This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2018/dec/19/donald-trump-us-politics-democrats-republicans-live-updates

The article has changed 14 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
US plans to withdraw troops from Syria – live updates Syria troop withdrawal would be 'huge mistake', senior Republican warns – live
(35 minutes later)
A spokeswoman for New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood says she “believes there should be one set of rules for everyone,” after being targeted in attacks by Donald Trump.
The statement comes after Trump unleashed a Twitter rant against Underwood, without naming her, also tearing into her predecessor and successor as attorney general. Trump said he was treated unfairly after he agreed to a deal to dissolve his personal charity, the Trump Foundation, which was accused of a series of legal violations.
“President Trump should know that the NY Attorney General who sued the Trump Foundation is Barbara Underwood,” said the AG’s spokeswoman Amy Spitalnick.
“Barbara Underwood is a career prosecutor who served as U.S. Solicitor General, clerked for Thurgood Marshall, and has argued before the Supreme Court 20 times,” she said. “AG Underwood believes there should be one set of rules for everyone - no matter who they are. That’s why she filed suit against the Trump Foundation, after an investigation found a shocking pattern of flagrant and repeated illegality - including willful self-dealing to serve Mr. Trump and his business and political interests.”
My statement on Trump’s twitter rant this morning, which simultaneously tried to blame AG Underwood’s Trump Foundation suit on the prior AG, and accused Barbara Underwood - seriously, Barbara Underwood - of ranting, raving, and politicking. pic.twitter.com/0Qu5RwUOci
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders confirms the US has begun withdrawing troops from Syria, but says they are ready to “re-engage” as necessary.
NEW: Statement from Sarah Sanders on Syria “These victories over ISIS in Syria do not signal the end of the Global Coalition or its campaign... The United States and our allies stand ready to re-engage at all levels to defend American interests whenever necessary.” pic.twitter.com/CWfDvLKKAu
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer points out that Mexico is still not paying for Donald Trump’s proposed border wall.
This morning, @realDonaldTrump also tweeted that Mexico could somehow pay for the wall through a new trade deal. Of course, there have been multiple fact checks that show a new NAFTA could not possibly fund a wall, directly or indirectly. https://t.co/y5hQ1Mpgm1
Trump has claimed that through a revised trade agreement between the US and Mexico, Mexico would indirectly pay for the wall. The White House has been unable to explain how this is supposed to work. Experts have found no conceivable way it could happen.
Senator Rand Paul is welcoming the decision by Donald Trump to withdraw US troops from Syria.Senator Rand Paul is welcoming the decision by Donald Trump to withdraw US troops from Syria.
I am happy to see a President who can declare victory and bring our troops out of a war. It’s been a long time since that has happened. https://t.co/fEBb8080fKI am happy to see a President who can declare victory and bring our troops out of a war. It’s been a long time since that has happened. https://t.co/fEBb8080fK
The Pentagon is pushing to keep troops in Syria despite Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw them, according to a reporter for the Daily Beast.The Pentagon is pushing to keep troops in Syria despite Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw them, according to a reporter for the Daily Beast.
Pentagon clearly pushing hard to stay in Syria despite Trump. Col. Rob Manning, a Pentagon spokesman, issues statement: "At this time, we continue to work by, with and through our partners in the region."Pentagon clearly pushing hard to stay in Syria despite Trump. Col. Rob Manning, a Pentagon spokesman, issues statement: "At this time, we continue to work by, with and through our partners in the region."
Former Attorney General Loretta Lynch is answering questions behind closed doors Wednesday from House committees probing the FBI and Justice Department’s handling of investigations into Hillary Clinton’s emails and the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia.Former Attorney General Loretta Lynch is answering questions behind closed doors Wednesday from House committees probing the FBI and Justice Department’s handling of investigations into Hillary Clinton’s emails and the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia.
She’s likely to be asked about the extent of oversight she had over those probes as attorney general under President Barack Obama, as well as whether an anti-Trump bias affected any investigative decisions, the Washington Post reported.She’s likely to be asked about the extent of oversight she had over those probes as attorney general under President Barack Obama, as well as whether an anti-Trump bias affected any investigative decisions, the Washington Post reported.
