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House committee demands details of Jared Kushner's Saudi Arabia trip – live Trump backs off cuts to Special Olympics funding – live
(about 1 hour later)
Trump also commented on Theresa May’s offer to resign if her Brexit deal is passed, stating: “She’s strong, she’s tough and she’s in there fighting.”
Asked about Boris Johnson as a potential successor to May, Trump said: “I like Boris Johnson a lot. He’s a friend of mine.”
Faced with mounting pressure, Donald Trump said he is backing off his budget request that would cut funding for the Special Olympics.
“The Special Olympics will be funded, I just told my people,” Trump told reporters as he departed the White House for a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “I’ve overridden my people.”
He added: “I wanna fund the Special Olympics, and I just authorized a funding of the Special Olympics. I’ve been to the Special Olympics, I think it’s incredible ... We’re funding the Special Olympics.”
Trump’s comments came as his administration faced widespread outrage over its proposal to do away with federal funding for the Special Olympics -- a 51-year-old program offering school programming and sports competitions and training for the disabled -- from its 2020 budget.
Trump’s budget proposed $17.6 million in cuts to the Special Olympics as part of an overall 10% reduction in the budget for the Department of Education.
Betsy DeVos, Trump’s education secretary, struggled to explain the decision this week as lawmakers grilled her during an appearance on Capitol Hill.
“I still can’t understand why you would go after disabled children in your budget,” Representative Barbara Lee, a Democrat from California, told DeVos at a hearing. “You zero that out. It’s appalling.”
DeVos subsequently defended the move in a statement that sparked its own controversy for blaming the media, without evidence, of misrepresenting the proposed cuts but then acknowledging them to be true. DeVos added that while she personally supported the Special Olympics and its mission, the federal government “cannot fund every worthy program, particularly ones that enjoy robust support from private donations”.
“There are dozens of worthy nonprofits that support students and adults with disabilities that don’t get a dime of federal grant money,” DeVos said.
Donald Trump is expected to name a counterterrorism analyst at Fox News as the new State Department spokesperson, NBC News reported on Thursday.Donald Trump is expected to name a counterterrorism analyst at Fox News as the new State Department spokesperson, NBC News reported on Thursday.
Morgan Ortagus, a national security contributor at Fox News, will replace Heather Nauert, who has served as the State Department’s spokeswoman since January of 2017. Nauert was herself a former Fox News anchor and was nominated by Trump as the next UN ambassador but withdrew from consideration last month.Morgan Ortagus, a national security contributor at Fox News, will replace Heather Nauert, who has served as the State Department’s spokeswoman since January of 2017. Nauert was herself a former Fox News anchor and was nominated by Trump as the next UN ambassador but withdrew from consideration last month.
Ortagus, an active US naval reserve officer, was an intelligence analyst at the US Treasury in the Office of Intelligence and Analysis from 2008 to 2010. She also served as the deputy US Treasury attaché to the Saudi Kingdom.Ortagus, an active US naval reserve officer, was an intelligence analyst at the US Treasury in the Office of Intelligence and Analysis from 2008 to 2010. She also served as the deputy US Treasury attaché to the Saudi Kingdom.
The Trump administration has brought several Fox News personalities into its fold -- among the most prominent being Bill Shine, who resigned earlier this month as White House communications director. An investigation by the New Yorker detailed the close ties between the Trump presidency and the conservative network, which arguably ranks as the president’s most public and powerful boosters.The Trump administration has brought several Fox News personalities into its fold -- among the most prominent being Bill Shine, who resigned earlier this month as White House communications director. An investigation by the New Yorker detailed the close ties between the Trump presidency and the conservative network, which arguably ranks as the president’s most public and powerful boosters.
Donald Trump on Thursday unexpectedly extended an immigration designation granting protected status to Liberians for an additional year, just three days before the status was to expire.Donald Trump on Thursday unexpectedly extended an immigration designation granting protected status to Liberians for an additional year, just three days before the status was to expire.
