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Sarah Sanders dodges Trump Foundation questions while attacking FBI over Flynn – live Sarah Sanders dodges Trump Foundation questions while attacking FBI over Flynn – live
(35 minutes later)
The Trump administration has banned bump stocks – the devices that can be fitted to a semi-automatic weapon, like an AR15, to effectively turn it into a machine gun.
Bump stocks were used in the 2017 Las Vegas shooting that killed 58 people. Owners have 90 days to turn in or destroy the devices and blocking owners from being able to register them
The gun rights group Gun Owners of America said on Tuesday it will file a lawsuit against the government, seeking an injunction to overturn the new law.
Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez had the highest rate of small donor funding of any member of the House of Representatives in 2016, according to OpenSecrets.org.
OpenSecrets says 62% of Ocasio-Cortez’s fundraising total – she brought in $2m – came from donations of less than $200.
John Lewis, the Democrat from Georgia, was in second place, with 55% of his money coming from small donors. But small donor donations weren’t just limited to Democrats.
Devin Nunes, California Republican and #MAGA enthusiast, had the third highest percentage of small dollar donations: 49%.
A group of former Obama and Beto O’Rourke staffers have launched Draft Beto – an effort to convince the Texan to run for president.A group of former Obama and Beto O’Rourke staffers have launched Draft Beto – an effort to convince the Texan to run for president.
The team want to raise $1m for O’Rourke’s potential campaign “to both convince him to run [I’m not sure he’ll take that much convincing] and give him a headstart in the primary”.The team want to raise $1m for O’Rourke’s potential campaign “to both convince him to run [I’m not sure he’ll take that much convincing] and give him a headstart in the primary”.
From the slightly hyperbolic press release:From the slightly hyperbolic press release:
“The comparisons to JFK and even Obama exist for a reason. Beto’s the real deal. His ability to inspire and connect with voters is unparalleled, even among such strong field of presidential contenders,” said Nate Lerner, Co-Founder of Draft Beto and head of its grassroots team. “The energy we’re seeing this early is absolutely unprecedented as well.”“The comparisons to JFK and even Obama exist for a reason. Beto’s the real deal. His ability to inspire and connect with voters is unparalleled, even among such strong field of presidential contenders,” said Nate Lerner, Co-Founder of Draft Beto and head of its grassroots team. “The energy we’re seeing this early is absolutely unprecedented as well.”
That’s that then. Straight from theThat’s that then. Straight from the
tortoise’stortoise’s
horse’s mouth. horse’s mouth.
.@Kasie: Are you convinced there won't be a government shutdown over Christmas?Senate Majority Leader McConnell: "Yeah, I am." pic.twitter.com/2xSglRhYM3.@Kasie: Are you convinced there won't be a government shutdown over Christmas?Senate Majority Leader McConnell: "Yeah, I am." pic.twitter.com/2xSglRhYM3
Help us defend the truth in 2019. Make a year-end gift to the Guardian. A note from the Guardian’s US editor, John Mulholland:Help us defend the truth in 2019. Make a year-end gift to the Guardian. A note from the Guardian’s US editor, John Mulholland:
In normal times we might not be making this appeal. But these are not normal times. Many of the values and beliefs we hold dear at The Guardian are under threat both here in the US and around the world. Facts, science, humanity, diversity and equality are being challenged daily. As is truth. Which is why we need your help.In normal times we might not be making this appeal. But these are not normal times. Many of the values and beliefs we hold dear at The Guardian are under threat both here in the US and around the world. Facts, science, humanity, diversity and equality are being challenged daily. As is truth. Which is why we need your help.
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Almost 100 years ago, in 1921, the editor of The Guardian argued that the principal role of a newspaper was accurate reporting, insisting that “facts are sacred.” We still hold that to be true. The need for a robust, independent press has never been greater, but the challenge is more intense than ever as digital disruption threatens traditional media’s business model. We pride ourselves on not having a paywall because we believe truth should not come at a price for anyone. Our journalism remains open and accessible to everyone and with your help we can keep it that way.Almost 100 years ago, in 1921, the editor of The Guardian argued that the principal role of a newspaper was accurate reporting, insisting that “facts are sacred.” We still hold that to be true. The need for a robust, independent press has never been greater, but the challenge is more intense than ever as digital disruption threatens traditional media’s business model. We pride ourselves on not having a paywall because we believe truth should not come at a price for anyone. Our journalism remains open and accessible to everyone and with your help we can keep it that way.