Lynch’s testimony comes days after former FBI director James Comey appeared before the panels, also in a closed-door session.Lynch’s testimony comes days after former FBI director James Comey appeared before the panels, also in a closed-door session.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is condemning the Trump administration’s move to withdraw US troops from Syria.Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is condemning the Trump administration’s move to withdraw US troops from Syria.
“Withdrawal of this small American force in Syria would be a huge Obama-like mistake,” Graham said in a tweet.“Withdrawal of this small American force in Syria would be a huge Obama-like mistake,” Graham said in a tweet.
Contrary to Donald Trump’s claim, Graham said that ISIS has not been defeated in the country.Contrary to Donald Trump’s claim, Graham said that ISIS has not been defeated in the country.
“ISIS is not defeated in Syria, Iraq, and after just returning from visiting there -- certainly not Afghanistan,” he said. “A decision to withdraw will also be viewed as a boost to ISIS desire to come back.”“ISIS is not defeated in Syria, Iraq, and after just returning from visiting there -- certainly not Afghanistan,” he said. “A decision to withdraw will also be viewed as a boost to ISIS desire to come back.”
Withdrawal of this small American force in Syria would be a huge Obama-like mistake. https://t.co/atsjHUyJlBWithdrawal of this small American force in Syria would be a huge Obama-like mistake. https://t.co/atsjHUyJlB
Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell will introduce a short-term spending bill to keep the government funded through February 8, he announced Wednesday.Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell will introduce a short-term spending bill to keep the government funded through February 8, he announced Wednesday.
McConnell said: “Later this morning, we’ll introduce a continuing resolution that will ensure continuous funding for the federal government. The measure will provide the resources necessary to continue normal operations through February 8th.”McConnell said: “Later this morning, we’ll introduce a continuing resolution that will ensure continuous funding for the federal government. The measure will provide the resources necessary to continue normal operations through February 8th.”
He went on: “It seems like political spite for the president may be winning out over sensible policy -- even sensible policies that are more modest than border security allocations which many Democrats supported themselves, in the recent past.He went on: “It seems like political spite for the president may be winning out over sensible policy -- even sensible policies that are more modest than border security allocations which many Democrats supported themselves, in the recent past.
But faced with this intransigence -- with Democrats’ failure to take our borders seriously -- Republicans will continue to fulfill our duty to govern. That’s why we will soon take up a simple measure that will continue government funding into February: So we can continue this vital debate after the new Congress has convened.”But faced with this intransigence -- with Democrats’ failure to take our borders seriously -- Republicans will continue to fulfill our duty to govern. That’s why we will soon take up a simple measure that will continue government funding into February: So we can continue this vital debate after the new Congress has convened.”
Donald Trump lashed out Wednesday after agreeing to shut down his personal charity, the Trump Foundation, in a deal with the New York attorney general.Donald Trump lashed out Wednesday after agreeing to shut down his personal charity, the Trump Foundation, in a deal with the New York attorney general.
Attorney General Barbara Underwood alleged “a shocking pattern of illegality,” at the foundation, including illicit coordination with Trump’s presidential campaign and the use of charity funds to pay off legal settlements by Trump’s business.Attorney General Barbara Underwood alleged “a shocking pattern of illegality,” at the foundation, including illicit coordination with Trump’s presidential campaign and the use of charity funds to pay off legal settlements by Trump’s business.
“The Trump Foundation has done great work and given away lots of money, both mine and others, to great charities over the years - with me taking NO fees, rent, salaries etc.,” Trump said in a tweet Wednesday. “Now, as usual, I am getting slammed by Cuomo and the Dems in a long running civil lawsuit started by........sleazebag AG Eric Schneiderman, who has since resigned over horrific women abuse, when I wanted to close the Foundation so as not to be in conflict with politics.”“The Trump Foundation has done great work and given away lots of money, both mine and others, to great charities over the years - with me taking NO fees, rent, salaries etc.,” Trump said in a tweet Wednesday. “Now, as usual, I am getting slammed by Cuomo and the Dems in a long running civil lawsuit started by........sleazebag AG Eric Schneiderman, who has since resigned over horrific women abuse, when I wanted to close the Foundation so as not to be in conflict with politics.”