More from Reuters:More from Reuters:
Trump last year ordered an end to Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) eligibility for Liberians, a status first granted to them during the presidency of Republican George W. Bush that enabled the immigrants to work and protected them from deportation. Trump declared a one-year “wind-down” period, which set the final expiration date of the status as March 31.Trump last year ordered an end to Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) eligibility for Liberians, a status first granted to them during the presidency of Republican George W. Bush that enabled the immigrants to work and protected them from deportation. Trump declared a one-year “wind-down” period, which set the final expiration date of the status as March 31.
But on Thursday, Trump said he had changed his mind.But on Thursday, Trump said he had changed his mind.
“Upon further reflection and review, I have decided that it is in the foreign policy interest of the United States to extend the wind-down period for an additional 12 months, through March 30, 2020,” Trump said in a memorandum to his secretaries of state and homeland security that was released by the White House.“Upon further reflection and review, I have decided that it is in the foreign policy interest of the United States to extend the wind-down period for an additional 12 months, through March 30, 2020,” Trump said in a memorandum to his secretaries of state and homeland security that was released by the White House.
“The reintegration of DED beneficiaries into Liberian civil and political life will be a complex task, and an unsuccessful transition could strain United States-Liberian relations and undermine Liberia’s post-civil war strides toward democracy and political stability.”“The reintegration of DED beneficiaries into Liberian civil and political life will be a complex task, and an unsuccessful transition could strain United States-Liberian relations and undermine Liberia’s post-civil war strides toward democracy and political stability.”
A coalition of Liberians with DED status and immigration advocacy groups sued the Trump administration this month in federal court seeking to stop the termination of DED. The groups estimate that some 4,000 Liberians in the United States are protected by DED.A coalition of Liberians with DED status and immigration advocacy groups sued the Trump administration this month in federal court seeking to stop the termination of DED. The groups estimate that some 4,000 Liberians in the United States are protected by DED.
Trump’s decision eliminates the emergency the Liberians were living with, said Erasmus Williams, a Liberian community leader in Minnesota, which has a large population of Liberians.Trump’s decision eliminates the emergency the Liberians were living with, said Erasmus Williams, a Liberian community leader in Minnesota, which has a large population of Liberians.
“We have ample time now to work through Congress to have legislation passed that will create a pathway to citizenship for Liberians on DED,” he said.“We have ample time now to work through Congress to have legislation passed that will create a pathway to citizenship for Liberians on DED,” he said.
Read the Guardian’s report here telling the stories of those who were facing deportation.Read the Guardian’s report here telling the stories of those who were facing deportation.
The House foreign affairs committee is demanding a briefing on Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner’s trip to Saudi Arabia last month.The House foreign affairs committee is demanding a briefing on Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner’s trip to Saudi Arabia last month.
In a letter sent to US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on Thursday, the committee’s Democratic chairman, Eliot Engel, and top Republican, Michael McCaul, raised concerns that embassy personnel were reportedly sidelined during Kushner’s trip.In a letter sent to US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on Thursday, the committee’s Democratic chairman, Eliot Engel, and top Republican, Michael McCaul, raised concerns that embassy personnel were reportedly sidelined during Kushner’s trip.
The two lawmakers called for a briefing on the matter no later than 5 April, which they said should include more details on the planning, staffing, content and scheduling of Kushner’s trip, as well as his meetings with Saudi offcials, including Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.The two lawmakers called for a briefing on the matter no later than 5 April, which they said should include more details on the planning, staffing, content and scheduling of Kushner’s trip, as well as his meetings with Saudi offcials, including Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.
“U.S. government resources are expended to support embassies in countries around the world to aid in the planning and execution of U.S. foreign policy, and no official visit to the Middle East by a senior White House aide would presumably bear meaningfully on the conduct of U.S. foreign policy in that region,” Engel and McCaul wrote.“U.S. government resources are expended to support embassies in countries around the world to aid in the planning and execution of U.S. foreign policy, and no official visit to the Middle East by a senior White House aide would presumably bear meaningfully on the conduct of U.S. foreign policy in that region,” Engel and McCaul wrote.