We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported The Guardian so far. We’re aiming to raise $1 million by the new year, and we hope to pass our goal by early January 2019. Every contribution, big or small, will help us reach it. Please make a year-end gift today to show your ongoing support for our independent journalism. Thank you.We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported The Guardian so far. We’re aiming to raise $1 million by the new year, and we hope to pass our goal by early January 2019. Every contribution, big or small, will help us reach it. Please make a year-end gift today to show your ongoing support for our independent journalism. Thank you.
And it’s over. The press briefing – the first in about three weeks – lasted about 15 minutes.And it’s over. The press briefing – the first in about three weeks – lasted about 15 minutes.
•The administration “wish[es] General Flynn well”, Sanders said, after Flynn was lambasted by a judge this afternoon and told he could face a prison sentence. Flynn’s sentencing hearing for lying to the FBI has been postponed.•The administration “wish[es] General Flynn well”, Sanders said, after Flynn was lambasted by a judge this afternoon and told he could face a prison sentence. Flynn’s sentencing hearing for lying to the FBI has been postponed.
•Trump has “asked every agency” to look for money to put towards his border wall, Sanders said. Trump has threatened a government shutdown unless Congress assigns $5bn to build the wall, but earlier Sanders had seemed to back away from that position.•Trump has “asked every agency” to look for money to put towards his border wall, Sanders said. Trump has threatened a government shutdown unless Congress assigns $5bn to build the wall, but earlier Sanders had seemed to back away from that position.
•Sanders said it was “appropriate” for Trump to refer to people using the term “rat”. She didn’t answer a question about the apparent double-standard between Trump’s treatment of Cohen versus Flynn.•Sanders said it was “appropriate” for Trump to refer to people using the term “rat”. She didn’t answer a question about the apparent double-standard between Trump’s treatment of Cohen versus Flynn.
•Flynn’s lying to federal investigators about his contact with foreign officials did not have anything to do with Trump, Sanders said. She doubled down on a claim she made earlier today that investigators had “ambushed” Flynn. Flynn has denied that this occurred.•Flynn’s lying to federal investigators about his contact with foreign officials did not have anything to do with Trump, Sanders said. She doubled down on a claim she made earlier today that investigators had “ambushed” Flynn. Flynn has denied that this occurred.
With the deficit ballooning, why is the Trump administration asking taxpayers to pay for this wall?With the deficit ballooning, why is the Trump administration asking taxpayers to pay for this wall?
Sanders says the wall would save money in the long run.Sanders says the wall would save money in the long run.
Sanders is asked about the news today that Trump’s charity is being dissolved – amid allegations that he used the charity for his personal benefit.Sanders is asked about the news today that Trump’s charity is being dissolved – amid allegations that he used the charity for his personal benefit.
“That’s something that I would refer you to the Trump Organization.”“That’s something that I would refer you to the Trump Organization.”
Is it a good idea for Trump to refer to people as “rats”?Is it a good idea for Trump to refer to people as “rats”?
“People who are dishonest and lying it seems like a pretty appropriate term.”“People who are dishonest and lying it seems like a pretty appropriate term.”
•Sanders is asked about her claim earlier today that the government could come up with $5bn for Trump’s border wall separately from the budget bill – potentially avoiding a government shutdown.•Sanders is asked about her claim earlier today that the government could come up with $5bn for Trump’s border wall separately from the budget bill – potentially avoiding a government shutdown.
“The president has asked every agency to look and see if they have money they can use for that purpose.”“The president has asked every agency to look and see if they have money they can use for that purpose.”
“We want to see what the senate can pass,” Sanders says. Once that is determined the administration will weigh its options.“We want to see what the senate can pass,” Sanders says. Once that is determined the administration will weigh its options.
•Is Trump concerned that Flynn lied to the FBI and was working as a foreign agent, particularly given Trump’s contempt for his former lawyer Michael Cohen’s mistruths.•Is Trump concerned that Flynn lied to the FBI and was working as a foreign agent, particularly given Trump’s contempt for his former lawyer Michael Cohen’s mistruths.
“Not when it comes to anything that has to do with the president,”Sanders says.“Not when it comes to anything that has to do with the president,”Sanders says.
•Border wall question again: is the White House willing to accept just $1.6bn from Congress for the wall?•Border wall question again: is the White House willing to accept just $1.6bn from Congress for the wall?
