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Michael Flynn: judge delays sentencing for more cooperation with Mueller – live Michael Flynn: judge delays sentencing for more cooperation with Mueller – live
(35 minutes later)
•Michael Flynn, former White House national security advisor, 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.”
•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.
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.
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.
Flynn is really being hauled over the coals by Judge Sullivan.Flynn is really being hauled over the coals by Judge Sullivan.
Sullivan told Flynn he had committed a very serious offence and said he was not ruling out a prison sentence. From Tim Ryan:Sullivan told Flynn he had committed a very serious offence and said he was not ruling out a prison sentence. From Tim Ryan:
"Arguably, you sold your country out," Sullivan said. "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."He went on:"I'm not hiding my disgust, my disdain for this criminal offense.""Arguably, you sold your country out," Sullivan said. "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."He went on:"I'm not hiding my disgust, my disdain for this criminal offense."
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.
Powerful public figures choose lies over truths, prefer supposition over science; and select hate over humanity. The US administration is foremost among them; whether in denying climate science or hating on immigrants; giving succor to racists or targeting journalists and the media. Many of these untruths and attacks find fertile ground on social media where tech platforms seem unable to cauterise lies. As a result, fake is in danger of overriding fact.Powerful public figures choose lies over truths, prefer supposition over science; and select hate over humanity. The US administration is foremost among them; whether in denying climate science or hating on immigrants; giving succor to racists or targeting journalists and the media. Many of these untruths and attacks find fertile ground on social media where tech platforms seem unable to cauterise lies. As a result, fake is in danger of overriding fact.
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.
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Courthouse news reporter Tim Ryan is tweeting live from the Michael Flynn hearing in Washington DC.Courthouse news reporter Tim Ryan is tweeting live from the Michael Flynn hearing in Washington DC.
Flynn has just told the court “he does not wish to challenge the circumstances of his FBI interview”, according to Ryan.Flynn has just told the court “he does not wish to challenge the circumstances of his FBI interview”, according to Ryan.
Last week Flynn said in a submission to the court that he was mislead by FBI agents when he lied to them.Last week Flynn said in a submission to the court that he was mislead by FBI agents when he lied to them.
Special counsel Robert Mueller dismissed Flynn’s claims, telling Judge Emmet Sullivan, overseeing Flynn’s sentencing, to reject Flynn’s attempts to “minimize the seriousness” of his crimes.Special counsel Robert Mueller dismissed Flynn’s claims, telling Judge Emmet Sullivan, overseeing Flynn’s sentencing, to reject Flynn’s attempts to “minimize the seriousness” of his crimes.
Sullivan says those claims could "affect or call into question" Flynn's plea or at the least his acceptance of responsibilityFlynn is at the podium now, answering questions about the claims. Flynn says he does not wish to challenge the circumstances of his FBI interviewSullivan says those claims could "affect or call into question" Flynn's plea or at the least his acceptance of responsibilityFlynn is at the podium now, answering questions about the claims. Flynn says he does not wish to challenge the circumstances of his FBI interview
Trump’s charity shutdown comes after months of concerted reporting by the Washington Post reporter David Fahrenthold.Trump’s charity shutdown comes after months of concerted reporting by the Washington Post reporter David Fahrenthold.
Fahrenthold uncovered a slew of alleged misdeeds by the Trump Foundation. Trump used charity money to “pay off legal settlements for his private business, to purchase art that decorated one of his clubs and to make a prohibited political donation”, Fahrenthold wrote today.Fahrenthold uncovered a slew of alleged misdeeds by the Trump Foundation. Trump used charity money to “pay off legal settlements for his private business, to purchase art that decorated one of his clubs and to make a prohibited political donation”, Fahrenthold wrote today.
