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  "published_at": "2026-11-12T01:26:57.673Z",
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    "headline": "Two former Trump aides threaten to sue each other over the midterm loss",
    "dek": "Leaked texts show James Blair and Calley Means trading threats. Means blames White House advisers for stalling health policy. Blair calls that defamatory.",
    "prose": "Leaked texts show Calley Means and James Blair exchanging threats.[^1] The two are fighting over who is to blame for the Republican loss in the midterm elections.[^2]\n\n## The two men\n\nBlair is Donald Trump's former deputy chief of staff.[^3] He worked under Susie Wiles.[^4] Means is a former senior adviser to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.[^5]\n\n## What Means says\n\nMeans accused Wiles and White House advisers of stalling the health agenda known as MAHA.[^6] He publicly accused Blair and other aides of putting corporate interests first.[^7]\n\n## What Blair says\n\nBlair called the accusations scurrilous, false and defamatory.[^8] He sent Means a text threatening to return hostile actions.[^9]\n\n## Lawyers on both sides\n\nEach man is now talking about court. Means said he may pursue legal action against Wiles and Blair.[^10] Blair confirmed he is considering suing Means.[^11]\n\nNeither has filed anything, by these accounts.\n\n## The backdrop\n\nThe fight is over a White House that has already changed hands inside. Wiles left her role after the midterm results.[^12] Trump selected Stephen Miller to take over as chief of staff.[^13]",
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