Former AG Eric Schneiderman resigned in May after allegations he had physically abused women he dated. He was replaced by Underwood. Letitia James, now the New York City public advocate, was elected attorney general in November.Former AG Eric Schneiderman resigned in May after allegations he had physically abused women he dated. He was replaced by Underwood. Letitia James, now the New York City public advocate, was elected attorney general in November.
The Trump Foundation has done great work and given away lots of money, both mine and others, to great charities over the years - with me taking NO fees, rent, salaries etc. Now, as usual, I am getting slammed by Cuomo and the Dems in a long running civil lawsuit started by.....The Trump Foundation has done great work and given away lots of money, both mine and others, to great charities over the years - with me taking NO fees, rent, salaries etc. Now, as usual, I am getting slammed by Cuomo and the Dems in a long running civil lawsuit started by.....
“Shady Eric was head of New Yorkers for Clinton, and refused to even look at the corrupt Clinton Foundation,” Trump said Wednesday.“Shady Eric was head of New Yorkers for Clinton, and refused to even look at the corrupt Clinton Foundation,” Trump said Wednesday.
“In any event, it goes on and on & the new AG, who is now being replaced by yet another AG (who openly campaigned on a GET TRUMP agenda), does little else but rant, rave & politic against me. Will never be treated fairly by these people - a total double standard of ‘justice.’”“In any event, it goes on and on & the new AG, who is now being replaced by yet another AG (who openly campaigned on a GET TRUMP agenda), does little else but rant, rave & politic against me. Will never be treated fairly by these people - a total double standard of ‘justice.’”
...sleazebag AG Eric Schneiderman, who has since resigned over horrific women abuse, when I wanted to close the Foundation so as not to be in conflict with politics. Shady Eric was head of New Yorkers for Clinton, and refused to even look at the corrupt Clinton Foundation.........sleazebag AG Eric Schneiderman, who has since resigned over horrific women abuse, when I wanted to close the Foundation so as not to be in conflict with politics. Shady Eric was head of New Yorkers for Clinton, and refused to even look at the corrupt Clinton Foundation......
....In any event, it goes on and on & the new AG, who is now being replaced by yet another AG (who openly campaigned on a GET TRUMP agenda), does little else but rant, rave & politic against me. Will never be treated fairly by these people - a total double standard of “justice.”....In any event, it goes on and on & the new AG, who is now being replaced by yet another AG (who openly campaigned on a GET TRUMP agenda), does little else but rant, rave & politic against me. Will never be treated fairly by these people - a total double standard of “justice.”
Underwood’s spokeswoman responded on Twitter:Underwood’s spokeswoman responded on Twitter:
FYI the NY Attorney General who sued the Trump Foundation is named Barbara Underwood. https://t.co/niRgucyQAiFYI the NY Attorney General who sued the Trump Foundation is named Barbara Underwood. https://t.co/niRgucyQAi
Donald Trump is insisting that the military will build his proposed border wall if he doesn’t get money from Congress, as he appears prepared to back down from his demand that wall funding be included in an upcoming budget bill.Donald Trump is insisting that the military will build his proposed border wall if he doesn’t get money from Congress, as he appears prepared to back down from his demand that wall funding be included in an upcoming budget bill.
Mexico is paying (indirectly) for the Wall through the new USMCA, the replacement for NAFTA! Far more money coming to the U.S.,” Trump said in a tweet. “Because of the tremendous dangers at the Border, including large scale criminal and drug inflow, the United States Military will build the Wall!”Mexico is paying (indirectly) for the Wall through the new USMCA, the replacement for NAFTA! Far more money coming to the U.S.,” Trump said in a tweet. “Because of the tremendous dangers at the Border, including large scale criminal and drug inflow, the United States Military will build the Wall!”
Trump had promised during his campaign that he would build a wall and get Mexico to pay for it. He has instead sought US taxpayer money for the wall, while pushing the dubious assertion that a revised trade pact between the two countries constitutes Mexico indirectly paying for it.Trump had promised during his campaign that he would build a wall and get Mexico to pay for it. He has instead sought US taxpayer money for the wall, while pushing the dubious assertion that a revised trade pact between the two countries constitutes Mexico indirectly paying for it.
The backup plan he has floated to have the military do the construction would be legally complicated and likely face challenges.The backup plan he has floated to have the military do the construction would be legally complicated and likely face challenges.