The largest donation in the foundation’s history — a $264,231 gift to the Central Park Conservancy in 1989 — appeared to benefit Trump’s business: it paid to restore a fountain outside Trump’s Plaza Hotel. The smallest, a $7 foundation gift to the Boy Scouts that same year, appeared to benefit Trump’s family. It matched the amount required to enroll a boy in the Scouts the year that his son Donald Trump Jr. was 11.The largest donation in the foundation’s history — a $264,231 gift to the Central Park Conservancy in 1989 — appeared to benefit Trump’s business: it paid to restore a fountain outside Trump’s Plaza Hotel. The smallest, a $7 foundation gift to the Boy Scouts that same year, appeared to benefit Trump’s family. It matched the amount required to enroll a boy in the Scouts the year that his son Donald Trump Jr. was 11.
Donald Trump has agreed to shut down his charity, amid a lawsuit alleging “a shocking pattern of illegality” at the organization.Donald Trump has agreed to shut down his charity, amid a lawsuit alleging “a shocking pattern of illegality” at the organization.
New York attorney general Barbara Underwood announced the shut down of the Trump Foundation on Tuesday. Underwood is bringing a lawsuit against the organization, seeking millions of dollars in repayments.New York attorney general Barbara Underwood announced the shut down of the Trump Foundation on Tuesday. Underwood is bringing a lawsuit against the organization, seeking millions of dollars in repayments.
Underwood alleges Trump used his foundation for personal benefit, including aiding his presidential campaign.Underwood alleges Trump used his foundation for personal benefit, including aiding his presidential campaign.
“Our petition detailed a shocking pattern of illegality involving the Trump Foundation – including unlawful coordination with the Trump presidential campaign, repeated and willful self-dealing, and much more. This amounted to the Trump Foundation functioning as little more than a checkbook to serve Mr. Trump’s business and political interests,” Underwood said.“Our petition detailed a shocking pattern of illegality involving the Trump Foundation – including unlawful coordination with the Trump presidential campaign, repeated and willful self-dealing, and much more. This amounted to the Trump Foundation functioning as little more than a checkbook to serve Mr. Trump’s business and political interests,” Underwood said.
“Today’s stipulation accomplishes a key piece of the relief sought in our lawsuit earlier this year. Under the terms, the Trump Foundation can only dissolve under judicial supervision – and it can only distribute its remaining charitable assets to reputable organizations approved by my office.“Today’s stipulation accomplishes a key piece of the relief sought in our lawsuit earlier this year. Under the terms, the Trump Foundation can only dissolve under judicial supervision – and it can only distribute its remaining charitable assets to reputable organizations approved by my office.
“This is an important victory for the rule of law, making clear that there is one set of rules for everyone. We’ll continue to move our suit forward to ensure that the Trump Foundation and its directors are held to account for their clear and repeated violations of state and federal law.”“This is an important victory for the rule of law, making clear that there is one set of rules for everyone. We’ll continue to move our suit forward to ensure that the Trump Foundation and its directors are held to account for their clear and repeated violations of state and federal law.”
Donald Trump appears to have backed down over the looming government shutdown, with the White House suggesting an upcoming budget deal does not have to include funding for a border wall.Donald Trump appears to have backed down over the looming government shutdown, with the White House suggesting an upcoming budget deal does not have to include funding for a border wall.
In an interview with Fox News press secretary Sarah Sanders said the government has come up with “other ways” to find the $5bn Trump had been demanding.In an interview with Fox News press secretary Sarah Sanders said the government has come up with “other ways” to find the $5bn Trump had been demanding.
The president had threatened to shut down the government – he said he would be “proud” to do so – if a budget bill due Friday did not include funding for his oft-promised wall.The president had threatened to shut down the government – he said he would be “proud” to do so – if a budget bill due Friday did not include funding for his oft-promised wall.
But Sanders softened that stance on Tuesday.But Sanders softened that stance on Tuesday.
“We have other ways that we can get to that $5 billion,” she told Fox News.“We have other ways that we can get to that $5 billion,” she told Fox News.
