January 23, 2026


Fantastical Legal Battles and Pop Culture Collide in Today's Headlines — The Beatles, Trump, and More

In an unexpected twist in legal and cultural narratives, the U.S. Department of Justice humorously hypothesized about deporting The Beatles as part of a tongue-in-cheek reference to the iconic 1960s "British Invasion." This playful legal metaphor arose during a courtroom argument, illustrating just how deeply ingrained the legendary band is in not only music history but also in the most unusual legal hypotheticals. [Read more about the DOJ's Beatles scenario](https://abovethelaw.com/2026/01/doj-tells-court-they-could-deport-the-beatles-because-it-was-called-the-british-invasion/).

Meanwhile, the legal world witnesses a less light-hearted battle as a former associate of the global law firm Baker McKenzie has launched a countersuit, escalating a serious defamation case. This legal skirmish shows no signs of calming down, promising a complicated continuation of the firm's internal conflicts spilling into public view. [Details on the Baker McKenzie lawsuit](https://abovethelaw.com/2026/01/biglaw-defamation-fight-escalates-as-ex-baker-mckenzie-associate-fires-back-with-her-own-lawsuit/).

In the realm of politics and pop culture, the term "MemeLord-In-Chief" might bring a smirk to many faces, but it's a reality when discussing former President Trump's latest antics. This time, Trump has embedded a nod towards a third presidential term within a popular video game, Stardew Valley, raising both eyebrows and questions about the intersection of gaming and political messaging. [Explore Trump's third-term Easter egg](https://abovethelaw.com/2026/01/trump-continues-to-use-pop-culture-memes-without-permission-this-time-with-a-3rd-term-easter-egg/).

Trump also made headlines with a bold move against one of America's banking giants, JP Morgan. In a lawsuit that sounds more like a mob threat, "Nice bank you got there, be a shame if something happened to it," Trump continues to challenge corporate America in his unique confrontational style. [Read about Trump's legal challenge to JP Morgan](https://abovethelaw.com/2026/01/trump-sues-jp-morgan-for-nice-bank-you-got-there-be-a-shame-if-something-happened-to-it/).

On another note, Canadian rapper Drake is back in the legal spotlight. Reviving the "Not Like Us" lawsuit, which previously dealt a significant blow to his career, Drake is taking a stand for all the metaphorical dogs caught in similar battles. This move could either restore some of his lost stature or backfire, putting him in a precarious position once again. [Details on Drake's renewed legal fight](https://abovethelaw.com/2026/01/drake-still-trying-to-squabble-up-after-career-denting-court-loss/).

As today’s stories unfold, they weave a complex tapestry of legal maneuvers, cultural references, and unexpected cameos by musical legends. From the courtroom to the gaming console, these narratives challenge our perceptions of where pop culture ends and legal realities begin.