Sanders says again that she wants to see what can pass.Sanders says again that she wants to see what can pass.
Sarah Sanders is holding a press briefing at the White House. She’s asked for a reaction to the Flynn hearing earlier.Sarah Sanders is holding a press briefing at the White House. She’s asked for a reaction to the Flynn hearing earlier.
The delay is something “between General Flynn and the courts”, Sanders says.The delay is something “between General Flynn and the courts”, Sanders says.
“We wish General Flynn well and we’ll continue to focus on what we do here everyday.”“We wish General Flynn well and we’ll continue to focus on what we do here everyday.”
•Sanders is asked about Judge Sullivan’s musing that Flynn may have committed treason.•Sanders is asked about Judge Sullivan’s musing that Flynn may have committed treason.
Sanders says she is “not aware” of anything that would indicate Flynn had committed treason.Sanders says she is “not aware” of anything that would indicate Flynn had committed treason.
•Sanders is asked if she would like to revisit her claims that the FBI “ambushed” Flynn.•Sanders is asked if she would like to revisit her claims that the FBI “ambushed” Flynn.
The FBI did ambush Flynn, she says. The agency broke protocol in doing so, according to Sanders.The FBI did ambush Flynn, she says. The agency broke protocol in doing so, according to Sanders.
•Michael Flynn, former White House national security adviser, has requested a delay in his sentencing for the crime of lying to federal investigators, after a judge warned he could face time in prison.•Michael Flynn, former White House national security adviser, has requested a delay in his sentencing for the crime of lying to federal investigators, after a judge warned he could face time in prison.
•Judge Emmet Sullivan slammed Flynn as he weighed a sentence in a DC court. “Arguably, you sold your country out,” Sullivan said. “I’m not hiding my disgust, my disdain, for this criminal offense.”•Judge Emmet Sullivan slammed Flynn as he weighed a sentence in a DC court. “Arguably, you sold your country out,” Sullivan said. “I’m not hiding my disgust, my disdain, for this criminal offense.”
•Sullivan suggested Flynn should ask to delay the sentencing hearing, pending Flynn’s potential further cooperation with the special counsel investigation. After a hastily convened recess, Flynn requested the delay.•Sullivan suggested Flynn should ask to delay the sentencing hearing, pending Flynn’s potential further cooperation with the special counsel investigation. After a hastily convened recess, Flynn requested the delay.
•A status hearing is scheduled for 13 March, when Flynn could get a better idea of his fate. But Sullivan’s assessment of the severity of Flynn’s offences will likely be ringing in his ears.•A status hearing is scheduled for 13 March, when Flynn could get a better idea of his fate. But Sullivan’s assessment of the severity of Flynn’s offences will likely be ringing in his ears.
Here’s our full story on the Flynn hearing.Here’s our full story on the Flynn hearing.
Judge Emmet Sullivan has asked for a status hearing in 90 days, after delaying Michael Flynn’s sentencing hearing.Judge Emmet Sullivan has asked for a status hearing in 90 days, after delaying Michael Flynn’s sentencing hearing.
In an extraordinary hearing at the US district court for the District of Columbia, Sullivan expressed “disgust” at Flynn’s behavior, and suggested he was considering sending Flynn to prison.In an extraordinary hearing at the US district court for the District of Columbia, Sullivan expressed “disgust” at Flynn’s behavior, and suggested he was considering sending Flynn to prison.
Sullivan suggested Flynn reconsider his request to be sentenced today and instead continue his cooperation with the special counsel – potentially earning a lesser punishment.Sullivan suggested Flynn reconsider his request to be sentenced today and instead continue his cooperation with the special counsel – potentially earning a lesser punishment.
After taking a recess, Flynn’s lawyers asked for the sentencing to be postponed.After taking a recess, Flynn’s lawyers asked for the sentencing to be postponed.
But Sullivan gave a warning to Flynn when he said he did not agree with the sentence given to General David Petraeus. Petraeus, a former head of the CIA, pleaded guilty to mishandling classified information in 2015. He was not sentenced to prison time.But Sullivan gave a warning to Flynn when he said he did not agree with the sentence given to General David Petraeus. Petraeus, a former head of the CIA, pleaded guilty to mishandling classified information in 2015. He was not sentenced to prison time.