“At the end of the day we don’t want to shut down the government, we want to shut down the border.”“At the end of the day we don’t want to shut down the government, we want to shut down the border.”
Sanders said the Trump administration had identified other ways to come up with the money.Sanders said the Trump administration had identified other ways to come up with the money.
“There are certainly a number of different funding sources that we’ve identified that we can use, that we can couple with money that would be given through congressional appropriations that would help us get to that $5 billion that the president needs in order to protect our border,” she said.“There are certainly a number of different funding sources that we’ve identified that we can use, that we can couple with money that would be given through congressional appropriations that would help us get to that $5 billion that the president needs in order to protect our border,” she said.
Arizona’s governor has appointed Martha McSally to take John McCain’s seat in the US Senate, according to the Washington Post.Arizona’s governor has appointed Martha McSally to take John McCain’s seat in the US Senate, according to the Washington Post.
McSally, who lost in her run for Arizona’s other Senate seat in November’s mid-terms, will have to run in a special election in 2020 if she wants to keep her place in the US Senate.McSally, who lost in her run for Arizona’s other Senate seat in November’s mid-terms, will have to run in a special election in 2020 if she wants to keep her place in the US Senate.
The Republican seemed to have fallen out of the running after clashing with John McCain’s family – the deceased Senator’s son-in-law, Ben Domenech, was particularly critical.The Republican seemed to have fallen out of the running after clashing with John McCain’s family – the deceased Senator’s son-in-law, Ben Domenech, was particularly critical.
McSally strikes me as an unwise choice for a number of reasons. She's like an NFL team that plays down to its opponents' level - and she'll be tasked with running for re-election immediately. https://t.co/C01s2sL28eMcSally strikes me as an unwise choice for a number of reasons. She's like an NFL team that plays down to its opponents' level - and she'll be tasked with running for re-election immediately. https://t.co/C01s2sL28e
But Governor Doug Ducey announced her appointment in a release on Tuesday.But Governor Doug Ducey announced her appointment in a release on Tuesday.
“With her experience and long record of service, Martha is uniquely qualified to step up and fight for Arizona’s interests in the U.S. Senate. I thank her for taking on this significant responsibility,” Ducey said in a statement.“With her experience and long record of service, Martha is uniquely qualified to step up and fight for Arizona’s interests in the U.S. Senate. I thank her for taking on this significant responsibility,” Ducey said in a statement.
CNN’s Chris Cuomo has been through the Senate reports on how Russia targeted the 2016 presidential election. His takeaway is that “the tactics that the Russians used were really, really similar to what we saw from team Trump”.CNN’s Chris Cuomo has been through the Senate reports on how Russia targeted the 2016 presidential election. His takeaway is that “the tactics that the Russians used were really, really similar to what we saw from team Trump”.
Cuomo cited an unnamed senior Trump campaign official who told Bloomberg the Trump campaign were targeting the same groups as the Russians went after: african-americans, young women and white liberals.Cuomo cited an unnamed senior Trump campaign official who told Bloomberg the Trump campaign were targeting the same groups as the Russians went after: african-americans, young women and white liberals.
In the days ahead of the election the Russian effort focussed on spreading allegations of voter fraud and stolen elections, Cuomo says: “You were hearing the same exact thing from then-candidate Donald Trump.”In the days ahead of the election the Russian effort focussed on spreading allegations of voter fraud and stolen elections, Cuomo says: “You were hearing the same exact thing from then-candidate Donald Trump.”
The Republican controlled Senate Intel Committee just put out some third party research that provides our best evidence to date of what Russia was doing on social media to muck up our election. The clear goal: help Trump. #LetsGetAfterIt #CuomoPrimeTime pic.twitter.com/kwqTdumoGcThe Republican controlled Senate Intel Committee just put out some third party research that provides our best evidence to date of what Russia was doing on social media to muck up our election. The clear goal: help Trump. #LetsGetAfterIt #CuomoPrimeTime pic.twitter.com/kwqTdumoGc
Roger Stone, longtime political advisor to Donald Trump, has taken a lie detector test in an attempt to prove he did not conspire with Russia during Trump’s 2016 campaign.Roger Stone, longtime political advisor to Donald Trump, has taken a lie detector test in an attempt to prove he did not conspire with Russia during Trump’s 2016 campaign.