Kushner has attracted congressional scrutiny on multiple occasions, most recently in the wake of reports that the president overruled the advice of intelligence officials and demanded his son-in-law be granted a top-level security clearance.Kushner has attracted congressional scrutiny on multiple occasions, most recently in the wake of reports that the president overruled the advice of intelligence officials and demanded his son-in-law be granted a top-level security clearance.
In the aftermath of Kushner’s trip to Saudi Arabia, the US embassy in Riyadh complained that they were not sufficiently briefed on the visit or the meetings Kushner held with members of the Saudi Kingdom.In the aftermath of Kushner’s trip to Saudi Arabia, the US embassy in Riyadh complained that they were not sufficiently briefed on the visit or the meetings Kushner held with members of the Saudi Kingdom.
His meeting with the powerful Saudi crown prince also raised eyebrows for its timing. Prince Mohammed is believed by US intelligence officials to have been involved in the killing of Saudi journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi in October of last year. A readout of Kushner’s meeting with the crown prince, with whom he shares close ties, made no mention of Khashoggi whatsoever.His meeting with the powerful Saudi crown prince also raised eyebrows for its timing. Prince Mohammed is believed by US intelligence officials to have been involved in the killing of Saudi journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi in October of last year. A readout of Kushner’s meeting with the crown prince, with whom he shares close ties, made no mention of Khashoggi whatsoever.
A majority of Americans do not believe Donald Trump has done enough to distance himself from white nationalist groups, according to a new survey released on Thursday.A majority of Americans do not believe Donald Trump has done enough to distance himself from white nationalist groups, according to a new survey released on Thursday.
The Pew Research Center poll found that 56% of respondents said Trump’s efforts were insufficient, while just 29% believed the president had done the right amount of work to distance himself from such groups. The views were virtually unchanged from the time Trump took office more than two years ago, the researchers added.The Pew Research Center poll found that 56% of respondents said Trump’s efforts were insufficient, while just 29% believed the president had done the right amount of work to distance himself from such groups. The views were virtually unchanged from the time Trump took office more than two years ago, the researchers added.
As expected, the responses were split along partisan lines with Democrats three times as likely than Republicans to say Trump had done too little to disavow white nationalists.As expected, the responses were split along partisan lines with Democrats three times as likely than Republicans to say Trump had done too little to disavow white nationalists.
The president has stoked controversy on a number of occasions by appearing to embrace such groups, most infamously in the aftermath of the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia in August of 2017. After a white nationalist drove his car through counter-protesters from the left, killing one and injuring several others, Trump said there were “very fine people on both sides”.The president has stoked controversy on a number of occasions by appearing to embrace such groups, most infamously in the aftermath of the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia in August of 2017. After a white nationalist drove his car through counter-protesters from the left, killing one and injuring several others, Trump said there were “very fine people on both sides”.
The survey also found that 40% of Americans approve of the way Trump is handling the presidency -- a small uptick since January, when his approval rating stood at 37%.The survey also found that 40% of Americans approve of the way Trump is handling the presidency -- a small uptick since January, when his approval rating stood at 37%.
The poll was largely conducted before attorney general William Barr’s letter to Congress summarizing the conclusion of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.The poll was largely conducted before attorney general William Barr’s letter to Congress summarizing the conclusion of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.
Read the full findings here.Read the full findings here.
The National Rifle Association could shut down “very soon”, according to a fundraising letter authored by the group’s executive vice president, Wayne LaPierre.The National Rifle Association could shut down “very soon”, according to a fundraising letter authored by the group’s executive vice president, Wayne LaPierre.