The White House may be ready to accept a short term bill to extend government funding and avoid a government shutdown.The White House may be ready to accept a short term bill to extend government funding and avoid a government shutdown.
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said Wednesday that Trump would “certainly” consider a short-term extension, the Washington Post reported.White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said Wednesday that Trump would “certainly” consider a short-term extension, the Washington Post reported.
Trump had been demanding that $5bn in funding for a border wall be included in any spending bill, which must be passed by Friday night to avoid a partial government shutdown.Trump had been demanding that $5bn in funding for a border wall be included in any spending bill, which must be passed by Friday night to avoid a partial government shutdown.
Senate Republicans have begun drafting a short term bill that would extend government funding at current levels until February.Senate Republicans have begun drafting a short term bill that would extend government funding at current levels until February.
The United States is preparing for a “full” and “rapid” withdrawal of troops from Syria, CNN reports.The United States is preparing for a “full” and “rapid” withdrawal of troops from Syria, CNN reports.
Withdrawal is favored by Donald Trump, who has called for the US to stay out of Syria.Withdrawal is favored by Donald Trump, who has called for the US to stay out of Syria.
There are currently about 2,000 US troops in the country, mostly training local forces to fight ISIS.There are currently about 2,000 US troops in the country, mostly training local forces to fight ISIS.
Trump claimed in a tweet Wednesday that ISIS has been defeated in the country and that combating the terrorist group was the only reason for a US presence in Syria.Trump claimed in a tweet Wednesday that ISIS has been defeated in the country and that combating the terrorist group was the only reason for a US presence in Syria.
We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency.We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama explained what was going through her mind as she departed Donald Trump’s inauguration last year: “Bye, Felicia.”Former First Lady Michelle Obama explained what was going through her mind as she departed Donald Trump’s inauguration last year: “Bye, Felicia.”
Obama, appearing on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” was asked about her thoughts in a photo where she and her husband Barack Obama boarded a jet to leave Washington.Obama, appearing on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” was asked about her thoughts in a photo where she and her husband Barack Obama boarded a jet to leave Washington.
“A lot was going on that day. That was a day,” Obama said.“A lot was going on that day. That was a day,” Obama said.
Her much-watched facial expressions the day of the inauguration channeled the feelings of many opponents of Donald Trump, who couldn’t quite grasp that the bombastic billionaire was ascending to the presidency.Her much-watched facial expressions the day of the inauguration channeled the feelings of many opponents of Donald Trump, who couldn’t quite grasp that the bombastic billionaire was ascending to the presidency.
Today, the whole world is Michelle Obama's facial expression. We can't even. #Inauguration pic.twitter.com/WvSb2RDgrpToday, the whole world is Michelle Obama's facial expression. We can't even. #Inauguration pic.twitter.com/WvSb2RDgrp
She has said she “stopped even trying to smile” during the ceremony.She has said she “stopped even trying to smile” during the ceremony.
the only good moment of this inauguration is michelle jim-facing the camera like "why did she give me this box" pic.twitter.com/WoGAWfKS0lthe only good moment of this inauguration is michelle jim-facing the camera like "why did she give me this box" pic.twitter.com/WoGAWfKS0l
“And right before that, my daughter’s friends decided they needed a sleepover for the last day. I was like, are you guys kidding me? We’re leaving. You gotta take all your stuff, pick it up, the blankets, the bears - they’re all crying, and it was like, get out, we gotta go.”“And right before that, my daughter’s friends decided they needed a sleepover for the last day. I was like, are you guys kidding me? We’re leaving. You gotta take all your stuff, pick it up, the blankets, the bears - they’re all crying, and it was like, get out, we gotta go.”
Obama was also befuddled to receive a gift from Tiffany’s from incoming first lady Michelle Obama, another memorable facial expression caught on camera.Obama was also befuddled to receive a gift from Tiffany’s from incoming first lady Michelle Obama, another memorable facial expression caught on camera.
“So there was that, and then the Tiffany’s box - it was just all, you know, a lot,” she said.“So there was that, and then the Tiffany’s box - it was just all, you know, a lot,” she said.