WSVN reports that the polygraph test was paid for by Stone and conducted by John Palmatier, a former police officer with more than 35 years experience giving polygraph tests.WSVN reports that the polygraph test was paid for by Stone and conducted by John Palmatier, a former police officer with more than 35 years experience giving polygraph tests.
Stone essentially failed the test – the results were “inconclusive” – first time round. He passed a second test when stating he had never communicated with any Russian entity or Wikileaks about distributing stolen emails from the DNC.Stone essentially failed the test – the results were “inconclusive” – first time round. He passed a second test when stating he had never communicated with any Russian entity or Wikileaks about distributing stolen emails from the DNC.
Stone allegedly made contacts with the WikiLeaks organization through an intermediary in an effort to help the 2016 Trump campaign. Stone has denied all wrongdoing but has said he expects to be indicted.Stone allegedly made contacts with the WikiLeaks organization through an intermediary in an effort to help the 2016 Trump campaign. Stone has denied all wrongdoing but has said he expects to be indicted.
The jury is very much out on the accuracy of polygraph tests, according to Psychology Today:The jury is very much out on the accuracy of polygraph tests, according to Psychology Today:
Doubts about polygraph tests grew in the scientific community until the National Research Council – an organization of scientists – conducted a systematic evaluation and concluded that the test is lacking in scientific validity (2).Doubts about polygraph tests grew in the scientific community until the National Research Council – an organization of scientists – conducted a systematic evaluation and concluded that the test is lacking in scientific validity (2).
In 1998, the U.S. Supreme court acted to restrict their use in legal proceedings. In particular, defense attorneys can no longer use evidence that their client passed a polygraph test as establishing innocence of a crime.In 1998, the U.S. Supreme court acted to restrict their use in legal proceedings. In particular, defense attorneys can no longer use evidence that their client passed a polygraph test as establishing innocence of a crime.
Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s coverage of the day’s political news.Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s coverage of the day’s political news.
Michael Flynn is will be sentenced at 11am ET for lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russia during the presidential transition. Donald Trump’s former national security adviser will discover his fate at US district court for the District of Columbia. Our reporter Stephanie Kirchgaessner will be at court.Michael Flynn is will be sentenced at 11am ET for lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russia during the presidential transition. Donald Trump’s former national security adviser will discover his fate at US district court for the District of Columbia. Our reporter Stephanie Kirchgaessner will be at court.
Donald Trump wished Flynn “good luck” this morning, in the midst of typically fevered barrage of tweets. Trump also referenced “the whole Russian witch hunt”, “illegal immigration”, and “Crooked Hillary”. Flynn has admitted guilt.Donald Trump wished Flynn “good luck” this morning, in the midst of typically fevered barrage of tweets. Trump also referenced “the whole Russian witch hunt”, “illegal immigration”, and “Crooked Hillary”. Flynn has admitted guilt.
Good luck today in court to General Michael Flynn. Will be interesting to see what he has to say, despite tremendous pressure being put on him, about Russian Collusion in our great and, obviously, highly successful political campaign. There was no Collusion!Good luck today in court to General Michael Flynn. Will be interesting to see what he has to say, despite tremendous pressure being put on him, about Russian Collusion in our great and, obviously, highly successful political campaign. There was no Collusion!
On the president’s agenda today: he’s holding a roundtable discussion on a report by the Federal Commission on School Safety. The commission was set up in the wake of the Parkland mass shooting.On the president’s agenda today: he’s holding a roundtable discussion on a report by the Federal Commission on School Safety. The commission was set up in the wake of the Parkland mass shooting.