The four-page letter, first reported by the Daily Beast, was sent to donors in March and depicted a dire situation for America’s most powerful gun rights lobby.The four-page letter, first reported by the Daily Beast, was sent to donors in March and depicted a dire situation for America’s most powerful gun rights lobby.
In the dramatic appeal, LaPierre blamed the NRA’s troubles on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who directed his financial services department to last year to urge companies that do business with the group to cut ties.In the dramatic appeal, LaPierre blamed the NRA’s troubles on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who directed his financial services department to last year to urge companies that do business with the group to cut ties.
“[R]ight now we’re facing an attack that’s unprecedented not just in the history of the NRA, but in the entire history of our country,” the letter read. “And if this attack succeeds, NRA will be forced to shut down forever.”“[R]ight now we’re facing an attack that’s unprecedented not just in the history of the NRA, but in the entire history of our country,” the letter read. “And if this attack succeeds, NRA will be forced to shut down forever.”
“[Ve]ry soon, unless we can force Cuomo to break off this attack, NRA will have no choice but to cease operations after 147 years of fighting for freedom.”“[Ve]ry soon, unless we can force Cuomo to break off this attack, NRA will have no choice but to cease operations after 147 years of fighting for freedom.”
It is not unusual for political candidates and groups to engage in theatrics while asking for money. But the NRA’s missive comes at a time when US-based brands have grown more wary of the reputational risk of doing business with the group.It is not unusual for political candidates and groups to engage in theatrics while asking for money. But the NRA’s missive comes at a time when US-based brands have grown more wary of the reputational risk of doing business with the group.
The NRA’s activities in the 2016 election cast a further shadow over its conduct, after it was disclosed that the Russian government managed to infiltrate the group. The revelation called into question if the NRA helped the Russians funnel money into the 2016 campaign -- which could amount to a violation of federal law prohibiting foreign donations toward US elections.The NRA’s activities in the 2016 election cast a further shadow over its conduct, after it was disclosed that the Russian government managed to infiltrate the group. The revelation called into question if the NRA helped the Russians funnel money into the 2016 campaign -- which could amount to a violation of federal law prohibiting foreign donations toward US elections.
Why is the National Rifle Association so powerful?Why is the National Rifle Association so powerful?
Hello everyone! Sabrina Siddiqui here, taking the reins of the blog from good ole Adam. I’ll be taking you through the news the next few hours. Buckle up!Hello everyone! Sabrina Siddiqui here, taking the reins of the blog from good ole Adam. I’ll be taking you through the news the next few hours. Buckle up!
The Oklahoma Democratic Party’s headquarters were vandalized with anti-semitic graffiti early on Thursday morning, KFOR.com is reporting.The Oklahoma Democratic Party’s headquarters were vandalized with anti-semitic graffiti early on Thursday morning, KFOR.com is reporting.
“Employees of the building on NW 37th and Classen Blvd reported Swastika drawings, neo-Nazi messages, and death threats spray painted in the parking lot and on the door of the property,” KFOR said.“Employees of the building on NW 37th and Classen Blvd reported Swastika drawings, neo-Nazi messages, and death threats spray painted in the parking lot and on the door of the property,” KFOR said.
Former Oklahoma governor David Walters, who owns the building, said:Former Oklahoma governor David Walters, who owns the building, said:
It’s upsetting to the extent that our culture now and our country, it drives people to this type of expression [...] It encourages people to speak out violently. It’s clearly a crime. It’s clearly a hate crime.It’s upsetting to the extent that our culture now and our country, it drives people to this type of expression [...] It encourages people to speak out violently. It’s clearly a crime. It’s clearly a hate crime.
Kirsten Gillibrand, senator for New York and Democratic presidential hopeful, released her tax returns yesterday – the first candidate for president to do so.Kirsten Gillibrand, senator for New York and Democratic presidential hopeful, released her tax returns yesterday – the first candidate for president to do so.
