
May I confirm with Catherine in Leon Botstein's office that you and [redacted in red] will meet Leon at 6:15pm on Thurs at Carnegie Hall prior to his preconcert talk?
16512
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Do we have a First Amendment or do we not? www.nbcnews.com/business/med...
nbcnews.com
Stephen Colbert says CBS didn't air interview out of fear of FCC
Colbert kicked off Monday's episode of "The Late Show" by saying that the network's lawyers told him he could not have Texas state Rep. James Talarico on the broadcast.
13310
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Ethics 101: A college president should not invite a convicted sex offender to visit a high school.
031
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
If so he is a bigot.
110
Reposted by Richard W. Painter
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Many of us in Minnesota disagree with Ilhan Omar on politics, but we will stand up to anyone who seeks to justify or excuse violence against her, falsely accuses her of promoting violence when she has not done so, or spreads false rumors of insurrection and civil war in Minnesota.
3328
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Many of us in Minnesota disagree with Ilhan Omar on politics, but we will stand up to anyone who seeks to justify or excuse violence against her, falsely accuses her of promoting violence when she has not done so, or spreads false rumors of insurrection and civil war in Minnesota.
3328
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Bard has been a very troubling situation for a very long time.
000
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
As I told MINNPOST here, with all the threats toward lawmakers, heated rhetoric, and crazy people saying there could be civil war in Minnesota, our lawmakers must hire extra security. They have no choice. www.minnpost.com/national/was...
minnpost.com
Minnesota lawmakers tap campaign funds to bolster their security - MinnPost
Although Congress has boosted the amount of money for members' security, some Minnesota lawmakers are spending more for their safety.
2146
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Unless you think it's OK for a college president to ask a convicted sexual predator to visit a high school..... www.change.org/p/resign-leon
change.org
Sign the Petition
RESIGN, Leon
1208
Reposted by Richard W. Painter
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Wag the dog. Bomb Iran. Whatever.... It's amazing what people will say when President Trump abuses his power to do what they want him to do. www.fdd.org/analysis/202...
fdd.org
Why Trump didn’t have to ask Congress before striking Iran
President Donald Trump had the authority to order attacks on Iran’s nuclear weapons facilities without seeking congressional approval first.
0277
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Wag the dog. Bomb Iran. Whatever.... It's amazing what people will say when President Trump abuses his power to do what they want him to do. www.fdd.org/analysis/202...
fdd.org
Why Trump didn’t have to ask Congress before striking Iran
President Donald Trump had the authority to order attacks on Iran’s nuclear weapons facilities without seeking congressional approval first.
0277
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Here we go, again. Fake national security lawyers said Trump had the legal right to bomb Iran last summer. Now, with plummeting poll ratings, he wants to wag the dog again. This insanity has to end. www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
US build-up of warships and fighter jets tracked near Iran
BBC Verify has seen US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln near Iran ahead of talks between the two countries
24114
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
They were hoping their civil war simulation would play out. It didn't. Minnesotans are committed to the rule of law. We peacefully protested, sued in court, appealed to Congress and to voters. We will prevail.
030
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
The common theme that explains what we have experienced for the past 13 months is this: Abuse of presidential power. My new book with E. Thomas Sullivan is here: www.cambridge.org/core/books/u...
cambridge.org
The U.S. Presidency
Cambridge Core - US Law - The U.S. Presidency
13712
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
The version of our op-ed in The Contrarian is here: contrarian.substack.com/p/minnesota-...
contrarian.substack.com
Minnesota and the U.S. Constitution
There is no insurrection occurring in Minnesota. The state's response has been peaceful-- relying on the Constitution, the laws, and the courts
0123
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Too many crazy people are running simulations of civil war over on X. But here, Tom Sullivan and I explain what really happened when Minnesotans peacefully stood up to Operation Metro Surge. www.startribune.com/tom-homan-an...
startribune.com
Opinion | Constitutional rights are under assault in Minnesota
While the Trump administration has announced a withdrawal of some ICE agents from Minnesota, questions remain about the constitutionality of Operation Metro Surge in the first place.
23716
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
ICE has a pedo vetting new hires in Minnesota? No wonder we've had so many problems with them here. They hire people nobody else will. www.youtube.com/shorts/HWt6W...
youtube.com
Homeland Security employee among 16 arrested in 'Operation Creep' sex sting
YouTube video by FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
14255131
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
While extremists spread fake news of insurrection and civil war, Tom Sullivan and I discuss here what's really happening in Minnesota. Citizens and lawyers are peacefully defending the rule of law. Minnesota and the U.S. Constitution open.substack.com/pub/contrari...
open.substack.com
Minnesota and the U.S. Constitution
There is no insurrection occurring in Minnesota. The state's response has been peaceful-- relying on the Constitution, the laws, and the courts
0196
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Richard Epstein is famous for thinking he's an expert on everything. In 2020 he was an expert on why COVID would only kill 500 Americans. Now he's telling SCOTUS why the Natural Born Citizen Clause does not apply to natural born citizens. This brief is a joke.
832978
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
None of us wants ICE here endangering the people of Minnesota. But you aren't helping when AAUP officers write UMN administrators asking that tenured colleagues who disagree with them be fired or transferred to other units. Don't use authoritarian tactics and say you oppose authoritarians.
000
Reposted by Richard W. Painter
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Our letter to the Justice Department requesting release of the OLC memo authorizing murder on the high seas, and an investigation, is here: dea5edf3-e27d-4adc-a42a-b9c082bc3167.usrfiles.com/ugd/dea5ed_8...
dea5edf3-e27d-4adc-a42a-b9c082bc3167.usrfiles.com
1277
Richard W. Painter @rwpusa.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Our letter to the Justice Department requesting release of the OLC memo authorizing murder on the high seas, and an investigation, is here: dea5edf3-e27d-4adc-a42a-b9c082bc3167.usrfiles.com/ugd/dea5ed_8...
dea5edf3-e27d-4adc-a42a-b9c082bc3167.usrfiles.com
1277