Oliver O'Connell
Oliver O'Connell is a New York-based reporter at The Independent, specializing in live blog coverage of US politics, major court cases, and other fast-developing stories. In this role, Oliver has covered the 2020 election, the Capitol riot and subsequent January 6 hearings as well as the trials of Ghislaine Maxwell, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, Alex Jones, Alex Murdaugh, Lori Vallow and Donald Trump. Oliver's career began at Euromoney Institutional Investor working on an international trade finance publication of which he became editor.
85%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
87%
Examples:
- The author has a tendency to include statements that could be interpreted as showing a bias against Donald Trump.
Conflicts of Interest
95%
Examples:
- The author frequently covers cases and stories related to high-profile individuals, which may create conflicts of interest.
Contradictions
80%
Examples:
- There are instances where the author reports contradictions in Trump's actions or statements.
Deceptions
75%
Examples:
- The author includes statements from Trump that could be considered deceptive or misleading.
Recent Articles
Former President Trump Speaks to Conservatives, Holds Rally Ahead of Debate with President Biden
Broke On: Saturday, 22 June 2024Former President Trump speaks at Faith and Freedom Coalition conference in D.C., expresses support for Ten Commandments legislation before holding a rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Trump focuses on campaigning instead of debate preparation, while Biden and his team prepare for tough questions at Camp David. 
Former President Trump Rallies in Democratic Bronx Amidst Shifting Voting Patterns and Political Tension
Broke On: Thursday, 23 May 2024Former President Trump rallied in the Bronx, NY amidst heavy rain and Democratic leanings, addressing topics like immigration and Biden's administration. His speech sparked potential voting pattern shifts among certain demographics, causing heated responses from Governor Hochul. 
Manhattan Trial: Former President Trump on Trial for Alleged Business Records Falsification over Hush Money Payments to Stormy Daniels
Broke On: Sunday, 19 May 2024Former President Trump's trial in Manhattan focuses on alleged falsified business records concerning a $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 campaign. Witnesses testified about phone calls and transactions related to the payment, while defense attempts to undermine credibility. The trial continues with evidence supporting prosecution's claim that payments were not legal fees. 
Former President Trump Expresses Interest in Third Term at NRA Convention Amidst Gun Rights Debate and Biden Criticism
Broke On: Saturday, 18 May 2024Former President Donald Trump expressed his intent to run for a third term at the 2024 NRA convention in Dallas, criticizing President Biden's gun control efforts and urging members to vote. 
Former President Trump Held in Contempt of Court for Violating Gag Order During Manhattan Trial
Broke On: Thursday, 02 May 2024Former President Trump faced contempt charges in May 2024 for violating a gag order during his Manhattan trial over alleged business record falsification. Despite being allowed to testify, Trump publicly claimed he was barred and made derogatory comments towards Michael Cohen, potentially facing additional penalties. 
Former President Trump Files Four Motions to Dismiss Classified Documents Case Brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith
Broke On: Monday, 19 February 2024Former President Donald Trump has filed four motions to dismiss the classified documents case brought by special counsel Jack Smith. The motions argue for presidential immunity, unlawful appointment of special counsel, and that statutes do not apply based on an unclear precedent in the Constitution. Additionally, Trump argues he should have custody of the documents due to Presidential Records Act. Stricter Bond Conditions Imposed on Trump Co-Defendant in Election Subversion Case
Broke On: Wednesday, 01 November 2023A Georgia judge has imposed stricter bond conditions on Harrison Floyd, a co-defendant in the election subversion case against former President Donald Trump. Floyd, a leader in the organization Black Voices for Trump, is accused of participating in a scheme to illegally try to overturn the 2020 election. The decision to tighten bond conditions came after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis argued that Floyd had been attempting to intimidate and contact likely witnesses and his co-defendants. Jeffrey McConney, a former executive at Donald Trump's real estate empire, testified at a New York civil fraud trial, expressing distress over the company's escalating legal troubles. Trump Engaged in Insurrection, Rules Colorado Judge, But Remains on Ballot
Broke On: Friday, 17 November 2023Colorado Judge Sarah B. Wallace ruled that former President Donald Trump engaged in insurrection during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Despite the insurrection ruling, the judge rejected an effort to keep Trump off the state's primary ballot. This is the third ruling in just over a week against lawsuits seeking to remove Trump from the ballot by citing Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Trump's Georgia Election Subversion Case Expected to Extend Beyond 2024 Election
Broke On: Tuesday, 14 November 2023The Georgia election subversion case against Donald Trump and his allies is expected to continue through the 2024 election and may not conclude until early 2025. Fulton County prosecutors have filed an emergency motion for a protective order after discovery materials in the case were leaked. Four defendants in the Georgia election subversion case have accepted plea deals.