The return showed that she earned about $218,000 in 2018: $167,634 from her salary and $50,000 from book sales. The New York Times reported that Gillibrand paid $29,170 in federal taxes.The return showed that she earned about $218,000 in 2018: $167,634 from her salary and $50,000 from book sales. The New York Times reported that Gillibrand paid $29,170 in federal taxes.
Here’s Gillibrand’s video on her taxes:Here’s Gillibrand’s video on her taxes:
House majority speaker Nancy Pelosi has blasted – Politico’s term – attorney general Bill Barr for only releasing a four-page take on the Mueller report.House majority speaker Nancy Pelosi has blasted – Politico’s term – attorney general Bill Barr for only releasing a four-page take on the Mueller report.
“Show us the report. Show us the report,” Pelosi said at her weekly news conference, according to Politico.“Show us the report. Show us the report,” Pelosi said at her weekly news conference, according to Politico.
“[Only handing over the four-page summary] was condescending, it was arrogant, and it wasn’t the right thing to do.”“[Only handing over the four-page summary] was condescending, it was arrogant, and it wasn’t the right thing to do.”
Pelosi seems to have been on a bit of a roll during the press conference – she also branded Trump and Republicans “scaredy-cats” for their criticism of Adam Schiff, and offered this when asked if she agreed with House chairs calls for the full Mueller report to be released:Pelosi seems to have been on a bit of a roll during the press conference – she also branded Trump and Republicans “scaredy-cats” for their criticism of Adam Schiff, and offered this when asked if she agreed with House chairs calls for the full Mueller report to be released:
I support my chairmen [...] They take the first bite of this wormy apple, and I trust their judgment as to how we go forward.I support my chairmen [...] They take the first bite of this wormy apple, and I trust their judgment as to how we go forward.
The first Democratic presidential debates will be held in Miami on June 26 and 27, the Democratic National Committee said this afternoon.The first Democratic presidential debates will be held in Miami on June 26 and 27, the Democratic National Committee said this afternoon.
NBC News will broadcast both nights of debate, each of which could feature up to 10 people.NBC News will broadcast both nights of debate, each of which could feature up to 10 people.
The debates will be open to candidates who meet certain fundraising and polling thresholds, and the participants will be assigned randomly to one of the evenings, according to the Associated Press.The debates will be open to candidates who meet certain fundraising and polling thresholds, and the participants will be assigned randomly to one of the evenings, according to the Associated Press.
Miami was one of three finalists for Democrats’ 2020 national convention, but was ultimately snubbed in favor of Milwaukee. The AP reports that no decision has been made yet on a host city for the July debates.Miami was one of three finalists for Democrats’ 2020 national convention, but was ultimately snubbed in favor of Milwaukee. The AP reports that no decision has been made yet on a host city for the July debates.
Nominee to head Interior Department faces tough questions over industry tiesNominee to head Interior Department faces tough questions over industry ties
Talking of climate change, the environment and use of public lands, some of the Guardian’s keenest issues of focus, in the US and worldwide, the former oil and gas lobbyist nominated to head the Interior Department faced tough questioning on Capitol Hill on Thursday morning.Talking of climate change, the environment and use of public lands, some of the Guardian’s keenest issues of focus, in the US and worldwide, the former oil and gas lobbyist nominated to head the Interior Department faced tough questioning on Capitol Hill on Thursday morning.
Senate Democrats wanted to know whether David Bernhardt suppressed staff warnings about the impact of agency decision-making on endangered species.Senate Democrats wanted to know whether David Bernhardt suppressed staff warnings about the impact of agency decision-making on endangered species.
Bernhardt appeared before the Senate energy and natural resources committee, which is considering his nomination.Bernhardt appeared before the Senate energy and natural resources committee, which is considering his nomination.
Bernhardt has been serving as Interior’s acting secretary since Ryan Zinke’s resignation in December amid ethics allegations.Bernhardt has been serving as Interior’s acting secretary since Ryan Zinke’s resignation in December amid ethics allegations.