Donald Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani said that the president signed a “bullshit” letter of intent to build a Trump Tower in Moscow during the 2016 presidential campaign.Donald Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani said that the president signed a “bullshit” letter of intent to build a Trump Tower in Moscow during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Giuliani made the comments to the New York Daily News - just days after saying on CNN that Trump did not sign the letter.Giuliani made the comments to the New York Daily News - just days after saying on CNN that Trump did not sign the letter.
In his latest remarks, he said Trump signed it but never intended to act on it.In his latest remarks, he said Trump signed it but never intended to act on it.
He said that “of course” Trump signed it but that it was “bullshit” because it never went anywhere. “That was the end of it,” Giuliani said. “It means nothing but an expression of interest that means very little unless it goes to a contract and it never did.”He said that “of course” Trump signed it but that it was “bullshit” because it never went anywhere. “That was the end of it,” Giuliani said. “It means nothing but an expression of interest that means very little unless it goes to a contract and it never did.”
On CNN Sunday, Giuliani falsely said that “no one signed” the letter. A copy of the document obtained by the network carries Trump’s signature.On CNN Sunday, Giuliani falsely said that “no one signed” the letter. A copy of the document obtained by the network carries Trump’s signature.
Outgoing House Speaker Paul Ryan is set to deliver a farewell speech Wednesday at the Library of Congress.Outgoing House Speaker Paul Ryan is set to deliver a farewell speech Wednesday at the Library of Congress.
Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican, announced earlier this year that he would not run for re-election. Democrats are set to take control of the House next month.Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican, announced earlier this year that he would not run for re-election. Democrats are set to take control of the House next month.
Ryan plans to bemoan America’s “broken politics,” according to excerpts of the speech obtained by the Associated Press.Ryan plans to bemoan America’s “broken politics,” according to excerpts of the speech obtained by the Associated Press.
“Our complex problems are solvable,” he plans to say. “That is to say, our problems are solvable if our politics will allow it.”“Our complex problems are solvable,” he plans to say. “That is to say, our problems are solvable if our politics will allow it.”
He also calls the failure to overhaul federal benefits programs “our greatest unfinished business.”He also calls the failure to overhaul federal benefits programs “our greatest unfinished business.”
A day after the White House indicated that it may back down on demands for $5bn for a border wall in order to avoid a government shutdown, Donald Trump is vowing to win on the issue - someday.A day after the White House indicated that it may back down on demands for $5bn for a border wall in order to avoid a government shutdown, Donald Trump is vowing to win on the issue - someday.
“In our Country, so much money has been poured down the drain, for so many years, but when it comes to Border Security and the Military, the Democrats fight to the death,” Trump said Wednesday in a tweet. “We won on the Military, which is being completely rebuilt. One way or the other, we will win on the Wall!”“In our Country, so much money has been poured down the drain, for so many years, but when it comes to Border Security and the Military, the Democrats fight to the death,” Trump said Wednesday in a tweet. “We won on the Military, which is being completely rebuilt. One way or the other, we will win on the Wall!”
In our Country, so much money has been poured down the drain, for so many years, but when it comes to Border Security and the Military, the Democrats fight to the death. We won on the Military, which is being completely rebuilt. One way or the other, we will win on the Wall!In our Country, so much money has been poured down the drain, for so many years, but when it comes to Border Security and the Military, the Democrats fight to the death. We won on the Military, which is being completely rebuilt. One way or the other, we will win on the Wall!
The House returns to session Wednesday with two days left to pass spending bills and avoid a partial shutdown.The House returns to session Wednesday with two days left to pass spending bills and avoid a partial shutdown.
Senate Republicans are drafting a short term measure that would keep the government funded at current levels until Feb. 8, CNN reported.Senate Republicans are drafting a short term measure that would keep the government funded at current levels until Feb. 8, CNN reported.
Tuesday night, Trump weighed in on the aesthetics of the proposed wall, which he said would be built of steel slats rather than concrete.Tuesday night, Trump weighed in on the aesthetics of the proposed wall, which he said would be built of steel slats rather than concrete.
....It will be beautiful and, at the same time, give our Country the security that our citizens deserve. It will go up fast and save us BILLIONS of dollars a month once completed!....It will be beautiful and, at the same time, give our Country the security that our citizens deserve. It will go up fast and save us BILLIONS of dollars a month once completed!