Michael Flynn, Donald Trump’s former national security, has asked for a delay in sentencing.Michael Flynn, Donald Trump’s former national security, has asked for a delay in sentencing.
Judge Emmet Sullivan earlier said Flynn had committed a “very serious offence” in lying to the FBI.Judge Emmet Sullivan earlier said Flynn had committed a “very serious offence” in lying to the FBI.
More to follow.More to follow.
The court is back in session in Washington DC. Judge Emmet Sullivan has just clarified that he did not mean to suggest Flynn may be guilty of “treason”.The court is back in session in Washington DC. Judge Emmet Sullivan has just clarified that he did not mean to suggest Flynn may be guilty of “treason”.
Sullivan has also clarified that Flynn was not acting as a foreign agent while serving in the government, as the judge had earlier alleged. Flynn was in contact with foreign officials before Trump became president. From CBS News Steven Portnoy:Sullivan has also clarified that Flynn was not acting as a foreign agent while serving in the government, as the judge had earlier alleged. Flynn was in contact with foreign officials before Trump became president. From CBS News Steven Portnoy:
"I felt terrible about that," Sullivan says, after the prosecutor notes Flynn's conduct as a foreign agent ended in mid-Nov 2016."I'm not suggesting he committed treason," Sullivan adds, further apologizing for his remarks in the prior session."I felt terrible about that," Sullivan says, after the prosecutor notes Flynn's conduct as a foreign agent ended in mid-Nov 2016."I'm not suggesting he committed treason," Sullivan adds, further apologizing for his remarks in the prior session.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders is holding a briefing at 1.30pm. Given the Flynn developments that could be... interesting.White House press secretary Sarah Sanders is holding a briefing at 1.30pm. Given the Flynn developments that could be... interesting.
It’s the first press briefing since late November.It’s the first press briefing since late November.
The sentencing hearing of Michael Flynn has entered a dramatic recess, after Flynn was subjected to a scathing rebuke and warned that he could face a prison sentence.The sentencing hearing of Michael Flynn has entered a dramatic recess, after Flynn was subjected to a scathing rebuke and warned that he could face a prison sentence.
Judge Emmet Sullivan, in charge of sentencing Flynn, spent around 15 minutes lambasting Trump’s former national security adviser, telling Flynn that “arguably, you sold your country out” and expressing “disgust” and “disdain”, at his offences.Judge Emmet Sullivan, in charge of sentencing Flynn, spent around 15 minutes lambasting Trump’s former national security adviser, telling Flynn that “arguably, you sold your country out” and expressing “disgust” and “disdain”, at his offences.
“You were an unregistered agent of a foreign country while serving as the National Security Adviser to the president of the United States,” Vox reporter Andrew Prokop quoted Sullivan as saying.“You were an unregistered agent of a foreign country while serving as the National Security Adviser to the president of the United States,” Vox reporter Andrew Prokop quoted Sullivan as saying.
“Arguably this undermines everything this flag over here stands for.”“Arguably this undermines everything this flag over here stands for.”
Sullivan urged Flynn to consider whether he wants to be sentenced in court today, or wait and cooperate further with Mueller’s investigation. Flynn has taken a recess, apparently to consider his next move. The court is due to return at 12.30pm.Sullivan urged Flynn to consider whether he wants to be sentenced in court today, or wait and cooperate further with Mueller’s investigation. Flynn has taken a recess, apparently to consider his next move. The court is due to return at 12.30pm.
If Flynn decided to be sentenced today, Sullivan said he could not rule out prison time.If Flynn decided to be sentenced today, Sullivan said he could not rule out prison time.
“Arguably, you sold your country out,” Sullivan said, according to Tim Ryan, a reporter for Courthouse News who was in court.“Arguably, you sold your country out,” Sullivan said, according to Tim Ryan, a reporter for Courthouse News who was in court.
“The court’s going to consider all that. I cannot assure you that if you proceed today you will not receive a sentence of incarceration.”“The court’s going to consider all that. I cannot assure you that if you proceed today you will not receive a sentence of incarceration.”
This is from Andrew Prokop, a reporter from Vox, who is tweeting from inside the courtroom.This is from Andrew Prokop, a reporter from Vox, who is tweeting from inside the courtroom.
Judge Sullivan now asking whether Flynn could have been charged with treason (!). Van Grack doesn't want to answer.Judge Sullivan now asking whether Flynn could have been charged with treason (!). Van Grack doesn't want to answer.