If you’re feeling a sensation of “frying pan...fire”, you’re not alone. But, onward.If you’re feeling a sensation of “frying pan...fire”, you’re not alone. But, onward.
Bernhardt told senators he aimed to keep “working to reduce regulatory burdens without sacrificing environmental outcomes.”Bernhardt told senators he aimed to keep “working to reduce regulatory burdens without sacrificing environmental outcomes.”
That sounds reasonable in its slick efficiency and noble in its aims, for a second, but, wait - to what extent is that possible and to what extent could someone like Bernhardt possibly be ingenuous in that statement, you might wonder.That sounds reasonable in its slick efficiency and noble in its aims, for a second, but, wait - to what extent is that possible and to what extent could someone like Bernhardt possibly be ingenuous in that statement, you might wonder.
Senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, cited interior department documents recently made public under the federal Freedom of Information Act that he said showed Bernhardt’s agency suppressed internal findings about the impact that recent Interior decisions on pesticides would have on wildlife, the AP writes.Senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, cited interior department documents recently made public under the federal Freedom of Information Act that he said showed Bernhardt’s agency suppressed internal findings about the impact that recent Interior decisions on pesticides would have on wildlife, the AP writes.
“You’ve meddled with the science, you’ve inserted yourself in the scientific process,” Wyden said.“You’ve meddled with the science, you’ve inserted yourself in the scientific process,” Wyden said.
Bernhardt responded that he made those decisions in accordance with advice from the department’s lawyers.Bernhardt responded that he made those decisions in accordance with advice from the department’s lawyers.
Wyden also spoke critically of Bernhardt’s past lobbying work for clients with business before Interior, saying they made it impossible for Bernhardt to impartially decide a host of regulatory matters dealing with the public resources under Interior’s control.Wyden also spoke critically of Bernhardt’s past lobbying work for clients with business before Interior, saying they made it impossible for Bernhardt to impartially decide a host of regulatory matters dealing with the public resources under Interior’s control.
“I think you are so conflicted,” Wyden said.“I think you are so conflicted,” Wyden said.
Asked by Senator Joe Manchin, a relatively conservative West Virginia Democrat, if he would take himself out of regulatory dealings involving past clients when a one-year mandatory recusal period wraps up soon, Bernhardt pushed back.Asked by Senator Joe Manchin, a relatively conservative West Virginia Democrat, if he would take himself out of regulatory dealings involving past clients when a one-year mandatory recusal period wraps up soon, Bernhardt pushed back.
“I have a really particular skill set” for the job, Bernhardt argued. “I’m basically handcuffed if I am recusing myself. And I don’t think that really is the best strategy.”“I have a really particular skill set” for the job, Bernhardt argued. “I’m basically handcuffed if I am recusing myself. And I don’t think that really is the best strategy.”
“I’m actually pretty good at going up against these guys, and I’m pretty good at it,” he said, referring to industry interests. “And I would say you want to have your A quarterback on the team.”“I’m actually pretty good at going up against these guys, and I’m pretty good at it,” he said, referring to industry interests. “And I would say you want to have your A quarterback on the team.”
Senator Cory Gardner, a Colorado Republican, defended Bernhardt, praising his experience in industry and as a department staffer.Senator Cory Gardner, a Colorado Republican, defended Bernhardt, praising his experience in industry and as a department staffer.
Want more on climate change? Sign up to the Green Light email to get the planet’s most important stories every Friday.Want more on climate change? Sign up to the Green Light email to get the planet’s most important stories every Friday.
UN: worsening climate change hits tens of millions globallyUN: worsening climate change hits tens of millions globally
The United Nations’ weather agency says extreme weather last year hit 62 million people worldwide and forced 2 million people to relocate, as man-made climate change worsened.The United Nations’ weather agency says extreme weather last year hit 62 million people worldwide and forced 2 million people to relocate, as man-made climate change worsened.
The World Meteorological Organization’s annual state of global climate report says Earth is nearly 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) warmer than when the industrial age started. World leaders are trying to limit warming to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius), the Associated Press reports.The World Meteorological Organization’s annual state of global climate report says Earth is nearly 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) warmer than when the industrial age started. World leaders are trying to limit warming to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius), the Associated Press reports.
Emissions from burning fuels such as coal, gasoline and diesel for electricity and transportation are contributing to global warming that in turn brings more intense storms, floods and droughts.Emissions from burning fuels such as coal, gasoline and diesel for electricity and transportation are contributing to global warming that in turn brings more intense storms, floods and droughts.
The past four years were the warmest on record, according the to the report.The past four years were the warmest on record, according the to the report.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on global leaders to convene in September with plans to reduce emissions.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on global leaders to convene in September with plans to reduce emissions.
This is a mere token in the campaign for greater gun safety in the US, in contrast to New Zealand banning military-style assault weapons for civilians within days of the mass-shooting in Christchurch earlier this month, but there has been a tiny development here in America.This is a mere token in the campaign for greater gun safety in the US, in contrast to New Zealand banning military-style assault weapons for civilians within days of the mass-shooting in Christchurch earlier this month, but there has been a tiny development here in America.
The US Supreme Court moments ago rejected a request by gun rights activists to put on hold the Trump administration’s ban on so-called bump stock attachments that allow semi-automatic weapons to be fired more rapidly - a rare recent instance of US gun control at the federal level.The US Supreme Court moments ago rejected a request by gun rights activists to put on hold the Trump administration’s ban on so-called bump stock attachments that allow semi-automatic weapons to be fired more rapidly - a rare recent instance of US gun control at the federal level.
The court, in a brief order, refused to grant a temporary stay sought by plaintiffs including the group Gun Owners of America, in a lawsuit filed in Michigan challenging the ban while litigation continues, Reuters reports.The court, in a brief order, refused to grant a temporary stay sought by plaintiffs including the group Gun Owners of America, in a lawsuit filed in Michigan challenging the ban while litigation continues, Reuters reports.
The Trump administration policy took effect on Tuesday on the same day that Scotus Chief Justice John Roberts rejected a similar bid to delay implementation, in a separate legal challenge in Washington brought by individual gun owners and gun rights groups, including the Firearms Policy Foundation and Florida Carry Inc.The Trump administration policy took effect on Tuesday on the same day that Scotus Chief Justice John Roberts rejected a similar bid to delay implementation, in a separate legal challenge in Washington brought by individual gun owners and gun rights groups, including the Firearms Policy Foundation and Florida Carry Inc.
An appeals court previously exempted specific people and groups involved in the Washington case from the ban while that case continues.An appeals court previously exempted specific people and groups involved in the Washington case from the ban while that case continues.
Donald Trump pledged to ban the devices soon after a gunman used them in an October 2017 shooting spree that killed 58 people at a country music festival in Las Vegas. The Justice Department on Dec. 18 announced plans to implement the policy.Donald Trump pledged to ban the devices soon after a gunman used them in an October 2017 shooting spree that killed 58 people at a country music festival in Las Vegas. The Justice Department on Dec. 18 announced plans to implement the policy.
Bump stocks use a gun’s recoil to bump its trigger, enabling a semiautomatic weapon to fire hundreds of rounds per minute, which can transform it into a machine gun.Bump stocks use a gun’s recoil to bump its trigger, enabling a semiautomatic weapon to fire hundreds of rounds per minute, which can transform it into a machine gun.
The Justice Department’s regulation followed the lead of many states and retailers that imposed stricter limits on sales of guns and accessories after a deadly shooting at a Florida high school in February 2018.The Justice Department’s regulation followed the lead of many states and retailers that imposed stricter limits on sales of guns and accessories after a deadly shooting at a Florida high school in February 2018.